Felton Institute’s compassionate approach to community building continues to foster programs that strengthen bonds between children and older adults across generations.
The AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) operated by Felton Institute matches older adults within childcare and school settings to help children with literacy and other developmental activities. The FGP is Felton Institute’s longest-running initiative. Established in 1965, we recently celebrated the FGP’s 60th anniversary. “The 60th anniversary of the Foster Grandparent Program is such a special milestone. It’s amazing to think about how many lives have been touched over the past six decades, both the children who received support and the older adults who found purpose and connection through their service,” Liz Hillen, FGP Program Manager, said.
The Foster Grandparent Program was established under President Johnson’s ‘War on Poverty’ initiative in the 1960s. The FGP provides stipends to low-income older adults who provide mentorship, tutoring, and more to children. With secured funding for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, Felton looks forward to continuing this vital work in the community. “The renewal represents both recognition of the progress we’ve made and a platform for continued growth,” Ms. Hillen said.
Felton’s annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon honored the program’s dedicated senior volunteers and the 60th anniversary milestone. “The occasion celebrated decades of service and recognized the volunteers,” Ms. Hillen said. “Recognizing their years of service and individual contributions helped reinforce just how vital they are to the success of the program and the lives of those they serve.”
Volunteer Recognition Luncheon Highlights
In attendance at the luncheon was Ashley Cheng, Executive Director of Charities Cultural Services Center. Ms. Cheng’s daughters benefited from the Foster Grandparent Program. AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serving in the Foster Grandparent Program provided support to her daughters, who were at the time experiencing separation anxiety. It was an experience that had a positive and lasting effect on Ms. Cheng and her children as they grew into adulthood.
“My daughters have developed strong bonds with the older generation,” Ms. Cheng mused. The experience has inspired a potential collaboration between Felton Institute and Charities Cultural Services Center. The historic organization was founded in 1984 in San Francisco’s Chinatown district and recently expanded into Bayview’s Southeast Community Center (SECC). It empowers youth, adults, and older adults by providing workforce development, counseling, coaching, and job placement. Ms. Cheng said, “It will be a great opportunity for us to interact together and find a beautiful path forward.”
For six decades, the Foster Grandparent Program has uplifted individuals, families, and communities. Ms. Hillen said, “I feel incredibly proud to be part of this legacy and to work alongside volunteers who show up every day with kindness, patience, and a deep sense of care.” Inspired by the invaluable support the FGP provided for her and her daughters, Ms. Cheng added, “When I retire, I would love to join something like this. I think it brings meaning to the golden-years and also builds beautiful relationships with the younger generation.”
If you’re 55+ and interested in becoming an AmeriCorps Senior volunteer, email us today at volunteers@felton.org. Learn more about volunteering at Felton Institute: Felton.org/Volunteer.
Felton Institute responds to the needs of our community by providing innovative, evidence-informed social services to transform lives. Our organization offers 50+ programs that address mental health, the unhoused, early care and education, those impacted by the justice system, transitional age youth, as well as aging adults. Our award-winning programs, which have been recognized as national models, combine the latest scientific research with cultural sensitivity and a deep commitment to supporting and reflecting the communities we serve.
Founded in 1889, Felton is the oldest secular non-profit social services provider in the City and County of San Francisco. We have expanded our services across most Bay Area counties and continue to be at the forefront of pioneering new approaches to meet the emerging needs of underserved populations.
We know what it looks like to successfully build community.
We foster impactful change by strengthening the community as a premiere service provider. We also strengthen other service providers by supporting them in their fiscal, human resources, communications, IT and overall agency operations. With Felton’s support, they are able to focus on providing the best services to their clients, doing the work they were meant to do.
Felton empowers the community and ensures successful outcomes to all we engage with.
Felton Institute is a tax-exempt organization registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit under EIN 94-1156530.