The latest U.S. Census Bureau data reveals that the poverty rate among Americans aged 65 and older has risen from 8.9% in 2020 to 10.3%. Unfortunately, this age group is the only one experiencing an increase. This surge means an additional one million senior citizens now depend on resources to make ends meet.

Back in 1973, the Foster Grandparents Program was established under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act. Its aim was to offer part-time work opportunities to individuals aged 60 and above in various community service endeavors.

In the fifth installment of The Problem with Poverty podcast, we are honored to have Chantal Collier from CAPNA as our guest. Chantal serves as the Director of the Foster Grandparent's program at Community Action Partnership of North Alabama.

In this episode, Chantal delves into the significant role played by the Foster Grandparent Program in addressing poverty. This program allocates grants to organizations with a dual objective: engaging Americans aged 55 and above in volunteer service and providing personalized assistance to children with special needs to enhance their academic, social, or emotional development.

Volunteers in this program contribute by aiding children in learning to read and offering individualized tutoring. They also serve as mentors for troubled teenagers and young mothers, care for premature infants or children with disabilities, and assist children who have experienced abuse or neglect.