Workforce connections, INC. (WCI) is a non-profit community partner dedicated to providing services and training opportunities to job seekers and businesses throughout western wisconsin for 33 years

WCI is committed to connecting people, work, and training to promote self-sufficiency. Nearly 20% of kids in wisconsin live in poverty (university of wisconsin). The effects of poverty on children show in the form of inability to learn in the classroom at the same level as their peers, long-term health issues, and the inability to be self-sufficient later in life. Adults, 55 and older also face challenges such as the rising cost of living, healthcare costs, and loneliness. The foster grandparent program will help to address these community concerns by enlisting the volunteer services of seniors to tutor children to help them improve math and literacy skills, improve classroom engagement, and school attendance. In return, FGP volunteers will receive program benefits, a sense of purpose, and health benefits. An estimated 114 FGP volunteers will serve in the 7 counties of western wisconsin; LA crosse, monroe, pepin, buffalo, trempealeau, jackson, and juneau throughout the 3-year program. Of this number 114 foster grandparents will be placed in outcome assignments throughout schools in the 7 county area. Volunteer activities will include tutoring in math and literacy which will result in 75% of children served experiencing upgraded math and literacy scores by at least one grade, a demonstrated advancement in classroom engagement, and improved school attendance. Upon completion of the 3-year program, approximately 450 children will have been tutored with at least a 75% success rate. The cncs federal investment of $450,000 will be supplemented by $50,000 of non-federal sources.