THE SPONSOR FOR THE FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM LOCATED IN WEST WARWICK RI IS THE WEST WARWICK SENIOR CENTER. IT HAS BEEN IN OPERATION FOR 41 YEARS AND IS A PRIVATE NON-PROFIT AGENCY.THE WWSC MISSION STATEMENT READS "OUR MISSION IS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR SENIOR CITIZENS."THEY HAVE A DEDICATED FULL TIME STAFF TO FACILITATE THE HEALTH, NUTRITIONAL, ENTERTAINMENT,AND TRANSPORTATION NEEDS OF THE SENIOR COMMUNITY, INCLUDING VOLUNTEERS.THE INKIND SUPPORT FOR FGP INCLUDING,BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PHONES; EQUIP.;SPACE, AND POSTAGE FOR MAILINGS HAS BEEN UNFAILING,AND HAS ENABLED THE SPONSOR AND THE FGP TO HAVE A COORDINATED RELATIONSHIP.TO FACILITATE THE FGP, A DOLLAR AMOUNT OF $291,337.00 FOR 52 VOLUNTEERS ARE REQUESTED FOR PLACEMENTS IN OUTCOME BASED ASSIGNMENTS IN THE EDUCATIONAL FIELDS OF K-12 ,DAYCARE AND HEAD START. KIDS COUNT FIGURES REPORT 1 IN 5 CHILDREN IN RI LIVE IN POVERTY,AND THESE CHILDREN ARE AT MOST RISK OF NOT ACHIEVING THEIR FULL POTENTIAL,THUS THE NEED FOR VOLUNTEERS TO HELP SUPPORT THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM IS OF INCREASING VALUE.THE NEEDS OF THESE CHILDREN INCLUDE:NORMALIZATION OF RELATIONSHIPS WITH EACH OTHER AND ADULTS;STABILIZING PERSONALITY PROBLEMS TO PROPERLY LEARN NUMBERS, COLORS AND VERBAL SKILLS;ENHANCED SELF-ESTEEM TO PERFORM AND REALIZE PROGRESS;ESTABLISHING RULES FOR PROPER MANNERS IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, NOT JUST IN THE CLASSROOM ,AND ASSURANCES THAT THEY CAN LEARN IN SPITE OF HOME OR PHYSICAL/MENTAL INADEQUACIES. VOLUNTEERS COLLABORATE WITH TEACHERS USING AN FGP ASSIGNMENT PLAN TARGETING SPECIAL CHILDREN.EXPECTED OUTCOMES OF POSITIVE PROGRESSION AND ADVANCEMENT OF ALL CHILDREN IN EVERY CLASSROOM IS OUR GOAL.