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 over 35…

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 over 35 years. WCI is committed to connecting people, work, and training to promote self-sufficiency. Nearly 20% of children in wisconsin live in poverty (university of wisconsin). The affects 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. In return, FGP volunteers will receive program benefits, a sense of purpose, and health benefits. An average of 28 FGP volunteers per year will serve in the 5 counties of western wisconsin: LA crosse, pepin, buffalo, jackson, and juneau throughout the 3-year program. The 3-year volunteer tally is likely to total approximately 50-60 volunteers. Foster grandparents will be placed in outcome assignments throughout schools and other nonprofit agencies in the 5-county area. Volunteer activities will include tutoring primarily in math and literacy but may include other core subjects. This tutoring will result in 75% of children served experiencing improved math and literacy scores by at least one grade. Upon completion of the 3-year program, approximately 300 children will have been tutored with at least an 75% success rate. The cncs federal investment of $168,077 will be supplemented by $23,749 of non-federal sources.