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CAPCIL Foster Grandparent Program
celebrates local volunteers during first-ever AmeriCorps Seniors
Nationwide Celebration
[September 08, 2026]
Central Illinois – On September
15, 2026, Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois (CAPCIL)
will join AmeriCorps Seniors for its first-ever Nationwide
Celebration, recognizing the thousands of older adult Volunteers
whose service makes a difference in communities across the country.
CAPCIL will celebrate this special occasion locally with its Foster
Grandparent Program Volunteers while also participating virtually in
the national celebration. The event provides an opportunity to
recognize the dedication, compassion and countless contributions of
the older adults who give their time to support children and
families throughout Central Illinois.
CAPCIL’s Foster Grandparent Program connects older adults with
children who benefit from additional encouragement, mentorship and
one-on-one attention. Our Foster Grandparents serve in schools, Head
Start programs and other community settings, where they read with
children, help with classroom activities, provide encouragement and,
most importantly, build meaningful relationships.
These everyday interactions can have a lasting impact.
A Foster Grandparent may be the person who patiently listens to a
child read their first book, helps them practice a new skill,
celebrates a milestone or simply makes sure they know someone
believes in them. While the hours of service can be measured, the
relationships and sense of connection created through the program
cannot.
“Our Foster Grandparents bring something incredibly special to the
children they serve — their time, patience, life experience and
genuine care,” said Alicia Mitchell, Volunteer Services Director of
CAPCIL. “They become trusted friends, mentors and encouragers, and
the impact they have often extends far beyond the classroom. We are
proud to celebrate them locally while joining communities across the
country in recognizing the difference older adult Volunteers make
every day.”
Through the Foster Grandparent Program, CAPCIL Volunteers are
helping strengthen local communities one child and one relationship
at a time. Their service is an important reminder that every
generation has something valuable to contribute.
The September 15 celebration will bring together AmeriCorps Seniors
Volunteers from across the country virtually, while CAPCIL’s local
Foster Grandparents will have the opportunity to celebrate together
and recognize the impact of their collective service.
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Nationwide, more
than 130,000 AmeriCorps Seniors Volunteers serve annually,
contributing more than 29 million hours of service. Through
programs including Foster Grandparents, RSVP, Senior Companion
and other national service initiatives, older adults help
address community needs, strengthen connections and create
positive change.
“AmeriCorps Seniors Volunteers bring
compassion, talent, and commitment to every community they serve,”
said Robin Corindo, Acting Director of AmeriCorps Seniors. “Their
service reflects the powerful impact of older adults in
strengthening communities nationwide.”
Become a Foster Grandparent
CAPCIL’s Foster Grandparent Program welcomes older adults (55+) who
want to make a difference in the lives of children while remaining
active and connected to their communities.
Residents interested in learning more about becoming a Foster
Grandparent can contact CAPCIL at 217-732-2159, amitchell@capcil.org
or www.capcil.info
About Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois
Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois (CAPCIL) works to
strengthen communities and help individuals and families overcome
barriers to stability and opportunity. Serving DeWitt, Fulton,
Logan, Mason, Menard and Piatt counties, CAPCIL provides programs
and services designed to address local needs and create pathways
toward stronger, healthier communities.
About AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and
volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their
country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges,
improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each
year, the agency places more than 185,000 AmeriCorps Volunteers in
intensive service roles and empowers millions more to serve as
long-term, short-term or one-time Volunteers. Learn more at
AmeriCorps.gov.
AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds
to be part of the national service community, grow personally and
professionally, and make a difference in communities across the
country.
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