Sharing resources between Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion programs

The collaboration between programs is easily implemented because both programs follow the Corporation for National and Community Service rules and policies. On issues determined by the sponsor, the directors collaborate on the best practice to implement.

Effective practices in collaboration between the two programs include: 

• Serving on each other's advisory council or advisory board.
• Conducting joint trainings to save time. The Senior Companion Program director plans a training in April and the Foster Grandparent Program director plans a training in the fall.
• Holding joint in-service trainings and recognition events so volunteers are familiar with both directors.
• Sharing files, when appropriate, and using the same forms for physical exams, income verification, and beneficiary information.
• Following similar procedures outlined in the volunteer handbook, to make the transition easier for volunteers who switch from one program to another.
• Sharing applications of prospective volunteers. If one director is not in need of additional volunteers, the application is faxed to the other director.
• Co-marketing: During the volunteer interview, directors talk about both programs to ascertain the best program to fit a volunteer's need. Also, during media interviews, directors talk about each program for double exposure.
• Visiting each other's sites as an opportunity to do mini-compliance evaluations.
• Participating in each other's annual evaluations.