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With 17 grandchildren, Francine Hymes of North Versailles never imagined she would be too young to become a foster grandparent.

But an age limit of 60 years old kept Hymes from joining the Southwestern Pennsylvania's foster grandparent program when she applied nearly a decade ago. Now, a law that took effect Oct. 1 will let more people like her work with children at day care centers that are reeling from a recession made worse by the 101-day delay of a state budget.

"Anyone affected by state cuts is hurting," said Rebecca Maletto, field coordinator for the foster grandparent program. "They need those extra volunteers to stay afloat."

Maletto said she is training about 30 foster grandparents, mostly women.

"It's a nice medium where they can help someone, get into the community, stay close to home, make that difference, but still have free time," Maletto said.

Michael Parker, the program's project director, said the changes contained in the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act lowered the eligibility age to 55 from 60, lowered the income level, and increased volunteers' tax-free stipend from $2.65 an hour to $3. Volunteers are reimbursed for travel expenses.

Southwestern Pennsylvania's foster grandparents program, founded in 1972, has about 210 members in six counties who work a minimum of 15 hours a week at schools, day care centers and after-school programs, Parker said. The national program is celebrating its 45th anniversary.

"We want to be able to allow seniors to remain active in their community," Parker said. "We also want to meet the need of the community by helping out kids."

The chapter is always looking for volunteers since its members come and go, he said.

He said the eligibility changes made the program more attractive to potential members at a time when many Pennsylvania child care centers are struggling because of the recession and delayed state budget.

"A couple of places weren't able to rehire enough staff and are calling on volunteers to help out," he said.

Hymes, 64, joined the program when she became eligible. She said she loves the time she spends at a Head Start program in Duquesne.

"When you come in, the kids are just so happy to see you," she said.

She was honored this summer with the Director's Award for Outstanding Service to Head Start from the foster grandparent program, sponsored locally by the American Red Cross of Southwestern Pennsylvania. It is funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that oversees national serviceprograms such as AmeriCorpsSeniorCorps, and Learn and Serve.

Ashley Etienne, press secretary for the corporation, said the number of foster grandparents increased nationally by 40 percent during the past year, to 29,000 active members.

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