The Americorps Senior Foster Grandparent program has a 40-year history in the city of New Bedford. Its volunteers have done important work in city schools, helping young children with academics and providing emotional and social support. The program is run through Coastline Elderly Services in New Bedford and right now they are recruiting new volunteers. Program Director Jacqueline Medeiros said their present roster numbers 43 and they're looking to increase their volunteers to about 60. Volunteers must be 55 and older. Training will be provided to those applicants who qualify, and foster grandparents do receive a small per-hour stipend. Anyone interested can call Medeiros at (508) 742-9198 or e-mail her at [email protected].