Future of Foster Grandparents Program Uncertain as DOGE Cuts Continue

As DOGE cuts continue, officials are concerned about the future of the Foster Grandparents Program (FGP) in Charles City and surrounding area.

That’s City Administrator Steve Diers, who told the City Council Monday (04.21) night that FGP Director Jennifer Lantz informed him last week that their parent organization, Americorps, had already felt the government pinch.

The uncertainty comes as the Foster Grandparents Program is set to celebrate its 60th anniversary in north Iowa on Thursday (04.24).

FGP is based in Charles City/Floyd County, but they also serve Cerro Gordo, Mitchell and Chickasaw counties. 

In Chickasaw County, Supervisors voted to cut the County’s contribution to the program for the 2025-2026 fiscal year by 100%, a loss of $1,000 in funding.

*Hear latest from FGP Director Jennifer Lantz.