Foster Grandparent Program In-Service Training

In-Service Training

Our monthly In-Service Training is a vital part of your ongoing development as a volunteer. These sessions provide important updates about the program, opportunities to stay connected with staff and fellow volunteers, and valuable learning through guest speakers who cover relevant topics that support your work in the field.

Training is held on the fourth Tuesday of every month (except December) from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM either via Zoom or at our office location:

Pepperdine University – West Los Angeles Campus
6100 Center Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Session format alternates between hybrid/in-person and fully virtual every other month (or as determined by the FGP staff) and will be communicated to volunteers in advance.

In-Service Training attendance is required for volunteer compliance. Whether you're new to the program or a longtime participant, these training sessions are an excellent way to stay informed, build your skills, and remain connected to our mission and community.

Have a question or a referral for a Guest Speaker? Call our office at (310)568-5596.

Please see the table below for an overview of the topics and content discussed in recent training sessions.

Date	Topic	Facilitator/Guest Speaker
August 26, 2025	Using Emotional Intelligence to Effectively Communicate with Children Aging and Vision Loss Workshop FGP Program Updates Volunteer Recognitions	Mrs. Alexis Moser, Owner and CEO of CLIC Montessori Schools Gerogina Martinez, Health Proomotion Representative for Independence at Home, a SCAN Community Service
July 22, 2025	Introduction and Assessment for Upcoming Workshops Code of Conduct and Communication Purpose Activity - National Make a Difference to Children Month FGP Program Updates Volunteer Recognitions	Dr. Khanh Bui, Professor of Psychology, Pepperdine University Dr. Shanetta Weatherspoon, Executive Director, Foster Grandparent Program - Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology Foster Grandparent Program Team
June 24, 2025	Educational Workshop to Assist Our Youth Volunteer Recognitions Program Year 2024 - 2025 Highlights and Successes FGP Program Updates	Dr. Dontá Morrison, Pepperdine University GSEP Alum, Director of Community Outreach and Engagement at UCLA Care Center
May 27, 2025	Financial Literacy Workshop - Avoiding Scams Pearl Williams Day of Service - May 28th Volunteer Recognitions FGP Program Updates	Juliet Udeochu, Vice President Community Manager, JP Morgan Chase
April 22, 2025	Music Appreciation: Music & Memory Introduction of New Program Assistant: Janine Sanders National Volunteer Week Volunteer Recognitions FGP Program Updates	Georgina Martinez, Health Promotion Representative for Independence at Home, a SCAN Community Service
March 25, 2025	How Hormonal Changes Throughout a Woman’s Lifespan Can Impact Mental and Physical Health Volunteer Recognitions FGP Program Updates	Cypress Ledesma, Owner & Wellness Consultant at The Health Experience; Instructor at CorePower Yoga; Research Assistant at Center for Neuropsychology and Consciousness
February 25, 2025	Stages and Milestones of Child Development Stress/Burnout Workshop - Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention Double Good Fundraiser Kickoff Volunteer Recognitions FGP Program Updates	Dr. Shanetta Weatherspoon, Executive Director, Foster Grandparent Program - Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology
January 28, 2025	Empower Yourself with Estate Planning Introduction of New Program Manager: Sofia Henriquez Introduction of New Graduate Assistant: Nataliane Martins Volunteer Recognitions FGP Program Updates	Susan Christopher, Vice Chancellor of Planned Giving, Pepperdine Advancement Jenny Barizian, Director of Development, Pepperdine Advancement
November 26, 2024	Child Safety Protection Month - Mandated Reporter Responsibilities Effective Communication - Forms, Functions, and Barriers Volunteer Recognitions FGP Program Updates	Dr. Shanetta Weatherspoon, Executive Director, Foster Grandparent Program - Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology
October 22, 2024	Preventable and Infectious Diseases Affecting older Adults Introduction of New Program Assistant: Ryan Wimsatt Volunteer Recognitions FGP Program Updates	Edith Machuca, Ark Clinical Research
September 24, 2024	National Preparedness Month - Tips for Older Adults
August 27, 2024	When Special Days Make You Stressed: Coping with Triggers Social Emotional Learning Tools for Education Support Volunteers Post the Pandemic	Independence at Home, a SCAN Community Service
July 23, 2024	Financial Health for Older Adults Active Every Day with 20 minutes of Bollywood Laughter Yoga	JP Morgan Chase Independence at Home, a SCAN Community Service Healthy Volunteers First

Visit our In-Service Training Archive to see trainings from previous program years!

In-Service Training Archive

Foster Grandparent Testimonials

"Dr. Weatherspoon and the FGP Team have so many activities for the volunteers. Also, at our In Service Training meetings, they have so much information to help us with our volunteerism and our everyday life." – Johnnie Delaney (Volunteer since April '19)

"I have always been connected with children, teenagers, and young adults in an interactive setting. During church school, public school classrooms, or community & neighborhood activities. I love the opportunity to use my experience in our daily classroom studies. " – Marthrine Hamilton (Volunteer since February '20)

"I am tapped into my community, meaning other seniors, but now I also provide a service to our youth. I was always finding services and programs for my children, but never bothered to serve myself. Now I do both. – Antoinette Adeniji (Volunteer since August '22)