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
March 24, 2026	Mental Health Wellness Bullying & Resilience Training for Caregivers and Youth-Serving Adults Guided Meditation FGP Program Updates Volunteers Recognitions	Dr. Nataria Joseph, Faculty of Psychology, Pepperdine University Dr. Tiona Sykes, Adjunct Faculty of Psychology and Workshop Facilitator & Speaker, Pepperdine University Foster Grandparent Program Team
February 24, 2026	Safer Sex for Seniors Heart Health and Fitness Guided Meditation on Self-Love FGP Program Updates Volunteer Recognitions Case Management	Jenny Alcala-Alonzo, Health Promotion Representative for Independence at Home, a SCAN Community Service Brittni Paris, Pepperdine Adjunct Faculty of Sports Medicine and Clinical Exercise Physiologist/Wellness Coach, Pepperdine University, Sponsored by CTA Foster Grandparent Program Team
January 27, 2026	General Human Trafficking 101 Training A New Year, a Healthier You Workshop FGP Program Updates Volunteer Recognitions	Arielle Curry, Anti Human Trafficking Program Coordinator, Salvation Army USA Maira Mesa, Health Educator, SCAN Independence at Home
November 18, 2025	Program Purpose and Joyful Servanthood Award Presentation Zina Hall Inspired Embroidery Squares Moment of Silence - Ms. Ollie King Award Dedication and Presentation Joy Makers Award Presentation Volunteer Wellness Check-In Volunteer Recognitions	Dr. Shanetta Weatherspoon, Executive Director, Foster Grandparent Program - Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology Francisco Uribe, Program Manager - Extended Learning, P.S. ARTS Foster Grandparent Program Team Foster Grandparent Program Team
October 28, 2025	Caring for the Caregiver: Breast Health, Healing, and Emotional Wellness Workshop Healthy Relationships Workshop FGP Program Updates Volunteer Recognitions	Madeline Wilson, Outreach Chair, Women of Color Breast Cancer Survivors' Support Project Brena Robinson, Community Educator & Outreach Coordinator, and Monica Viveros, Case Manager, YWCA Greater Los Angeles
September 23, 2025	Diabetes and Healthy Nutrition Workshop How Kids Connect: Understanding Communication Style in Children FGP Program Updates Volunteer Recognitions	Dr. Loan Kim, Health, Professor of Nutritional Science & Public Health, Pepperdine University Cheryl Joy, M.S. CCC/SLP, Speech Language Pathologist
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 Promotion 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

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)