ABC Host Families
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How are families matched with a scholar?
We try to consider personality and interests when possible. Some scholars have a lot of siblings and may want a quieter household, or conversely love being around lots of kids. We have a scholar whose host family consisted of three boys, and she has become really close to them. We try to get as much input as we can to make the best match.
2) Are there any requirements for becoming a host family?
We do run background checks for host families, like we do for all volunteers directly involved with Guilford ABC scholars (from drivers or advisors). Aside from that, we look for a loving, open-hearted family who is willing to provide a home away from home.
3) Is the commitment of being a host family only during the academic year?
Yes, from September through May. The scholars return home for summer and school vacations.
4) Are we committing to one year or longer? What if we feel we are not able to continue after a year or two?
Ideally, you are committing to hosting a scholar through her duration at GHS. Each year builds on the connection and relationship, and consistency is key. However, if it really is not working out, we won’t force the relationship.
6) What are the expectations for both the scholar and the family during the weekend the scholar is at our house?
Broadly speaking, the family does its thing and the scholar is incorporated. For example, they may join at a sporting event, run errands, go to the movies, have family dinners, etc. Having downtime is an important element. The scholars live in a busy house on a regular basis with a lot of school work, etc. so they really relish the downtime on weekends to recharge and relax.
5) Where do the scholars stay during the week while attending school, and on the other weekends in the month?
GABC is a 501(c)3 that owns and operates a residence in Guilford (on Church Street across from CVS). We employ a full-time resident director who lives in an attached apartment as well as a part-time cook (Monday-Thursday 2:30-6:30). One weekend a month, the scholars head to their own homes (NY metro area); and the remaining weekends they are at the ABC house. The host family weekend truly becomes a highlight for them and enhances their connection to the community.
7) Is the scholar involved in activities during the weekend that we would need to provide transportation to? Do they spend time with friends during this time or is the hope that they would be involved in whatever the host family has going on?
Overall, the hope is that they are involved with their host family. Especially as underclassmen, we don’t find that the girls make plans with friends on host family weekends. One of our seniors will sometimes go to the movies on a host family weekend, and by junior or senior year that might be typical. In that case, her host mom might work out a carpool if she can or the scholar finds her own rides (with approved friends, etc.). For example, our underclassmen were taking swimming lessons this year on Saturdays, so rides were worked out ahead of time. If your scholar joins a team, we would assess that schedule and work it out.
8) What if we aRe away or there is a holiday?
We will work with you. Host families receive a calendar for the entire year so you will be able to look through and see which weekends are yours. If there is a conflict, we have back-up options we can discuss. The scholars always go to their own homes on holiday/long weekends (President’s Day weekend, Thanksgiving, etc.).
9) Are there any other commitments besides the host family weekends?
Host parents are asked to attend two to three host family meetings per year as well as the welcome picnic (September), holiday open house (December), and the end year dinner (May) for ABC scholars and their families, staff, and volunteers.
10) Is there communication/Involvement with the scholar’s family?
That really depends on each family. There might be communication now and then — emails or calls. Our September welcome picnic is a big connector for both families, as is the holiday party.
11) Do we need to provide any financial support to the scholar?
Guilford ABC scholars receive an allowance. Host families are not required to contribute money to their lives outside the home. However, host families will certainly spend money on their scholars whether on a meal out a restaurant with the family or to purchase tickets to an event the family is attending. Beyond that, purchases, including gifts, should be modest. Any significant purchases should be discussed with the Host Family Coordinator or Resident Director.
12) What is the host family involvement in academics and the college application process?
Each scholar has an Academic Tutor, Academic Advisor, SAT Tutor as well as the support from the educational consulting group, College Matters. Host parents should share any pertinent information and concerns with the Resident Directors and the Host Family Coordinator.
If you are interested in serving as a host family for a GABC student, please contact Elisa Milano, (203) 499-7855. (Download our Host Family brochure.)