CSR Media Advisory: Foster Grandparents Celebrate 41 Years of Service in Louisville

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                 Media Contacts:

December 11, 2013                                                                          Debbie Belt, 574-6587 / 303-6167

                                                                                                         Phil Miller, 574-1901 / 439-4726

 

Foster Grandparents Celebrate 41 Years of Service in Louisville

 

 

LOUISVILLE, KY (December 11, 2013) – The work of more than 90 foster grandparents who help local children will be honored at a special luncheon Dec. 12.  The event themed “A Winter Wonderful Celebration of Volunteers” will take place 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, 1701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd.

 

Participants in the Louisville Metro Foster Grandparent Program are individuals 55 years or older who tutor and assist children with special or exceptional learning needs in essential skills such as reading, writing and math, while also offering the basic guidance of a mentor, advocate and a friend. Currently more than 90 Foster "Grandmas" and "Grandpas" share their compassion and caring at over 25 sites including Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS), Boys & Girls Clubs, community centers and after school programs. Part of Louisville Metro Department of Community Services and Revitalization (CSR), and federally sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) is now in its 41st year of service in Louisville.

 

Foster Grandparents and their guests will be joined by volunteer station representatives, Senior Corps Advisory Council members and CSR staff members at this year's celebration. Dr. Allene Gold, Director of the JCPS Volunteer Talent Center, is the featured speaker who will detail the impact this program has on the level of service that non-profits, teachers and agencies are able to provide.

 

“ The intergenerational relationships of the Foster Grandparents and the youth is priceless,” states, Kim-Telesford-Mapp of the Catholic Enrichment Center, one of the volunteer station representatives . The experience and wisdom that the Foster Grandparent brings creates a positive relationship that is often missing elsewhere in a child’s life. The Foster Grandparent Program is a great benefit to our community.”

 

 Volunteers can provide a minimum of 15 hours up to a maximum of 40 hours of service per week and may qualify for a tax-free, hourly stipend as well as free supplemental accident and liability insurance while serving.  For more information on how you can become a Louisville Metro Foster Grandparent please contact Tracey Collins, Program Coordinator, at (502) 574-1529 or visit http://www.louisvilleky.gov/CSR/Community+Services/Foster+Grandparent+Program.htm

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