Foster Grandparent Program celebrates 50 years
Hundreds of volunteers, family members, and others involved in Delaware's Foster Grandparent Program gathered May 19 at Dover Downs Hotel & Conference Center to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the program in the state.
Since 1967, hundreds of Delawareans 55 and older have been meeting one-on-one and with groups of children in day-care centers, Head Starts, schools and early learning centers, and via programs at specialized facilities. These seniors have mentored and tutored an estimated 70,000 children with special or exceptional needs in Delaware during that time through the nationally recognized Foster Grandparent Program.
The program, funded by the Corporation for Community and National Service, is administered by the State Office of Volunteerism, part of the Department of Health and Social Services' Division of State Service Centers.
The event celebrated the 50th anniversary of the program and recognized the volunteers and various public, private and nonprofit agencies that serve as volunteer stations for the foster grandparents to engage and develop appropriate relationships with the children being served.
"The personal commitment made by these senior volunteers as part of the Foster Grandparent Program is making a difference in the lives of some of Delaware's most at-risk children," said Gov. John Carney. "Foster grandparents share their love, time and experience with children who are vulnerable and in need of compassion, role models and friendship. I am proud of the success this program has achieved over the past 50 years in Delaware."
"Making a difference early in a child's life can mean the difference between a child who will see the possibility of success in life and one unable to see many positive outcomes," said Dr. Kara Walker, secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services. "The influence these seniors are having by spending time with and mentoring these children is priceless."
Jane Smack has volunteered with the Seaford School District for 15 years through the Foster Grandparent Program. She works one-on-one and with a small group helping students learn to spell, improve reading skills and complete math work.
"It has been an honor to work for the past three years with Mrs. Jane Smack or 'Mom-Mom Jane' as she is known by the students in our first-grade classroom at West Seaford Elementary School," said Diana Zlock, a teacher at West Seaford.
"She encourages the students to try their best with their work and be kind to each other. Jane always seems to know the academic needs of the students before I even tell her what I need her to work on with a child, " Zlock added. "The students in our school district who have had the privilege of learning from Mom-Mom Jane over the past 15 years will always remember her for believing in them."
In 2016, the statewide program coordinated the activities of 205 foster grandparents at more than 115 volunteer stations, reaching more than 1,226 children. Through sharing their love, time, experience and talent, the volunteers spent more than 198,557 hours last year tutoring and mentoring at-risk children.
For more information, go to http://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dssc/servede/foster-grandparents.html.
