This year, AmeriCorps Seniors celebrates 60 years of the Foster Grandparent Program, a national service tradition that has brought older adults and children together since 1965. In Lauderdale, Clarke, Jasper, and Kemper MS counties, where Multi County Community Service Agency, Inc. -Sponsor, is proud to honor everyday contributions of its Foster Grandparent Volunteers who continue to shape young lives and strengthen communities.
For six decades, Foster Grandparents have served children with exceptional needs by offering support in the classroom, lending a helping hand with learning, and being a constant presence children can depend on. Their consistent care and encouragement help children build confidence to succeed in their daily challenges.
In Lauderdale County Foster Grandparent Program 87 Foster Grandparent Volunteers gave 76,941 hours of service last year at these local work stations: Toddler Depot Day Care, Youth Excitement Team (Y.E.T.) Day Care, Wesley House Community Center Day Care; Marjorie Porter, L.N. Payton, Manuel Goff, Meridian, Charles Young Head Start Centers; Wildcat Academy; Carver, Crestwood, Parkview, West Hills, Poplar Springs Elementary Schools; Northeast Lauderdale and West Lauderdale Elementary Schools; St. Patrick Catholic School; Boys and Girls Club of East MS; Care Lodge Women & Children Domestic Violence Shelter; Illuminations Dyslexia Center; New William J. Berry Elementary School; and New Kemper County Elementary School. Their efforts continue to make a lasting difference in schools and youth programs in the four counties we serve.
“Our Foster Grandparent Volunteers have helped generations of children build confidence and achieve success,” said Ron Collier, Executive Director of Multi County Community Service Agency, Inc. “Their service is a living legacy, and their continued dedication helps ensure a stronger future for our entire service area”.
Nationwide, more than 11,000 Foster Grandparent Volunteers serve in over 2,000 work station sites, demonstrating the power of intergenerational connection and community spirit. Together, they are part of a movement that spans both six decades and 51 states and territories uniting older adults in a shared goal of doing good.
“For 60 years, the Foster Grandparent Program has shown us the power of connection between generations,” said Jennifer Basters Tahmasebi, Acting Agency Head of AmeriCorps. “These volunteers are more than helpers – they are heroes in the lives of young people, and their impact is deeply felt in classrooms and communities across the country.”
Local residents interested in becoming a Foster Grandparent Volunteer are encouraged to contact Sabrina Wilson, Coordinator at 601-483-4838 or swilson@multicountycsa.org.
