Boletin1

FOSTER GRANDPARENTS-NOT YOUR TYPICAL ROCKING CHAIR GRANNIES

By Dr. Girvan Shirley, Volunteer Coordinator

While this characterization rings true for many seniors, others have bucked the
stereotypical role of the rocking-chair granny by leaving the comfort of their
homes each day to venture into their communities in search of something
more meaningful to spice up their lives and in so doing bring joy to others as
well. For the most part, these adventurous seniors consciously end up in places
you may find hard to imagine — Boys & Girls Clubs, Head Start programs,
shelters for troubled teens and so on — places buzzing with the sounds of
children craving the attention of anyone with the time to spare.

Driven by maternal instinct, these senior volunteers — mostly women —
respond wholeheartedly, raining showers of positive vibrations on children
whose home environments often lack this vital ingredient, except in a purely
materialistic sense. For Foster Grandparents, teaching the fundamentals of
communication, self-esteem and personal responsibility forms an integral part
of their mission and, for the most part, resonates with the youngsters who
welcome them each day with the innocent sweetness of their voices
screaming, "Grandma!" or "Grandpa!".

Grandparents no doubt relish the attention, but more so see it as a validation
of their effort to try and improve the quality of life for their disadvantaged
clientele. Whether it's by tying shoestrings, singing lullabies or providing
direction, the Foster Grandparent functions much like an anchor for the
wandering child who, left to its own device, would likely keep on drifting and
eventually end up by the wayside. It is precisely for this reason that we like to
think of the FG volunteer as an extra pair of loving hands at the disposal of a
special-needs child.

For many of our Grandparents, however, the rocking or the nurturing routine
forms only part of their involvement with the children they choose to serve.
In fact, these seniors often find themselves wearing hats generally reserved for
family members and professionals — counselors, social workers, teachers, etc.
— who for various reasons might not be available on demand to meet a child's
need. Case in point: Juanita Williams, who works with third-graders at
Washington Shores Elementary School, represents a growing number of Foster
Grandparents who assume the role of motivator on a mission to help kids grasp
the value of education. "I didn't have the chance to get a good education," Ms.
Williams explained, "so I'm gonna do anything I can to encourage kids to do well
in school." Similarly, Maria Diaz — a bilingual Foster Grandparent serving at
Lancaster Elementary —takes pride in communicating this message to children
in their native tongue. "It makes a big difference when you talk with them in
the language they know best," Ms. Diaz stated.

In addition to motivating her Spanish-speaking students, Abuelita Maria, as she's
affectionately called, joins a long list of other Grandparents who serve as
mentors as well —those utilizing their expertise to teach the fundamentals of
reading, writing, arithmetic and other valuable life skills, and in the process,
winning high praise for their overall effectiveness. Dorothy Perry, a Foster
Grandparent at Eccleston Elementary, is a prime example; the quality and
value of her contribution is best reflected in her newfound reputation as the
"reading-specialist granny" everyone mistakes for a real teacher. Ms. Perry, like
Jeneave Hollins at Apopka's Dream Lake Elementary or Rosa Lee Turner of Pine
Hills Head Start, represents a dedicated band of FG volunteers who provide
one-on-one instruction to slow learners on a daily basis.

Described by Pine Hills center manager, Aida Ayala, as a "natural in the
classroom," Ms. Turner helps students with phonics awareness, handwriting and
math. "She handles herself like a professional teacher," Ayala added. Like her
colleagues, however, Turner is quick to tell you that what she does is not a big
deal; though she often beams with excitement recounting the personal
satisfaction she gets from serving. "I love children, and I just want to help in
whatever way I can," she explained.

This spirit of reaching out is by no means confined to volunteers at Head Start
and elementary schools. At the Southwest Boys & Girls Club for example,
Howard Paramore provides an apt illustration. Undeterred by a physical
disability, Mr. Paramore —like fellow

Club volunteers in the tri-county area — maintains an impeccable attendance
record, explaining his commitment as a labor of love. "I really enjoy working
with the kids," he said. " I look forward to going in every day." Betty
McKinney, Director of the Southwest Boys & Girls Club, described Paramore as
"a joy to have; he's very actively involved with the children," McKinney
added.

Worlds apart from the hustle and bustle of the Boys & Girls Clubs are the
sedate special-education classrooms for the severely challenged where you'll
find the Foster Grandparents in action as well. Whether it's at Magnolia School
in Orlando or Lake Mary High School in Sanford, Grandparents assist students
with various tasks ranging from basic survival skills such as feeding and personal
hygiene to activities including reading and confidence building. Estella
Peterson, who works with 18-21 year olds at Lake Mary High, admits she had
no intention of serving this population when she first entered the Foster
Grandparent Program. "Now I just love it; I can't wait to get there in the
mornings for the warmth and inspiration they (the students) bring to me."

All in all, the program attracts an array of volunteers with a variety of skills and
interests tailored to meet the physical, emotional and academic needs of a
growing number of children whose survival largely depends on the generosity
or goodwill of outsiders. From the Foster Grandparent who sings the lullabies
and teaches right from wrong to those who impart knowledge and promote
thinking, each contributes an invaluable gift to our effort in improving young
lives in our service area —Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties. As one
Grandparent puts it: "I know I can't help everybody, but I'm sure gonna try to
do my best to make a difference for at least one child."

30th ANNIVERSARY RECOGNITION LUNCEHON A SUCCESS

Our 30th Anniversary Luncheon Recognition Luncheon, held on Firday, May 10th,
2002 at the Sheraton Orlando North in Maitland to honor our 267 Foster
Grandparent Volunteers was a huge success. Rod Johnson, News Anchor,
Channel 12 was Master of Ceremonies.

Thirty-five community leaders hosted tables set up for our Grandparents. The
community leaders included representatives from the offices of
Congresswoman Corrine Brown, Chairman Richard Crotty and Senator Bill
Nelson, as well as representatives from the Orange and Seminole County School
Boards, Orange County Head Start, Orange County Citizens' Commission for
Children, Orange County Commission on Aging, Orlando Regional Healthcare
System, Greenberg Taurig, PA, Corporation for National Service, Drug Free
Community Office and Lockheed Martin.

Orange County Commissioner Robert Sindler read a proclamation from Orange
County in honor of our 30th Anniversary. Proclamations were received from
Governor Jeb Bush and the City of Orlando as well.

Jane Watkins, Assistant Director, presented the Family Support and Visitation
Center, operated by Devereux Florida, with the "Volunteer Site of the Year"
award, presented each year to one of our outstanding volunteer sites.

Oree Johnson, Chairman, Foster Grandparent Program Advisory Council
presented plaques to Foster Grandparents who have served special needs
children for 10 and 15 years. Foster Grandparents Joseph Crittenden, Mae Etta
Duncan, Annie Ruth Eaton, Amanda Files, Hilda Hayden, Carrie Holland, Susie
Johnson, Lillian Lawson, Effie Love, Dorothy Manning and Viola Smith were
honored for 10 years of service. Those honored for 15 years of service were
Florence Bagley, Willie Mae Barfield, Idella Sykes and Sarah White.

2002-2003 FUNDING

Corporation For National Service

$835,738

Heart Of Florida United Way

$65,495

Orange County

$32,250

Winter Park Neighborhood Center For Families

$10,500

Orange County Head Start

$15,000