Press Room

Senator Newell Joins Volunteers of America in Honoring “Foster Grandparents” Today

Tuesday, June 19 2012

Senator Newell  (right) discusses the Foster Grandparent program with Tonya Gomez, Public Policy Advocate for Volunteers of America

DENVER - Today, five local seniors from Senate District 26, Lois Whitehouse, Luz Sherman, Barbara Hildebrand, & Tamila and Aleksander Solodunov, were honored at the “Foster Grandparents are Golden” luncheon for the important work they have done for youth in the community.   Senator Linda Newell (D-Littleton) participated in the event to recognize these and other dedicated volunteers’ contributions.

The Foster Grandparents Program brings together at-risk youth and seniors on fixed incomes to create intergenerational bonds.  Seniors are asked to spend 15 hours a week or more with children in day care, public schools, or youth correction facilities. In return, seniors receive a monthly stipend, recognition at special events, training, and are able to develop lasting relationships with the youth they work with.  The Foster Grandparent Program serves Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Denver, Jefferson, El Paso, and Larimer counties and operates under the Volunteers of America Program.

Senator Newell offered the following comment on the Foster Grandparent program today:

“What an honor to meet these selfless seniors volunteering hours and hours of time to help children who need just a bit of help from a "grandparent."  It really does take a village to build a better community, and I'm grateful we have constituents who do that.”