DHSS Press Release |
Date: May 3, 1999 DHSS-20-1999 |
| Gregg C. Sylvester, M.D., Secretary Jennifer Castleberry, Communication Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 |
Contact: Sally Wojceiszyn, Foster Grandparent Program Phone: (302) 739-4456 |
FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM CELEBRATES 32 YEARS
Approximately 243 Delaware Foster Grandparents will be honored at the Delaware Health and Social Services (DHSS) Foster Grandparent Program's 32nd Anniversary recognition and luncheon hosted by the Delaware Foster Grandparent Advisory Council. The celebration will at the Sheraton Inn and Conference Center in Dover on Friday, May 7, 1999 beginning at 11:00 a.m..
Foster Grandparents serve at 1,098 volunteer stations statewide and volunteer over 252,000 hours annually helping 1,200 children, youth and their families with special needs.
Special awards will be presented to New Castle County Foster Grandparents Delsie C. Love for 30 years of service; Lucia Hayes, 27 years, Blanche Mason, 26 years; Pauline Anderson, Vinetta Hill, Amelia Mazutier, 21 years; Elizabeth McKinney, Earlean Taggert, 20 years; to Sussex County Foster Grandparent Maria D'Orazio, 25 years; to Kent County Foster Grandparents Maud Middleton, 22 years; Ameda Hawkins, 21 years. Foster Grandparents who have served 15 and 10 years will also receive awards.
The following facilities will be honored for their dedication to the Foster Grandparent Program as volunteer stations where Foster Grandparents serve: CHILD,Inc. Franklin Street Shelter, East Dover Elementary School, Lake Forest North Elementary School, Lake Forest South Elementary School, Lord Baltimore Elementary School, Richardson Park Intensive Learning Center, Towne Pointe Elementary School, and Booker T. Washington Elementary School, all for 15 years; Slaughter Neck Educational & Community Center for 10 years; La Officina de los Ninos y la Familia, John G. Leach School, and Smyrna Elementary School for 5 years.
For 32 years Delaware Foster Grandparents have been mentors, providing outstanding service to children with special needs and their families. They have provided individualized attention and personalized care to children who are at risk, young victims of drug and alcohol abuse, and children who are chronically ill and/or mentally and physically disabled.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
