DHSS Press Release |
Date: October 27, 2006 DHSS-99-2006 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
YOUTH VOLUNTEERS AND DCAD STUDENTS MAKE A DIFFERENCE AT FGP WILMINGTON
Wilmington - Bare, white walls greet volunteers for the state's Foster Grandparents program when they arrive for training at the program's Wilmington office. This weekend, the empty walls will be replaced with a mural depicting senior citizens reading to young children, a small hand gripping a larger one and other pictures related to the program's mission. The mural will be completed Saturday, October 28th at the New Castle County office at 900 King Street in Wilmington.
The mural is one of the projects Delawareans will take on Saturday for Make a Difference Day. Celebrated on the fourth Saturday of October, the annual event encourages volunteerism and community involvement through various service projects. "This is important," program manager Robin M. Fisher said. "When the grandparents have in-service, they can see visually the effect they have on the children throughout the state."
"I think it's a good launching off point," said Tim Soper, youth volunteerism coordinator for the State Office of Volunteerism. "Maybe it's a good reason to try something new. I just want community involvement everyday of the year and Make a Difference Day is a concentrated effort to get people involved in their communities and to get them kick-started in volunteering."
Delaware College of Art and Design students are helping to make a difference for volunteers in the Delaware Foster Grandparent Program.
The Delaware Foster Grandparent Program places senior citizens, 60 years or older, with day cares, Head Starts, schools and detention centers to mentor and tutor special needs children. Currently, the program has more than 200 volunteers who serve up to 20 hours a week. The statewide program covers all three counties, with offices in each county. The Delaware Foster Grandparent Program was established in 1967.
It is sponsored jointly by the Corporation for National and Community Service and Delaware Health & Social Services.
To become a Foster Grandparent, call (302)-739-4456.
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.
