LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Foster
Grandparent Program

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize and
acknowledge certain exemplary organizations which provide our communi-
ties with services and support for younger generations, and through
their work have become beacons of compassion and devotion within the
community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 50th Anniversary of the Foster Grandparent Program; and
WHEREAS, Foster Grandparent began in 1965 as part of Senior Corps, a
federal program guided by the Corporation for National and Community
Service, with 800 Foster Grandparents serving at 45 sites across the
country; and
WHEREAS, Today, over 30,000 Foster Grandparent volunteers help more
than 280,000 children nationwide, contributing approximately 62,000
hours of volunteer service each year; and
WHEREAS, In 1985, the project came to the Southern Tier counties of
Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany as an outreach program of Lutheran
Social Services, which graciously continues to be the local sponsor of
the Foster Grandparent Program; and
WHEREAS, Locally, each year approximately 70 Foster Grandparent volun-
teers provide mentorship and outreach to children through the 30 volun-
teer sites in Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties; and
WHEREAS, The mission of the Foster Grandparent Program is to improve
lives, strengthen communities and foster civic engagement through
service and volunteering; and
WHEREAS, The remarkable individuals who volunteer with the Foster
Grandparent Program provide supportive services for children with
special or exceptional needs; a Foster Grandparent provides a child "in
need" with intensive, one-on-one attention, something not always possi-
ble for a teacher with a classroom full of students; and
WHEREAS, Teachers and child care providers report that children who
are enrolled in the Foster Grandparent Program make academic progress,
learn social skills, and find a compassionate friend through their
program mentor; and
WHEREAS, During 2013-2014, 79 Lutheran Foster Grandparents served
63,382 hours working with 237 "in-need" children; elementary students
assigned to a Foster Grandparent saw a 70 percent increase in classroom
participation and 100 percent of students achieved improved academic
skills; and
WHEREAS, The Foster Grandparent Program demonstrates the willingness
and capacity of older persons to participate reliably and creatively in
community service activities on a regular part-time basis; the program
enables older Americans to contribute to their communities in their
retirement years by sharing their love and lifetime skills with chil-
dren; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize those vital organizations which provide services for the betterment
of the residents of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Foster Grandparent Program; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Debbie Basile, Director, Lutheran Foster Grandparent Program.