On Tuesday, April 9th, CEO’s Foster Grandparent program participants were recognized for the service they provide to children in the community. In Troy, Deputy Mayor Ryan toured CEO’s Troy Family Resource Center, observing the program in action as participants worked one-on-one with Head Start children in their classrooms.  In Schenectady, Mayor McCarthy held a press conference in the City Hall Rotunda, where CEO Foster Grandparents spoke about their experiences with the program.

The Foster Grandparent program has been in operation at CEO since 1976 and now serves nine counties. The program enables low-to-moderate-income seniors to volunteer in their communities, earning a small stipend for their service. Program participants work one-on-one with youth and young children, offering educational and emotional support. Last year, CEO’s Foster Grandparents donated over 119,000 hours of service to their communities, and program enrollment increased by 33.9% in the 2011-2012 program year.