ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - On April 26, 2011, the Alachua County Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) won the “Senior Group of the Year” award at the 39th annual Work of Heart Volunteer Awards ceremony.
The foster grandparents work one-on-one with special needs children in schools, educational child care centers and after-school programs. Last year, 121 Foster Grandparents contributed 100,130 hours of critical assistance to our local children. In this program, Alachua County children receive caring adult mentors assisting them with school work and behavior and social skills. In return for their service, the volunteers receive a modest hourly stipend, a daily meal, transportation assistance, an annual physical examination, and supplemental insurance.
One of the County's foster grandparents, Kimberly Rodriguez, was also nominated individually for a Work of Heart Award for her foster grandparent service at Girls Place. Christi Arrington, Girls Place Volunteer Coordinator, nominated “Grandma Kim” for her skilled and patient assistance.
The Work of Heart awards were begun under the direction of the late Dr. E.T. York, in order to celebrate volunteerism in Alachua County. In 2007, Haven Hospice took the lead in continuing Dr. York’s work in supporting and recognizing people who make a monumental difference in our community through their service to others.
For more information, contact FGP at 352-264-6731.