June 8, 2007

PRODUCTIVE SENIORS CELEBRATED AT GALA EVENT

Federation of Organizations’ 30^th Annual Senior Expo and Luncheon honoring Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions celebrated the spirit of volunteerism. Rather than live in a world of isolation, Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions have chosen to expand their world through volunteer work.

Suffolk County Executive, Steve Levy, special guest speaker at the event, congratulated the Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion volunteers for offering support, friendship and encouragement to both young people and the frail elderly.

Dr. Sashi Jhamb, chief of the Division of Geriatrics, Good Samaritan Hospital, suggested that programs that involve seniors in constructive ways allow them to focus on the positive aspects of aging. Programs such as the Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion programs provide avenues for seniors to remain vital while sharing the gifts of their wisdom and companionship with others.

Ms. Mary Ellen Cunningham, center manager, Brentwood Head Start, reaffirmed the need that at risk children have for extra time, love and stability. Foster Grandparents have provided care for children in the court systems, in school systems and at Head Start centers. The children become a part of their lives, and both generations benefit. 

The tremendous success of the Foster Grandparent Program drew numerous corporate sponsors that pledged their support including , Bank of America Foundation, CA, Inc., The Rauch Foundation, The Knapp/Swezey Foundation, The Roslyn Savings Foundation, State Bank of Long Island, The Townwide Fund of Huntington, Inc., Holtz Rubenstein Reminick, LLP and KeySpan Energy. 

Sponsored in Suffolk County by Federation of Organizations, the Foster Grandparent Program is a national program that pairs local senior citizen volunteers with at-risk children in schools, Head Start centers, preschools and other community locations. Currently more than 150 Foster Grandparents serve as mentors and tutors to over 900 children daily in close to 60 sites throughout Suffolk County.

Photo Caption: (l-r)  Foster Grandparent Jane Pomroy; Mary Ellen Cunningham, Center Manager, Brentwood Head Start; Ruth Del Col, Director of Development, Federation of Organizations; Msgr. Tom Hartman; Barbara Faron, Chief Executive Officer, Federation of Organizations; Senior Companion Diane Robinson; Dr. Sashi Jhamb, chief of the Division of Geriatrics, Good Samaritan Hospital.