Recent Community News

Click here for more information about FGP. Picture does not represent the person in this story.“Brenda” of Bowling Green joined Community Action’s Foster Grandparent Program in 2003, not long after the death of her husband. At that time in her life, Brenda faced a choice about whether to resign herself to the loneliness of being a senior widow, or to forge a new and positive life for herself. In the Foster Grandparent Program, she found the path to that better choice.

 

In her own words: “I now have something to get out of bed for in the mornings.” The road has not been easy, as Brenda has several very serious health problems, including heart disease and diabetes. Volunteering is one of the few activities she is healthy enough to do, and that regular activity is critically important to her physical and mental health. Each weekday Brenda is expected at the elementary school, giving her a purpose and goal, as well as the positive reward of the love of the children she works with. Community Action Transportation picks her up from her home and takes her to and from her placement site at no expense to her. It also provides a very low cost option for other trips and errands she might have in Bowling Green.

 

Brenda’s only income is her monthly Social Security check. Although she lives in subsidized housing, the benefit of the stipend makes a real difference in her life. The healthy meals make a big difference as well.

 

Brenda is passionate about strengthening her community by helping others, and talks often about how she “loves the children” and will brag about how her influence has helped improve their reading, writing, and math skills. Site staff report, unsurprisingly, that the children love her right back! Equally important is the sense of belonging and shared purpose with the Program and other Foster Grandparents. Says Brenda: “I thank (FGP staff). All of you are good on giving us support and training.”

 

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