(Crookston, Minn.)- Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion programs held an annual recognition luncheon at the Crookston Eagles Club on Wednesday, October 3. The event acknowledged the hard work and dedication provided by so many. Years of service certificates were given to volunteers from new enrollees to those who have provided an outstanding 21 years of service volunteering 15 hours or more per week.
Three Foster Grandparents, Jeanie Jacobson, Grant Schmitz and Helen Lyczewski were recognized for providing 21 years of volunteer service.
An additional award, the Lighthouse Award was given to individuals who have been nominated by teachers or others the volunteers work with. This year there were eight recipients of this award from the Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs. The award states; “For hundreds of years, lighthouses have provided guidance and direction, a point of light in a time of need, a beacon of help and hope. These impressive towers light the way for mariners throughout the world, assisting them from one adventure to the next. Like the lighthouse, your beaming support shines on everyone you meet, lighting the path to achievement & success.”
Foster Grandparent recipients of the Lighthouse Award were Lorraine Millard, Dean Kittleson, Gladys Schmalenberg, Grant Schmitz, Eleanor Johnson and Delores Saul. Senior Companion recipients were Alice Benson and Elva Fiedler.
Since July 2011 t
he Foster Grandparent Program has provided 77,505 hours of volunteer service while the Senior Companion Program has amassed 7,426 hours of volunteer service in an 11 county service area.
For more information on how to become a Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion or how to receive Senior Companion Services call Heidi or Jeanette at 218-281-5832.
Top Photo 21 Years (L-R)- Jeanie Jacobson, Grant Schmitz, Helen Lyczewski
Bottom Photo Lighthouse Award (L-R)- Foster Grandparents: Lorraine Millard, Dean Kittleson, Gladys Schmalenberg, Grant Schmitz. Senior Companions: Alice Benson, Elva Fiedler. (Not Pictured Foster Grandparents: Eleanor Johnson, Delores Saul)