The Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development (COAD) recently had a celebration for their Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs participants.

This annual recognition event brings recognition to these volunteers in Jackson, Lawrence and Scioto Counties.

The luncheon was Oct. 23 at the Lawrence County Early Childhood Center in South Point.

The COAD Volunteers receiving recognition certificates, service year pins and corsages for their number of years of service are: foster grandparents Carol Blaine, 15 years serving Scioto County, Shirley Pinkerman, 10 years serving Lawrence County and foster grandparents completing their first year of service, Carol Carter, Linda Linville, Bill Ramey and Shirley Seiler.

Receiving the FGP Logo Shield pin was given to the new volunteers, Shirley Wilson, Patty Sickles and Mary Thompson.

Senior Companions serving Lawrence County are Mary Lou Carman, Jeane Shope, Jewel Johnson, Juanita Christian, Lorraine Klaiber, Shirley Pinkerman, Betty Dennison and Jo Donley.

All volunteers from all three counties were recognized for their dedication to the program and their years of service.

County sites and supervisors, Advisory Council members and guests were also recognized for their program support.

Guest speakers were Lawrence County Commissioner Les Boggs and Senior Programs Director Gary Goosman.

Both praised the volunteers for their dedication to their community.

The lunch was prepared and served by Eula Green, caterer from Scioto County.

All the decorations and corsages were made by coordinator, Linda Black. Door prizes were given to the volunteers after lunch.

The Foster Grandparent volunteers serve at least 15 hours each week mentoring special needs children in schools, head start facilities, day care centers, and MRDD facilities.

The Senior Companion serves home bound elderly seniors by helping with a noon or evening meal, snacks, light housekeeping, errands, or just being a friend.

The Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs are funded by The Corporation for National & Community Service, a part of the National Senior Service Corp, Ohio Dept. of Aging, and local community donations.

Beginning October 1, 2009, the Senior Corps was given re-authorization by Congress to allow people 55 years and older to contribute to their communities through service and individuals up to 200 percent of poverty may be eligible for the hourly stipend.

The Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs are accepting new applications.

For more information about these programs or to apply, call Linda Black, 740-532-7725.

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