Remember ME - You Me and Dementia

June 18, 2005

USA: Seniors honored for helping young

KANSAS CITY (KANSAS CITY STAR), June 18, 2005:

Nearly 100 “foster grandparents” were recognized at a luncheon Friday for their work with special-needs children.

The event honored local volunteers in the Foster Grandparent Program, a national program that connects seniors with children in need of individual attention. In the Kansas City area, 92 foster grandparents help more than 800 children and teenagers.

Daisy Rosborough was presented with the Esther Award, named after a program employee who died in 1996. Program manager Brenda Lax said the award is given to a volunteer who embodies qualities such as reliability, creativity and a sense of humor.

Lax said Rosborough volunteers in the Children’s Mercy Hospital infectious-disease unit, where she often works with children who have autism, Down syndrome or cerebral palsy.

The program provides a small, tax-free stipend to eligible seniors.

“It enables low-income people to volunteer in their community without financial hardship to themselves,” Lax said.

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