Senior volunteers recognized
By From staff reports
Published in News on June 3, 2012 1:50 AM
The WAGES Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions joined with the Corporation for National and Community Service and organizations across the country to honor the impact of Senior Corp volunteers and encourage more Americans 55 and over to serve their communities.
More than 150 people gathered recently at Best Grove Missionary Baptist Church to celebrate the accomplishments of the WAGES Senior Corp volunteers.
This past year, 108 foster grandparents gave 98,596 hours, serving as tutors and mentors of children with special or exceptional needs, which resulted in improved academic performance, improved self- image and a reduction in risky behavior.
Ninety senior companions gave 75,771 hours of service to enable frail and elderly adults in Wayne County to live independently in their own homes and provide respite services to family caregivers.
Dr. Marlee Ray, executive director of WAGES, thanked the volunteers for making a positive difference in the lives of others. Each foster grandparent and senior companion received a certificate and trophy noting the total hours of service they had volunteered the past year.
The following volunteers received special recognition for the highest number of volunteer hours. The foster grandparents were Hannah Smith with 1,237 hours, Alnora Beamon with 1,249 hours and Mary Lee Rowe with 1,257 hours. Ella Mae Beverly, 89 years of age, was recognized as the oldest foster grandparent, with 1,178 hours.
The senior companions were Glouries Mitchell with 1,202 hours, Jessie Whittaker with 1,205 hours and Joseph Artis with 1,209 hours. Claude Artis, 92, was recognized as the oldest senior companion, with 1,126 hours of service.
A talent show with a theme of "Singing with the Stars" was held. Placing third in the contest was Jessie Whittaker, second was Ira King and first place went to Margaret Kornegay.