On Nov. 20, Fort Hays State University Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion volunteers from Barton and Pawnee counties gathered for an in-service meeting at the Senior Center in Great Bend. Two Senior Companion volunteers celebrated service anniversaries in October, November or December and were recognized for their many years of contributions to the needs of their communities.

Beverly Prescott, Larned, has served as a Senior Companion Volunteer for 16 years. LaDonna Lytle, is a Senior Companion from Great Bend who has served for one year. There were no Foster Grandparents celebrating service anniversaries during the meeting.

Foster Grandparents are role models, mentors, and friends to children with exceptional needs. Senior Companions provide daily assistance and friendship to adults needing support to enable them to remain living in their homes as independently as possible. Both provide opportunities for volunteers age 55 and over to stay active by serving in their communities.

The programs are sponsored by Fort Hays State University and funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service, Washington, DC.  Support for these programs is also provided by many of the counties in which volunteers serve. FHSU Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion volunteers serve in Barton, Ellis, Rooks, Rush, Russell, Trego, Ford, Gove, Graham, Phillips, Hodgeman, Ness, and Pawnee counties. 

To find out how you can volunteer, contact Senior Companions at 785-628-5809 or srcomp@fhsu.edu.