Dolores Burgardt of Great Bend was honored for three years of service; and Beverly Prescott of Larned was recognized for 11 years for their service as Senior Companions, helping adults in the area. Judi Welch of Larned was honored for four years of service as a Foster Grandparent volunteer serving children with special needs at the monthly in-service meeting held on November 19t.h
Senior Companions provide daily assistance and friendship to adults needing support to enable them to remain living in their homes as independently as possible. Foster Grandparents work with children in day care centers, schools and with Head Start, providing one-on-one attention to those needing a caring mentor.
Senior Companions and Foster Grandparents are volunteers, 55 years of age and older. Those with limited incomes receive benefits which include a tax-free stipend of $2.65 an hour, a travel allowance, training, accident and liability insurance and recognition. They are insured with accident and liability insurance while serving.  
The Programs are sponsored by Fort Hays State University and funded by the Corporation for National & Community Service, Washington, DC.  Senior Companions serve in Barton, Ellis, Rooks, Rush, Russell, Trego, Ford, Gove, Graham, Phillips, Hodgeman, Ness, Logan and Pawnee counties.  If you are interested in serving others, call 785-628-5809.