[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 158 (Monday, November 10, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12479-S12480]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                      ABERDEEN FOSTER GRANDPARENTS

 Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I would like to speak in honor of 
the special 25th annual banquet for the Foster Grandparents Program in 
Aberdeen.
  I would like to recognize most especially Linda Dillavou for all the 
hard work and time she has put into the Foster Grandparent Program. The 
success of their operation is due in no small part to her dedication 
and hard work.
  For the past 25 years, this Foster Grandparents organization has 
strengthened the Aberdeen community by providing services to children 
that local budgets cannot afford. It has built important bridges across 
the generations. Those of you gathered here this evening offer 
emotional support for those children who have been abused or neglected, 
mentor troubled teens and young mothers, and care for premature infants 
and children with physical disabilities. ``Grannies'' and ``Granddads'' 
serve one-on-one with children. They tutor, counsel, assist, guide or 
help in a variety of ways--whatever is needed. They serve in schools, 
hospitals, shelters, Head Start, and other child-serving facilities.
  They represent one of South Dakota's growing resources. The United 
States is in the midst of a demographic revolution. There are twice as 
many older adults today as there were 30 years ago; soon nearly a 
quarter of the population will be more than 65 years old. By the middle 
of the next century, for the first time, the number of Americans over 
65 will exceed those under 18.
  For the most part, this transformation is portrayed as a source of 
new strains on South Dakota families, the economy, and the Federal 
budget. But the prevailing pessimism about the graying of America is 
blinding us to the great promise of this change. The talent and civic 
potential they provide for South Dakota is immeasurable. After all, our 
senior population is, quite possibly, this country's best increasing 
natural resource.
  Why? They share the time they have. They offer practical wisdom, 
gained from experience, and carry with them a world otherwise lost to 
younger generations. Seniors also have special reason to become 
involved in the civic and voluntary work that others cannot perform. 
The awareness that comes with age inspires reflection about the legacy 
that we leave behind: we are what survives of us, especially through 
these children.
  Their 25 year history is, indeed, impressive. To help us all 
appreciate how far this organization has come, I'd like to share the 
story of this organization's beginning--a story of a historical 
accident rather than enlightened vision.
  President Johnson--in an attempt to help poor seniors--ordered the 
Office of Aging at the Department of Health, Education and Welfare to 
devise an initiative engaging low-income seniors in community service 
for vulnerable children. When the office was unveiled,

[[Page S12480]]

what would become the Foster Grandparent Program was rejected as 
preposterous by the Nation's most progressive children's 
organizations--mostly hospitals and large institutions for 
developmentally disabled youth. The seniors would have little to 
contribute to children, they complained; besides, they would spread 
disease and probably even lack the wherewithal to get to the job. The 
agencies actually refused to take the Government's money. Times have 
certainly changed.
  Given this history, we should challenge ourselves to imagine new 
institutions that make full use of the resources of age for the next 
successful 25 years for the Aberdeen Foster Grandparents. Pilot 
programs suggest the kinds of contributions seniors might make. In 
Hilton Head, SC, a group of retired physicians and nurses have formed a 
free health clinic providing, among other things, preventive care for 
low-income families. In Virginia and Montana, the Senior Environmental 
Corps is dedicated to alerting doctors, the elderly, and the public to 
the special environmental hazards faced by the older population. In 
Massachusetts, a group of downsized electrical workers is helping young 
ex-criminal offenders make the transition to productive life in the 
community.
  This Aberdeen Foster Grandparent Program--on the occasion of their 
25th anniversary--is our best glimpse at how we can benefit from the 
energy and talent of older Americans on a grander scale. The record of 
the Foster Grandparent Program suggests that if we build appealing 
service opportunities for older adults, they will come forward and lend 
a hand.
  I congratulate the Aberdeen Foster Grandparents on this very special 
occasion, and I thank them for giving selflessly of their time to make 
the past 25 years so successful.

                          ____________________