[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 21]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 30529]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATORY REMARKS TO THE FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM OF SOUTHEAST 
          MISSOURI FOR 26 YEARS OF SERVICE TO PUBLIC EDUCATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JO ANN EMERSON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 16, 1999

  Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to take this opportunity to 
commend the Foster Grandparent Program of Southeast Missouri for 
recently completing its 26th year serving the senior citizens in the 
communities of East Prairie, Poplar Bluff, and Sikeston, Missouri.
  The Foster Grandparent Program of Southeast Missouri has had a 
tremendous impact on the senior citizens who serve as mentors to at-
risk children in local elementary schools. This program serves as a way 
for these mentors to be significant change-agents in their communities 
during their golden years.
  In addition to providing an opportunity for seniors to feel a sense 
of self-worthy and responsibility within the community, let me also 
share with you some stories from teachers who have seen first-hand the 
tremendous impact of the Foster Care Program.
  One teacher from Mark Twain Elementary School in Sikeston, Missouri, 
spoke of a boy who suffered from a learning disability but progressed 
greatly with the help of a foster grandparent. ``With his foster 
grandma's help, this child has made tremendous progress this year, in 
spite of his disability. He has changed from a frustrated student who 
couldn't read or spell to a student who beams because now he can pick 
up first grade and second grade-level books and read them with fluency. 
The positive impact that this foster grandparent has had in this 
student's life with her genuine care and concern, and one-on-one 
tutoring, cannot really be measured.''
  Another teacher spoke of a grandmother who worked one-on-one with 
several students throughout the school year. ``This woman is such a 
great asset to our school and my classroom. She fulfills these 
children's needs in every way possible, not to mention the invaluable 
assistance she provides me. Without her, I could not give the extra 
attention to the students with the class size being so large. This 
grandmother is wonderful and gives the children an extended family 
while away from home.''
  I received dozens of letters from teachers, principals, participants, 
and mentors in the program, all of whom believe that this program is 
one of the most rewarding programs within their communities. I cannot 
emphasize enough the importance of programs like this that realize the 
potential of senior citizens to make significant contributions to our 
society, and I congratulate the Foster Grandparent Program of Southeast 
Missouri for their wonderful efforts over the past 26 years.

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