Mitchell named top Foster Grandparent
The Foster Grandparent Program held their 36th annual Christmas banquet on Wednesday morning to honor the 92 men and women who volunteer to help special needs children every year.
Volunteers and staff gathered at the A.W. Todd Centre in Russellville and were welcomed by Russellville Mayor Troy Oliver who said he appreciated the work each foster grandparent did.
“My wife taught school for 40 years and she always loved her foster grannies,” Oliver said. “They did so much to help her and help the children and from her experience, I know how important the program is.
“I am proud to have this organization in Russellville because each of you do a great service for or schools, our kids and our city, and I want to thank you for that service.”
At the banquet, one volunteer is honored as the Foster Grandparent of the Year. This year’s recipient was Yvonne Mitchell, a 5-year volunteer in Lisa Gann’s kindergarten classroom at Tharptown Elementary School.
Each year, representatives from the schools where the foster grandparents work are asked to submit letters nominating one volunteer as the Foster Grandparent of the Year. After the letters are submitted, the names are blacked out and an impartial judge reads the letters to decide who is the most deserving of the award.
Gann nominated Mitchell because of her dedication to her role as a foster grandmother and she read her nomination letter for the audience.
“I don’t know how I ever taught without Mrs. Mitchell,” Gann said. “She does so much for me and for the students and she has shown so much love to everyone in the class.
“She works to help every child, not just academically but in other ways, too. She makes sure these children always have what they need.”
Jessica Latham, director of the Foster Grandparent Program, added that Mitchell is a model volunteer.
“She never complains and always wants to do her job to the fullest,” Latham said. “We’re proud of her and the work she does.”
Mitchell was joined by her family as she accepted the award to a round of applause from fellow volunteers and audience members.
“I truly appreciate this honor,” she said, with tears in her eyes. “I couldn’t make it without Mrs. Gann, and those kids are my life. There’s always something new every day and I enjoy it so much.”
Others who were honored at the banquet were the top fundraiser sellers; volunteers who had served 10 or more years; Sen. Roger Bedford for his $2,000 donation to the program; and Faye Devaney, who retired in October from her position as the bus driver for the program, a position she held for over 15 years.
Latham concluded that the program was important to many people and the work each volunteer did was important as well.
“Without these volunteers, we couldn’t go into the schools and help these special needs kids. What they do makes a difference.”
