Foster Grandparents Recognized for Service
Annual luncheon celebrates volunteers who supported 130 children and contributed more than 18,000 service hours
The City of Albuquerque Department of Senior Affairs honored its Foster Grandparent Program volunteers during the annual Thankful Recognition luncheon on Friday, November 6, at Barelas Community Center. The gathering celebrated the volunteers' contributions to local children and recognized four program participants who are also military veterans.
This year's theme, “The Power of Being There: Showing Up, Building Trust, and Changing Lives,” reflected the program's emphasis on consistent support and meaningful connections with children throughout the community.
Over the past year, Foster Grandparent Program volunteers contributed 18,135 hours of service, supporting 130 children. The program currently has 27 volunteers who provide encouragement, assistance, and individual attention to children in community settings.
The luncheon also honored four volunteers for their military service: Barbie Garcia and Orlando Sanchez, U.S. Army; Sandra Perea, U.S. Air Force; and Jon Sundell, U.S. Navy.
Established in 2013, the annual Thankful Recognition event brings volunteers, program staff, and community partners together to acknowledge another year of service. This year's gathering included 36 participants, including Foster Grandparent Program volunteers, Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Program Advisory Council members, Department of Senior Affairs transportation drivers and Volunteerism Division staff representing FGP, SCP, RSVP, and VIA, and representatives of the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department.
Special guests included Denise King, Aging Network Operations Division Director, and Cristina Baca, Senior Services Bureau Chief, from the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department. Deputy Director Nikki Peone and Volunteer Community Engagement Manager Vaisu Bronk also attended on behalf of Senior Affairs.
The Foster Grandparent Program is supported through funding from AmeriCorps, the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department, and the City of Albuquerque. The Department of Senior Affairs sponsored the luncheon, with AmeriCorps funding the volunteer recognition gifts.
To learn more about the Foster Grandparent Program or how to become a volunteer, visit the FGP page.