On November 1st, 2019, public officials, community leaders, Felton staff, Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions, and other collaborative partners gathered at Paramount Superstars Restaurant in San Francisco for the annual appreciation lunch for Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions.
Before lunch, the Young at Heart Band kept it lively with music that drew attendees to the dance floor. Speakers included Ashley Cheng, Operations Manager for Infrastructure Design & Construction at San Francisco Public Works, Felton Board Chair Emeritus Michael N. Hofman, Felton’s President and CEO Al Gilbert, Senior Division Director Cathy Spensley, and Program Manager Tieu Ly. Ashley Cheng noted that the Foster Grandparents Program has personal significance for her because both of her daughters benefitted from having foster grandparents in their classrooms. Michael N. Hofman shared that attending the luncheon each year is one of his favorite activities.
Felton’s Foster Grandparent Program began as one of 20 original national pilot projects. Limited income, mobile seniors, ages 55 and older, receive small stipends for providing support services for 20 hours a week to children. Seniors serve in classrooms, pre-schools, and children’s units in hospitals. They develop one-to-one consistent relationships with the children, by tutoring, mentoring, and providing emotional support.
Senior Companions are limited-income, mobile seniors who provide companionship services 15-30 hours per week to frail, isolated and housebound older adults. These programs have had profoundly positive impact on the senior volunteers and the people they serve.
The festive afternoon ended with the ever popular raffle and dancing. This 53rd anniversary celebration was memorable. Many thanks to everyone who attended.
For more information about the programs,
Contact 415-474-7310 ext. 238
or Tieu Ly at tly@felton.org
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- Al Gilbert, Felton Institute’s President and CEO
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- Ashley Cheng, Operations Manager for Infrastructure Design & Construction at San Francisco Public Works
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- Cathy Spensley, Felton Institute’s Senior Division Director
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- Michael N. Hofman, Felton Institute Board Chair Emeritus
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About Felton Institute: Founded in 1889, Felton Institute responds to human needs by providing cutting edge, evidence-based mental health and social services that transform lives. Felton Institute is a tax-exempt organization registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit under EIN 94-1156530.
Offering more than 50 acclaimed and honored programs that address homelessness, mental health, prenatal, adolescent, adult and senior needs, Felton Institute provides services in San Francisco, Alameda, San Mateo, Marin, and Monterey counties.
Felton is named for its social services pioneer and executive director Dr. Katharine “Kitty” Felton who was called the ”conscience of San Francisco” and was committed to ensuring that children and families in crisis have access to social services and resources in order to help them build upon their inherent strengths and develop self-sufficiency. www.felton.org