News Release
For Immediate Release

SHERMAN, May 23, 2014 – TCOG celebrated the contributions of Foster Grandparents in Texoma on Thursday by hosting Texoma Senior Corps Foster Grandparents (FGP) at a Frisco Roughriders game and presenting the volunteers with milestone anniversary and other achievement awards.

Awards presented included Volunteer of the Year, presented to Ruthie Wyatt and FGP Station of the Year, presented to Edison Elementary in Gainesville.

Dr. Thomas said, “Our community is blessed to have seniors who continue to give of themselves through their time and effort to help support our area schools and community programs. This recognition day is our opportunity to formally and publicly recognize their service and make sure they know their contributions to our communities and region do not go unnoticed.”

The FGP currently consists of 36 volunteers and 21 volunteer host stations which include schools, day cares and community facilities across Cooke, Fannin and Grayson counties. Texoma Foster Grandparents are role models, mentors, and friends to children with exceptional needs serving 15 to 40 hours per week. Texoma Senior Corps programs benefit the community, the organization, and the volunteer which creates a win-win experience for all involved.

The FGP was authorized by Congress in 1965 and became active in Texoma in 1997. Texoma residents age 55 and older, with a heart to serve who meet certain income level requirements, are able to pass a physical and criminal background check, and can commit to a minimum of fifteen hours a week are invited to join the program.

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson Counties. Established in 1968, the Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Either directly, or through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.