Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. Senior Programs held its annual Foster Grandparent recognition luncheon at the Crookston Inn & Convention Center in Crookston on Friday, April 11. Marley Melbye (Senior Programs Director) began the event by welcoming the Foster Grandparents and guests. Jason Carlson (CEO) thanked all of the volunteers for the difference they make in the lives of children and families in our communities.
Shane Mendez was the guest speaker. He shared stories of his life and the choices he made in his life that have led him to where he is today in a presentation entitled, “A Tale of a Tadpole”. He encouraged the Foster Grandparent volunteers to “Don’t Give Up on Me”, when working with struggling and marginalized children. His stories and presentation hit home with many of the volunteers.
“Making a Difference” awards were then given to individuals who were nominated by professional staff at their volunteer site. “An old man walked along a shore littered with thousands of starfish, beached and dying after a storm. A young man was picking them up and flinging them back into the ocean. ‘Why do you bother?’ the old man scoffed. ‘You’re not saving enough to make a difference. ’ The young man picked up another starfish and sent it spinning back to the water. ‘Made a difference to that one,’ he said. You make a difference, every day,” is engraved on the award along with the recipient’s name.
Recipients of the World of Difference Award were; Grandma Mike Olson (Fertile-Beltrami). Another recipient was selected who couldn’t make the recognition. They will be recognized at the school where they volunteer during National Volunteer Week (April 20-26). Following recognition, volunteers and staff enjoyed a meal from Scobey’s Pub & Grub and time to mingle and share wonderful stories and volunteering experiences.
For more information on how to become a Foster Grandparent, Caring Companion or how to receive Caring Companion services, please call Marley, Alicia, Jean, Kristal, or Lynn at 800-584-7020.
Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. is a non-profit community action agency headquartered in Crookston, Minnesota. Since 1965, Tri-Valley has provided services in 74 counties in Minnesota and Eastern North Dakota. The mission of Tri-Valley is to provide opportunities to improve the quality of life for people and communities.
Grandma Mike Olson and Alicia Berhow (Senior Programs Manager)
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