By: Foster Grandparent Program and LCC Staff

Our Foster Grandparents are making a difference in Fresno County and their hard work, dedication and commitment are not going unnoticed. “Grandpa” Louis Powell and “Grandma” Rosemary Fruge, wife of board commissioner Pastor Rufus Fruge, were honored during Fresno Madera Agency on Aging’s 17 th Annual Celebration of Living “Seniors Serving Seniors” Volunteer Awards Luncheon. Both grandparents received the Senior Volunteer of the Year Award.

Grandpa Louis Powell mentors and tutors seventh and eight grade students at West Fresno Middle School. He helps adolescent boys improve their academic skills and serves as the consummate role model supporting development of effective social skills and appropriate social etiquette. During his tenure as a volunteer with the Foster Grandparent Program, Grandpa Louis has contributed over 13,000 hours to benefit more than 2,000 youngsters in the West Fresno community. As he inspires a disadvantaged youth’s enthusiasm for learning, 100% of youngsters mentored by Grandpa Louis this past school year achieved an average 76% improvement in reading skills. Grandpa Louis’ promotion of academic literacy goes a long way to insure that at-risk youth will not be left behind along the ‘Road of Success’ or left without the means to fully actualize their potential. Grandpa Louis also serves as a model of inspiration for other Foster Grandparent volunteers and he is member of the Foster Grandparent Program Community Advisory Group.

Grandma Rosemary Fruge, new to our Foster Grandparent Program, is assigned to volunteer with our Local Conservation Corps’ AmeriCorps program where she facilitates a women’s support group weekly. LCC’s Women’s Group provides one-on-one mentoring to young women who need a venue where they can share their concerns and receive positive feedback from professional women role models. The group helps empower and support young ladies in the Corps. Prior to becoming a Foster Grandparent, Mrs. Fruge volunteered in the nutrition program at Hinton Community Center.