Sargent Shriver – founder of well known programs including Head Start, Foster Grandparents, and Special Olympics – has died. He was 95-years-old.

Shriver, known for his ties to the Kennedy family – he was married to humanitarian, Eunice Shriver, and served as the first director of the Peace Corps during John F. Kennedy’s presidential term – ran the War on Poverty and established the Office of Economic Opportunity during President Lyndon B. Johnson’s administration.

This pioneer and visionary inspired or launched programs that, to date, have helped place millions of Americans on the path toward self-sufficiency. These programs include Head Start, VISTA, Job Corps, Community Action, Upward Bound, Foster Grandparents, Legal Services, Special Olympics, the Shriver Center, Indian and Migrant Opportunities and Neighborhood Health Services.

Shirver’s contributions for the betterment of our nation – as a political leader, peacebuilder, and activist – will not be forgotten.