Click Here for a February 2009 - Legislative Committee Update.

January 2009

Dear NAFGPD Members and Supporters:

2008 has been a year of action for NAFGPD and a lot has been accomplished on behalf of Foster Grandparent Programs and the services our program provides; however, we still have our work cut out for us in 2009.  Here is a recap of accomplishments in our last quarter of 2008 and current behind the scenes advocacy efforts:

• NAFGPD was in the forefront at the National Community Service Conference in Atlanta.  Board members facilitated workshops, membership networked in the NAFGPD Hospitality Suite sponsored by our newest Friends of FGP, Secure Horizons (partnerships are available locally as well).  We had an outstanding time at the NAFGPD national meeting and reception; if you didn't attend you missed a great evening. 

• In December we sent a letter to Senator Harkin thanking him for his leadership on the Senate subcommittee on LHHS appropriations and support of FGP FY 2009 funding at 108 million.  If you recall, the Administration's proposed FY 2009 Budget Request would have slashed FGP down to 68 million. A similar letter was sent to Congressman Obey who chairs the House LHHS appropriations subcommittee. We expect work on the remaining FY 2009 appropriations bills will be completed with the passage of an Omnibus appropriations bill, however, Congress is also currently focused on passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.      

• Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Program's first year was a huge task but a wonderful success thanks to the management team.  The grant was renewed for a second year and we plan to engage a total of 85 trained Mentors nationwide who will be matched with a total of 170 new Senior Corps project directors.  If you would like to participate as a Mentor or a Mentee (a new senior corps director), please contact your Corporation state office, the benefits for all involved are wonderful.

•  Partnering with Voices for National Service (VNS) on the culmination of the Serve America Act and the Encore Service Act that would increase FGP funding to $228 million.  The Encore Service Act was introduced by Senator Dodd at the Service Nation Summit..... NAFGPD supports the Encore Service Act.  This increase would address the inequity in funding across the nation and restore the infrastructure of programs that have been eroded by cuts and no increases....... would provide a stipend increase to $3.00.... provide funds or PNS grants for expansion of existing programs and provide for new programs in un-served areas.  We also introduced recommendations to CNCS to wave the 80/20 regulations during economic down-turns.    

•  In January, NAFGPD and NARSVP sent a letter to President-elect Barack Obama that described how an investment in these programs in economic recovery legislation will aid in our nation's overall economic recovery efforts (members should have received a copy from your Cluster Rep.). 

• Partnership with MENTOR, Inc. first phase is going well, fourteen FGP's that are approved providers will receive more than $200,000.00 for their programs that are mentoring children of prisoners.  We were told that information on the second phase regarding matches effective Oct. 2008 will be provided after the first of the year, we know that more NAFGPD members will respond when the invitation is extended and we are patiently waiting to learn about the year 2 requirements. 

• NAFGPD extended an invitation to the Chairman of the CNCS Board of Directors to work with NAFGPD to support all CNCS programs, but more specifically FGP and Senior Corps and to recognize the important contributions of senior volunteers to National Service.    

• 2009 NAFGPD membership invitations were distributed.  I encourage you to join NAFGPD in working for Foster Grandparent Programs in 2009, an exciting year that will be filled with challenges.  Also, this is a national election year to elect new Board officers.  Your professional membership must be received on or before 3/31/09 in order for you to be eligible to nominate, run for an office or vote in this election.  Become a part of an organization that truly speaks with a unified voice for Foster Grandparent Programs.   

I am hopeful that 2009 is going to be a fantastic opportunity for our programs; however, with the economic situation who knows&whether good or bad it will take all FGP's working together to address the needs for our programs to serve the low income seniors and special needs children in our communities.

The Board will be meeting March 1-4, 2009 in Washington, DC and I invite you to contact your NAFGPD Cluster Representative or Alternate to share your concerns and or ideas to improve the management of FGP's.

Warmest regards,

Sherry Black, NAFGPD President