Whereas, Foster Grandparent Programs provide challenging and meaningful volunteer opportunities for older adults; and,

Whereas, Volunteer service is a proven health promotion strategy for older adults; and,

Whereas, Michigan citizens benefit from 19 Foster Grandparent Programs that serve 59 Michigan counties; and,

Whereas, Foster Grandparent Programs partner with more than 2,000 non-profit organizations to meet a variety of human and community needs, reaching across generations; and,

Whereas, Statewide, there are on average 900 Foster Grandparent volunteers giving approximately 900,000 hours of assistance to 7,000 children with special needs yearly, making a positive difference in areas such as literacy, school preparedness, and juvenile delinquency by mentoring and nurturing exceptional needs children; and,

Whereas, The significant service of Foster Grandparent volunteers has reinforced the strength and future of these children and local communities of the State of Michigan; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim January 18, 2006, as Foster Grandparent Volunteer Day in Michigan.