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Our Community
Foster Grandparent Program
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| Citizens for Citizens Foster Grandparent Amelia Kosmo assists as a volunteer in the Pediatrics Unit at St. Anne's Hospital. She loves her assignment and encourages seniors to become active volunteers. |
Since 1969, Citizens for Citizens has sent its community-minded participants in the Foster Grandparent Program to locations throughout the area where talented volunteers could be used to work with children in need of special attention.
Over the years, hundreds of CFC volunteers have offered hope to children with reading disabilities to compete on a level playing field with other students. The results, according to educators, have been dramatic as children identified as being at-risk of failure have succeeded when the odds were originally stacked against them.
CFC’s 85 Foster Grandparents serve two cities, seven towns, 14 elementary schools, two hospitals, several day care and after school day care programs, and two Head Start Programs. Currently 240 children with special needs are being tutored.
William O’Brien was the first project director succeeded by Steven Camara, Louis Pettine and the current director, James Souza.
In 1984, according to Mr. Souza, the first Foster Grandparents were placed in Fall River public schools. The volunteers were quickly embraced by educators who saw in them the wisdom that came with age and experience, the communicative skills they brought to the task and the endearing qualities of an older person able to work one-on-one with school-age children.
Mr. Souza noted that in 2001, in order to improve the tutoring skills of volunteers, CFC entered into a tutoring training program with the University of Pittsburgh. FGP participants received training in the classroom and at sites to enhance their tutoring skills. The response from volunteers and professional educators was positive and the effectiveness of the training was cited by the volunteers themselves.
He commented, "It is always inspiring to see the time and effort our Foster Grandparents devote to their community. They ask little or nothing in return. The satisfaction comes in the success of helping a child in need of their loving attention."
Mr. Souza said that the feedback that comes from the community is remarkable. He added, “These volunteers are inspiring to everyone who has contact with them.”
Fall River Mayor Edward Lambert, when addressing the volunteers at a recognition helt at White’s of Westport, said the community is very proud of the contributions made by the "Greatest Generation" which was called upon in a very difficult time and responded with courage and determination.
He said the members of that generation continue to serve their communities, state and nation through the Foster Grandparent Program.
He recalled that as a young counselor at St. Vincent’s Home, he was impressed with the talents and dedication of an FGP volunteer named Mary Casili who encouraged him to date a young woman who would eventually become his wife.
He told the volunteers they should be very proud of their service. The mayor said, "Foster Grandparents is one of the best programs in the community and is highly respected for its role in making Fall River a better place."
The city’s chief executive noted he was proud to be in the presence of FGP volunteers who offer a “tender touch” to youngsters who need guidance and attention.
CFC Executive Director Mark A. Sullivan Jr. noted that the Greatest Generation referred to by the mayor has not lost its spirit and that the participants of the program "step up to the plate" when they feel called to serve and to do whatever it takes for the betterment of their community.
He said: "This is a tremendous program and you are needed to offer direction to young people who could make the wrong choices in life. We live in a time of disconnect when heroin costs less than coffee, when bad decisions can ruin a young person for life. You are there so that young people can make the right decisions."
The CFC chief noted that the Foster Grandparent Program was the first program he initiated after assuming the executive director position. Mr. Sullivan stated, "We have a great program, great director and the greatest volunteers and CFC is proud of you."
He commented that many volunteers serve for 20 years or more “and it isn’t for the money. You are rewarded in the hugs of babies and the love that they have for you as you give them self-worth. Over the years, I watched the Foster Grandparents help children overcome the poverty of the spirit.”
The CFC executive director noted that the volunteers exude a real sense of vitality and love of life. He said that based on his observations, it appears volunteering has been a way for many to stay young by remaining active, alert to the needs of others and dedicated to making life better for the people of their respective communities.
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CFC heating program helps families throughout SouthCoast with repairs to home systems
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| Kevin Cabral of Somerset, right, shown with Joseph Silvia, director of Citizens for Citizens Heating Assistance Program, is grateful for the help he received to improve his home heating system. |
Since the winter of 1984 – 1985, Citizens for Citizens has operated a program to repair or replace heating equipment for eligible fuel assistance recipients. While saving valuable energy resources and cutting utility costs to area residents, the program has brought nearly $5 million to the cities and towns CFC serves.
Joseph Silvia, program director for CFC, said there have been 1,742 heaters installed in the past 21 years at no cost to the client. These heaters include: boilers for forced hot water or steam and warm air furnaces. All of these heaters provide households with a reliable source of heat as well as reduced fuel consumption. The amount of pollutants released into the atmosphere is also reduced.
He explained: "A boiler replacement can reduce fuel consumption by at least 15 percent. This results in a minimum reduction in fuel consumption of 150 gallons of oil or 300 therms of natural gas in a heating season. The decrease in the seasonal cost of fuel will be affected by the retail cost of the fuel."
The funding and the service area have varied in the 21 year history of the program. Throughout this time period all repairs and installations have been performed by local heating equipment vendors, while CFC personnel have performed administrative, outreach, and monitoring functions.
According to Mr. Silvia, "Most of the families who have received heater services are homeowners and a small minority are tenants. These families received the following kinds of services: replace defective heater components; annual tune-up; replace boiler or furnace; replace space heater; new fuel tank; asbestos removal associated with a boiler replacement."
He said that during the first two years of the program (1984 – 1986) the service area included Fall River, Taunton, New Bedford and most of the local towns. During the rest of the 1980s and until 1996, CFC serviced the Fall River – Taunton area while the New Bedford area was assigned to PACE.
In 1997 the Massachusetts office of Housing and Community Development combined the Fall River and New Bedford heater programs and CFC again was providing heater services to all three cities and most of the surrounding towns.
The funding for heater activities varied considerably from 1984 until the current year. In the 1980s, funding ranged from two hundred to three hundred thousand dollars. There was a steady decline in the early 1990s with funding being gradually reduced to less than $150,000. When CFC was again assigned the New Bedford area funding was increased and has increased each year until the present. The amount of funding available through HWAP and other funding is more than $400,000.
Mr. Silvia noted that the staffing has varied considerably since the inception of the program. In the 1980s, there were four full-time people in the Fall River and Taunton area. Currently there are two full-time and one part time staff. Two of the staff have training and experience in residential heating equipment. The third staff member is trained in personal computer use including programming.
The major source of funds since the beginning of this program has been the Federal Fuel Assistance Program. For three years in the 1980s, the state also provided a smaller amount of funds.
Mr. Silvia explained:
"In 2004, a new source of funding was available – public utility funds. With this we are able to do an installation where more than a new heater is needed. The public utility companies that have contributed include: NSTAR Gas and Electric; Mass Electric; New England Gas; Bay State Gas. In 2004 and 2005 these companies have provided us with $186,000.
"Recently, another source is the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative. They are paying for heater installations using the best available technology. We have two jobs on order with their funds. The collaborative also would like to have installed alternative energy systems such as photovoltaic and wind electric power; solar heated water. We will also have the option of installing indirect hot water tanks and other heating devices."
Other services are also performed. There were 5,479 annual tune-ups completed in 21 years. This service reduces fuel consumption as well as locates any problem with the heater. The fuel saving is at least 5 percent of the total cost for a heating season. Repair work was done for 5,414 households. A repair does not necessarily reduce fuel consumption, but the heat is restored.
According to Mr. Silvia: “The number of households who received some level of service in the years the heater program has operated is 10,296. Priority is given to those who have lost their heat, elderly, handicapped, and households with children six years of age or less.
"Our clients have experienced the benefit of improved heating equipment. Less money is spent on fuel and is available for other needs. They can feel confident that throughout the winter the heater will remain operating. In some cases a health hazard was eliminated."
Kevin Cabral of Palmer Street in Somerset has high praise for the program.
Through the CFC program, he had a major project competed including a new gas-fired boiler, removal of asbestos, chimney liner installed. He had a co-payment of about $1,000 for the project which cost some $4,000.
"Without the program I could not have made these improvements," Cabral stated.
For more information about the program, call Mr. Silvia at (508) 675-2157.
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CFC child care providers on career track
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| Pat Flanagan looks over the shoulder of a youngster on one of the computers in the learning center that is also her home in the city’s North End. |
FALL RIVER ~ Those who think caring for the needs of children is "simply babysitting" need not bother to apply to become a Citizens for Citizens Family Child Care provider.
That is the feeling of Linda Wheelock, director of CFC's Family Child Care Program, who stressed, "Caring for young children is a responsibility that encompasses many facets including child development, nutrition, patience, personal attention to a child's needs and the willingness to continue to enhance their own child nurturing skills."
She said that while CFC's childcare providers can earn substantial incomes working out of their homes, they are required to attend monthly workshops and be willing to progress up the career ladder established for the program by community action agency.
Ms. Wheelock insisted: "We offer our childcare providers constant training with a variety of essential workshops so that they can excel in the important responsibilities that they are accepting. We will get prospective childcare providers licensed and we then insist that they follow the professional development plan established by CFC. We are very supportive of the providers' own needs in ensuring they succeed.
"There are currently 21 childcare providers in the CFC program and we work closely with them to achieve their career goals. Each home-based location is visited regularly by CFC staff to ensure that the high standards of the program are maintained. We offer healthy, safe learning environments where children can find nurturing and a place to develop language and many other skills."
The CFC program participates in Fall River Community Partnerships for working parents. It offers childcare services to parents who are working, attending school, seeking employment or participating in a program state Department of Social Services, the Office of Child Care Services.
As part of their childcare training, providers may determine that a child is in need of special attention and they may advise parents where they may go to find assistance. Families with children in the program are often directed to the many other services offered by Citizens for Citizens including After School Day Care, fuel assistance and Operation Christmas.
During a visit to the home of long-time child care provider Pat Flanagan, she said that over the 16 years that Ms. Flanagan has been a second mom to more than 50 children. She has continued her education earning her credentials as a child development associate in 1998 and having the credentials renewed last year.
Ms. Flanagan is graduating this month from Bristol Community College with an associate's degree in early childhood education. She maintained a 3.96 average. Her plans are to attend Bridgewater State College and to study in the field of speech communications disorders.
Why did Ms. Flanagan get involved in the Family Child Care Program at CFC? "I had a two-year old daughter and was expecting another child when I first became a child care provider with Citizens for Citizens. I wanted to be able to work at home and to take care of my own children while earning a salary. I wanted a career and early childhood education is something that especially interests me."
In the basement of her raised ranch in the city's North End, is a classroom to rival any in the area with age appropriate reading materials, two computers linked to the internet, educational games, puzzles, colorful pictures and art work of the youngsters.
Over the years, Ms. Flanagan has received a number of letters of praise from area educators and professionals involved in early childhood development.
In one typical letter from a pediatric-speech-language pathologist with the Greater Fall River Early Intervention Program, the CFC childcare provider was described as follows:
"Mrs. Flanagan is acutely aware of the individual needs of each child entrusted to her, and Mrs. Flanagan tailors her lesson plans to accommodate the special needs of each child." The letter goes on to say, "Mrs. Flanagan even sets aside time during her day to specifically address language development with the children in her day care."
Anyone wishing to become a childcare provider should contact Ms. Wheelock at 324-7517.
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Fowler School students given party for being top collector of food supplies
FALL RIVER ~ Citizens for Citizens Food Pantry Drive raised $3,995 in cash and collected 9,503 items as part of the Feinstein Foundation Challenge which ended on April 30th, according to Maureen Tavares, CFC campaign coordinator.
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| Alicia Rodrigues, 7, center collected the most perishable items at Fowler School. Other children who were among the leaders are, from left, Jacob Perry, 9, Peter Montigny, 12, Jasmine Morris, 8, and Samantha Barboza, 10. Principal Joan Darcy and CFC First Vice President joined in the ice cream sundae celebration honoring the school’s accomplishment.
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According to Ms. Tavares, tiny Fowler Elementary School, with about 150 students, took top honors in the number of non-perishable items collected as part of the area-wide effort to help combat hunger. Feinstein Foundation has promised to match dollar-for-dollar any cash donations and 50 cents per non-perishable item collected during the drive.
Principal Joan Darcy said that more than 2,000 non-perishable items were collected by the youngsters in the small 106 year old elementary school tucked away on Sprague Street just blocks from the CFC administration building on Griffin Street.
CFC First Vice President Butch Almeida paid a visit to the school on May 1 to announce that they were first in the local challenge.
In recognition of the accomplishment, the school treated the youngsters to ice cream sundaes.Visiting each classroom, Almeida's announcement that Fowler collected more perishable items was greated with gasps and loud cheers.
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| Fall River Five Cents Savings Bank was one of several organizations who responded to the call for food and they provided two vehicles filled with items. Maureen Tavares, left, CFC food drive coordinator, is shown with, from left, Andrew Guilbeault, bank officer, Deidre Fountain, human resources officer and bank marketing and public relations officer Christina Melo.
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The CFC first vice president asked each class why the food was needed and youngsters all raised their hands. Their answers were: "To help poor people..." "So children will have something to eat..." "Some people don't have food and get sick."
According to Ms. Tavares, food pantry coordinator, said the community has responded to the growing problem of hunger in the area. "Churches, schools, businesses and individuals rallied to help us meet the needs of so many. In behalf of all those who will benefit from the generosity demonstrated during the drive period, we wish to thank everyone for their support of this drive."
Congregational Christian Church of Somerset made the largest single donation of $1,000. Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School National Honor Society contributed $400.
Ms. Tavares said that even though the Feinstein Foundation Challenge has ended, the problem of hunger persists and on-going community support is essential. Checks should be made payable to Citizens for Citizens ~ with Food Pantry written in the memo portion of the check ~ and dropped off or mailed to CFC at 264 Griffin St., Fall River, MA 02724.
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RSVP volunteer gets National Points of Light Award.
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| Gloria Desrosiers, left, supervises a team of dedicated volunteers at the Fall River Community Soup Kitchen on Slade Street.
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It isn't every day that a former president writes to you to praise what you are doing and it surely isn't an insignificant event when a day is set aside across the nation to honor your personal contributions to making the world a better place.
That is exactly what has happened to Gloria Desrosiers, Citizens for Citizens Retired Senior Volunteer Program participant who supervises the Fall River Community Soup Kitchen at the Catholic Social Services office on Slade Street.
Gloria was stunned when she received a letter signed by former President George Bush announcing that she had been chosen to receive the National Points of Light Award for her community service.
On top of that, Oct. 29, 2002 was set aside as a day to honor Gloria on the National Points of Light web site.
Last April, the RSVP volunteer received a Points of Light Citation from Acting Gov. Jane Swift.
Gloria has been preparing food for a living for decades. She grew up in the food service business. From the time she was a child, Gloria's family ran Gledma Dairy Dip on Stafford Road in Tiverton. Eventually Gloria took over the business which meant summers were totally committed to Gledma.
When it was off season, Gloria would find other ways to keep busy but none of those efforts would be as rewarding as giving her time and talents to feeding the area's neediest residents.
Gloria has been the supervisor at the Fall River Community Soup Kitchen on Slade Street for the past several years and her volunteers remain loyal as she insists on everyone maintaining high standards of food preparation. The dining room seats 32 people and is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Gloria insists that the tables look appealing. She said, "Just because our clients have nothing doesn't mean they are not worthy of a good meal in a decent place. We use whatever we have and we depend heavily on donations. But no person who comes to this soup kitchen will get anything less than a well-prepared nutritious meal."
In her kitchen, Gloria's sense of humor shines through as she good-naturedly keeps her volunteers on their toes. She asks rhetorically, "What else could I do with my life that would be more rewarding than this?"
She doesn't mind begging for food either. "Wherever I go I ask, 'What are you going to do with your leftovers.'"
Gloria says the community is very supportive with grocery stores, service clubs, restaurants and bakeries offering food for the kitchen. St. Patrick's Parish is generous in support of the kitchen.
Her years of experience help Gloria determine how much food to prepare. As a food service professional, all of her talents are used to cook, bake and supervise her crew.
Early in the month, clients have money after receiving their checks and there are fewer people to feed. But as the days pass, the numbers grow and at the end of each month as many as 80 or more make their way to the soup kitchen.
She stated, "You never know how many people you will feed and one thing that we can not do is to run out of food. That can't happen. We won't let that happen."
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CFC food pantry shelves bare, as needy flock to agency
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| Maureen Tavares, Citizens for Citizens community food coordinator, checks out the food cupboard at the agency office at 264 Griffin St.
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Citizens for Citizens community food coordinator Maureen Tavares is feeling a little like Old Mother Hubbard these days.
Her cupboard is bare because the food pantry is unable to keep up with the growing need in the community.
Tavares, who has been at CFC off an on since 1981, said she has never seen such a demand for food at the agency's pantry located at 264 Griffin St.
The CFC community food coordinator stated: "On Oct. 7th I received 215 cases of food from the Boston Food Bank, within five days the food pantry shelves were bare. In that shipment we received 132 pounds of hamburger meat and 300 boxes of cereal. There is nothing left right now."
Ms. Tavares said that in September, in addition to those individuals and families previously served, there were 109 new households served.
She attributes the rise in demand to a weakening economy, lower individual and family incomes, unemployment due to downsizing and cuts in welfare benefits. In addition to the higher demand, CFC's food pantry has to compete with a massive increase in the number of food pantries opening up across the state due to the region's downturn in the economy over the past two years.
The Boston Food Bank must parcel out food evenly to each of the food pantries and as a result there is a decrease in the amount of food available to CFC.
Ms. Tavares said that the food pantry is in need of community support from supermarkets or grocery stores. "We have funds to purchase food but we can not afford to pay the retail price. We need angels who can collect food for our pantry or who will be willing to sell to us at discount prices so that we may provide food to individuals and families in need."
Anyone willing to support the CFC food pantry should contact Ms. Tavares at (508) 679-0041. The food pantry is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon.
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CFC After School Day Care program lauded by parents and guardians at third annual 'Lights On' observance
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| Karen Roy and her son Jeffrey, took part in the third annual "Lights on After School" event. |
Karen Roy had been made aware of Citizens for Citizens After School Day Care Program through a friend whose daughter was enrolled in the program. When an opening came about, she quickly enrolled her nine-year-old son Jeffrey.
At the third annual "Lights on AfterSchool" observance on Oct. 10th, Mrs. Roy talked about the convenience of the location which is just a couple of blocks from her home. She stressed the personal comfort she feels in knowing Jeffrey is in a safe, healthy learning environment while she is at work at the Southcoast Cardiac Surgical Center.
The medical secretary said that her son, who is in fourth grade at Notre Dame School, has quickly adapted to the program and had made many new friends. "This program is so much better than where he was before. Unlike where he was before, on professional days at Notre Dame School, when there is no school, Jeffrey can come here."
Noting that the youngsters attended New England Patriots training camp in Smithfield, RI, just before he enrolled, Jeffrey said he is looking forward to the trip in 2003.
Phyllis Rego also took part in the "Lights Afterschool" program and tries to attend the special events at After School Day Care whenever possible.
Her granddaughter, Jamie Lee Roberts, 12, was one of the student ambassadors distributing literature to visiting parents, grandparents and guardians.
The program allows Ms. Rego the freedom to work. She is employed at Reflek and feels secure in the knowledge that Jamie is in good hands until she is able to pick her up at the end of the day.
"Jamie has been in the program for four years and because of After School Day Care she has interacted very well with other children and the staff. She is a good kid and there have been no problems here, she is well-behaved."
Ms. Rego "highly recommends" CFC After School Day Care to her friends and family. She added that parents and guardians are able to pursue careers to earn money to support their families or to go to school to study for a better position with the knowledge that the children are well supervised.
Parents signed petitions, in the shape of light bulbs, urging support of after school programs. The event, part of a national observance to raise awareness of the need for after school programs and to support additional funding and resources, was a project of the Afterschool Alliance. The national sponsor of the event is J.C. Penney Afterschool.
Some of the comments of parents who took part in the event are as follows:
Ana Ferreira said, "I can work and show my children that work is a good thing."
Donna Mitchell, "I have a safe place for my children to go after school and throughout the summer while I work. Because it's based on income, it's affordable and they always have activities and trips for the kids which is great."
Michael Mills, "My children get to express themselves in a way that they might not be able to otherwise and have another structural environment to go to other than home or school."
Anthony Santiago, "The kids learn more things and become social. They also do their homework and make a lot of new friends and, most of all, they are safe."
Krissanne St. Pierre, "It helps me to work longer without having to worry about my child walking home or being safe."
Jodi Hutchins, "My son has a fun, supervised and safe place to hang out for a couple of hours after school and I feel better knowing where he is and that he's not out on the streets unsupervised and getting into trouble. After school day care helps to keep kids off drugs and out of trouble which definitely brightens their future. Thank you to After School Day Care for making the world a better place."
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| Phyllis Rego and her granddaughter, Jamie Lee Roberts, took part in the third annual "Lights on After School" event. |
Michelle Dionne, "It keeps my kids busy and out of trouble. I don't have to worry about them after school."
Holly Grimsley, "They ensure me a proper and safe care for my child. They are really into the kids and inform me of everything that goes on with my child. Besides, my child has a great time attending CFC After School Day Care. The staff here is great!"
Erika Andrade, "The teachers make a big difference on the children. Because they try to be on top of them at all times and when some parents don't help with that the kids won't want to listen to no one. They will think they are the boss!!!"
Ivelisse Martinez, "There is not one day that I worry or have any concern about my children. Quality time at school; quality time at After School Day Care; quality time at home are a winning combination as the smallest society (the family) and as a result a much better society. Please do not let anybody interfere with this great service."
Marie Afonso, "After School Day Care is a safe affordable place where children can socialize and interact with other children their age. It allows me to continue working and pay affordable rates where I know my child is safe and happy."
Antonia Melendez, "It helps my children with their homework and as a single parent every little help is appreciated."
Maribel Hills, "After School Day Care inspires students in learning and in becoming good kids in the future. It is always willing to keep and accommodate both kids and parents."
Edward Phillips, "It allows me to work longer hours knowing my child is save and involved in activities that will benefit in his higher education. I truly support the programs and the teachers now and in the future. It's a great place for the kids to be."
Justyne Kreiner, "After School Day Care gives me the opportunity to work. Being a single mom, it's nice to know my daughter is being taken care of by a very caring staff."
Janice Pires, "There are many things for the kids to do like sports and games. It gives them an opportunity for the kids to interact with each other. I think After School Day Care is very important to me."
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RSVP members honored at recognition breakfast
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| William Leary, RSVP director, is interviewed by AT&T Broadband for airing on the evening news. |
They are called The Greatest Generation and members of Citizens for Citizens Retired Senior Volunteer Program were hailed for their continuing service to their communities at the annual Recognition Breakfast held at the Venus De Milo Restaurant.
Approximately 250 volunteers and guests were on hand to join in the celebration of
volunteerism.
William Leary, RSVP director, said that the group contributed some 70,000 hours of
community service in Greater Fall River and Greater Taunton over the past year, with a savings to area taxpayers of almost $1 million.
The RSVP director recalled the steadfast work of the late Olivia Giannini who served as Taunton RSVP coordinator for many years. He said that just before her death last year, Ms. Giannini urged him to make sure the program continued.
He recognized the corporate partners for the event, which included First Federal Savings Bank, Brayton Point Power Station, Barnes and Noble and Wal-Mart.
The program director said it was a joy to work with the volunteers and to see them find great personal satisfaction in their service to their communities.
Mark A. Sullivan Jr., executive director of Citizens for Citizens, said that the state and federal budgets over the next 18 months will place a great burden on communities. The state budget is a disaster, he said. The federal budget has used up the surplus and creating a major deficit.
The CFC executive director told of how Fall River will raise local property taxes. He said: “The things you do for your communities will be needed more than ever in the months and years to come. With the aging population of Baby Boomers, in 10 years there will be more people facing problems with money, health insurance and in need of the services you people provide.
"Your reward for your service certainly is not a breakfast once a year. You like what you do.
"Let’s face it, it is nice to be needed. Try and get friends to help volunteer and experience your joy."
He concluded: "Picture the institutions you serve and try to imagine what they would be like without you. Please continue your good work."
Janet Lebel, who serves as Sen. John Kerry’s local relations representative, read a letter from the senator to the CFC executive director, praising him for his 30 years of service to the area as head of the community action agency.
State Rep. David Sullivan joined in the praise of the volunteers and had high praise for the staff of Citizens for Citizens "for your tremendous work."
The state representative, who has been an avid advocate for CFC programs, talked of the great accomplishments of Citizens for Citizens and offered his continued support for CFC programs.
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CFC programs hold family cookout
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| Dawn Dube, who has had a child in either Family Day Care or After School Day Care for some 14 years, is shown with her daughter Samantha, 2. |
SPECIAL TO THE HERALD NEWS
They sang, they danced, they hula hooped, they kicked balls and jumped rope, they
met a famous crime fighting dog and they ate hot dogs and chourico sandwiches.
The annual family cookout of Citizens for Citizens After School Day Care and Family Day Care brought together staff, parents and children to the annual cookout held at the Robeson Street Annex.
Alexander Lastra, 5, was the first to step up to the challenge of DJ Barbara and take
the microphone to sing along with the hit tune "Hit Me One More Tim" by Britney
Spears. Little Alexander showed he doesn’t lack confidence ~ especially when it came to the refrain "Baby Baby" at which point his voice projection was at maximum output.
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| Alexancer Lastra belts out a song made popular by Britney Spears. |
His mom watched in amusement and said that in his first year at After School Day
Care she has witnessed her son’s behavior improve and he has become more sociable with better manners. The program, she said, allows her to work full time knowing that Alexander is in a safe and caring environment. She foresees Alexander returning every year to After School Day Care.
Dawn Dube, who has had a child in either Family Day Care or After School Day Care for some 14 years, watched as her daughter Samantha, 2, played with other children.
Ms. Dube stated: "I have six children and all six were involved in Citizens for Citizens Family Day Care and After School Day Care and because of that I have been able to work knowing they are in good hands. In all of the 14 years I have used the services of Family Day Care and After School Day Care, there has never been a single problem."
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