SHERMAN, JUNE 13, 2019 – Officials from Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG) hosted a recognition event today to honor the Texoma Foster Grandparent (FGP) volunteers of Cooke, Fannin and Grayson counties.

The Foster Grandparent Program, authorized by Congress in 1965, became active in Texoma in 1997. Texoma residents age 55 and older with a heart to serve who meet certain income level requirements, are able to pass a physical and criminal background check, and can commit to a minimum of 15 hours a week are invited to join the program. A small stipend and excess liability insurance are provided to volunteers who participate in the program.

As part of the celebration and recognition for their service, volunteers enjoyed a trip to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas. The museum tour was exhilarating and inspired all who attended, reminding everyone of how spectacular the universe is and that it is never too late to learn. The Foster Grandparent volunteers enjoyed lunch at the Perot Museum café and also participated in a special awards presentation where volunteers were recognized for milestone anniversaries and volunteer hours served. A special “Volunteer of the Year” award was presented to Rata Perry, and the Foster Grandparent “Station of the Year” was awarded to Fairview Elementary School in Sherman.

TCOG executive director, Eric Bridges, commented, “Foster Grandparent volunteers provide a positive and productive impact on the children they interact with on a daily basis. Our community continues to be blessed and supported by these senior volunteers who dependably give of themselves to support area children who need it the most.”

The regional Foster Grandparent Program currently consists of 51 volunteers who mentor approximately 150 children at over 30 volunteer host stations throughout Texoma including schools, day cares and community facilities. Texoma FGP volunteers are role models and mentors who provide support to children with exceptional needs. Texoma Senior Corps programs benefit both the community and the volunteers, creating a win-win experience for everyone involved. In 2018, volunteers contributed over 40,000 hours of service equivalent to nearly $1.1 million in value according to the Independent Sector Website on The Value of Volunteer Time.

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson Counties. Established in 1968, the Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Either directly, or through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.

Lake Kiowa residents Clenton “Butch” and Pat Streeter received the Spirit of Service award for Cooke County from the Texoma Council of Governments at the organization’s annual recognition banquet for volunteers with the Texoma Retired Senior and Volunteer Program.

The Streeters, who volunteer at North Texas Medical Center, along with other RSVP volunteers contributed 93,919 hours of service in the region last year, according to a press release from TCOG. Eric M. Bridges, executive director of TCOG, formally commended the efforts of volunteers and spoke about the importance of volunteerism at the May 2 banquet.

“Our communities are very fortunate to have seniors who continue to give of themselves through their time and effort to help support our community outreach programs,” Bridges said. “Their commitment to serve others is priceless.”

Spirit of Service awards for the three participating counties — Cooke, Grayson and Fannin — were presented by each county’s RSVP Advisory Council chair. The award recipients were nominated for their dedication and contributions.

Senior volunteers apply their skills and the wisdom they have acquired throughout their lives to help make a difference in the lives of others. Volunteers have the flexibility of choosing short- or long-term projects for as long as they are able to serve.

The RSVP was established nationally in 1971 and became active in Texoma in 1987. Texoma RSVP currently consists of 622 volunteers and 58 volunteer host stations including crisis centers, hospitals, food pantries, meal deliveries and other community facilities throughout the Texoma region.

Source: https://www.gainesvilleregister.com/news/local_news/ntmc-volunteers-receive-award/article_5d88cd8e-7053-11e9-ba1f-13691f658d24.html

Texoma Senior Corps celebrates Foster Grandparent Program Volunteers

SHERMAN, June 21, 2018 – Susan B. Thomas, PhD, Executive Director of Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG), commended Texoma Senior Corps for hosting a recognition event honoring the Texoma Foster Grandparent (FGP) volunteers of Cooke, Fannin and Grayson counties on June 21, 2018.

As part of the celebration for recognition of service, Texoma FGP volunteers enjoyed a trip to Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament in Dallas. The electrifying performance which focused on medieval history, included an interactive “hands on” feast that the volunteers thoroughly enjoyed. The Foster Grandparent volunteers also participated in a special awards presentation with program staff where volunteers were recognized for milestone anniversaries and volunteer hours served. Special awards presented included Volunteer of the Year, presented to Ronald (Dale) Rideout and FGP Station of the Year which was awarded to Wakefield Elementary School in Sherman, TX.

Dr. Thomas stated, “Our FGP volunteers cover a tremendous amount of territory, covering different agencies and institutions across the region. They provide stability, encouragement, love and compassion to all the lives they touch. Our community continues to be blessed by these senior volunteers who consistently give of themselves to assist our area children who need their support.”

The FGP currently consists of 41 volunteers and 30 volunteer host stations which include schools, day cares and community facilities throughout the tri-county area. Texoma Foster Grandparents are role models, mentors and friends to children with exceptional needs serving 15 to 40 hours per week. Texoma Senior Corps programs benefit the community, the organization, and the volunteer which creates a win-win experience for all involved. Approximately 140 local children are mentored by our program (FGP) volunteers. In 2017, volunteers contributed 43,392 hours of service. Those volunteer service hours equate to a value of $1,091,309 according to the Independent Sector Website on The Value of Volunteer Time.

The Texoma Foster Grandparent Program is also celebrating twenty years with its sponsor, the Texoma Council of Governments. The program was authorized by Congress in 1965 and became active in Texoma in 1997. Texoma residents age 55 and older, with a heart to serve who meet certain income level requirements, are able to pass a physical and criminal background check, and can commit to a minimum of fifteen hours a week are invited to join the program. A small stipend and liability insurance are provided to volunteers who participate in the program.

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson Counties. Established in 1968, the Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Either directly, or through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.

Texoma Senior Corps celebrates volunteers

SHERMAN, April 27, 2018 –Susan B. Thomas, PhD, Executive Director of Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG), commended Texoma Senior Corps for hosting a recognition event honoring the Texoma Retired Senior and Volunteer Program (RSVP) volunteers of Cooke, Fannin and Grayson counties on April 26, 2018.

RSVP volunteers attended the Annual RSVP Volunteer Recognition Banquet held at the Municipal Ballroom in Sherman, Texas. The theme for this year’s event was “Texoma RSVP Volunteers Have a Heart as Big as Texas.” While enjoying a wonderful lunch prepared by Rib Crib and listening to great music by Larry Massey, volunteers were recognized for their volunteer service this past year. Stephanie Chandler, Director of Community Investments with United Way of Grayson County, was the keynote speaker who provided encouraging words for all in attendance regarding the importance of volunteerism.

Bernice Sicking receives the Volunteer of the Year for Cooke County

Spirit of Service awards were presented by each county’s RSVP Advisory Council president to Bernice Sicking (Cooke), Grace Tucker (Fannin), Ken Powers (Grayson) who were nominated for their dedication and spirit of service. Dr. Thomas presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to recipient Helen Dale who reached 4,000 hours of service. RSVP Advisory Council members assisted with milestone service awards presentations in addition to other acknowledgments.

Thomas stated, “Our community is very privileged to have seniors who consistently donate their time and energy to help support our various community programs. Their commitment to service is priceless.”

JD Moore receives recognition for 25 years of volunteerism

The RSVP was established nationally in 1971 and became active in Texoma in 1987. Texoma RSVP currently consists of approximately 622 volunteers and 58 volunteer host stations which include crisis centers, hospitals, food pantries, meal deliveries, and other community facilities throughout the tri-county area. Texoma RSVP volunteers apply their skills and wisdom they’ve acquired throughout their lives to help make a positive difference in the lives of others. Volunteers have the flexibility of choosing short or long term projects for as long as they are able to serve. Texoma Senior Corps programs benefit the community, the organization, and the volunteer which creates a win-win experience for all involved. In 2017, Texoma RSVP volunteers contributed 87,195 hours of service within our tri-county area.

Texoma residents age 55 and older, with a heart to serve who meet certain income level requirements, are able to pass a physical and criminal background check, and can commit to a minimum of one hour per month are invited to join the program.

Additional service awards were given to many other RSVP volunteers

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson Counties. Established in 1968, the Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Either directly, or through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.

For Immediate Release

SHERMAN, MAY 19, 2017 – Celebrating National Senior Corps Week, Dr. Susan Thomas, Executive Director of Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG) commended TCOG’s Senior Corps volunteers for their more than 100,000 hours of service to the region.

In 2016, Texoma Senior Corps volunteers contributed 123,391 hours of service to ninety-seven tri-county stations which equates to a value of $3,103,275 according to the Independent Sector Website on “The Value of Volunteer Time.” Sixty-six local organizations in Cooke, Fannin and Grayson counties benefit from Texoma Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) volunteers. Approximately 140 local children are mentored by our forty Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) volunteers. Texoma Senior Corps volunteers serve as mentors to local students, transportation providers, food distributors, and meal deliverers, and they provide various other client based support activities throughout Texoma each year.

Dr. Thomas said, “These volunteers provide a tremendous, positive impact on the lives they touch. Our communities are blessed to have these senior volunteers who continue to give of themselves to help support our various community programs.”

According to the Corporation of National and Community Service, National Senior Corps Week, May 15-19, 2017 is the time to recognize not just the legacy of Senior Corps programs in communities, but also the unique ability of Americans age 55 and over to effect lasting generational impact. This week of recognition is also in accordance with the month of May which is Older Americans Month.

The Texoma Senior Corps volunteer program became active in Texoma in 1987. Texoma RSVP also became active in 1987 and the Foster Grandparent Program was added in 1997. Texoma residents age 55 and older, with a heart to serve, are eligible to volunteer in both programs. Those seniors interested becoming a Foster Grandparent volunteer must also meet certain income level requirements, be able to pass a physical and criminal background check, and commit to a minimum of fifteen hours a week. A small stipend and liability insurance are provided to volunteers who participate in the program. Texoma Senior Corps programs benefit the community, the organization, and the volunteer which creates a win-win experience for all involved.

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson Counties. Established in 1968, the Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Either directly, or through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.

SHERMAN, April 21, 2016– Dr. Susan Thomas, Executive Director of Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG), commended the Texoma Senior Corps for hosting a recognition event honoring the Texoma Retired Senior and Volunteer Program (RSVP) volunteers of Cooke, Fannin and Grayson counties on April 21, 2016.

RSVP volunteers attended the Annual RSVP Volunteer Recognition Banquet held at the Municipal Ballroom in Sherman Texas. While enjoying a picnic theme lunch and listening to great music, volunteers were recognized for their service this past year. Nancy Jackson, Director of Community Development for Home Hospice, was the keynote speaker who provided encouraging words for all the volunteers. Former Denison Mayor and current TCOG Staff-Board Liaison, Ret Col. Bill Lindsey recognized Texoma veterans who are active RSVP volunteers by presenting each one with a service pin of appreciation. TCOG Deputy Director Dr. Randy McBroom presented the Spirit of Service awards to Bob Cheairs, Fannin County, Bruce Bernstein, Cooke County, and Laurie Tillery, Grayson County. The Spirit of Service recipients are nominated by the volunteers of each county, and are recognized for their dedication and spirit of service. Dr. McBroom also presented the Lifetime Achievement awards to volunteers who reach 4000 hours of Service. RSVP Advisory Council members assisted with the Milestone service awards presentations.

Dr. Thomas said, “Our community is very fortunate to have seniors who continue to give of themselves through their time and effort to help support our community programs. It is a privilege to recognize and honor their service.”

The RSVP currently consists of approximately 620 volunteers and 73 volunteer host stations which include crisis centers, hospitals, food pantries, meal deliveries, and other community facilities throughout the tri-county area. Texoma RSVP volunteers apply their skills and wisdom they’ve acquired throughout their lives to help make a positive difference in the lives of others. Volunteers have the flexibility of choosing short or long term projects for as long as they are able to serve. Texoma Senior Corps programs benefit the community, the organization, and the volunteer which creates a win-win experience for all involved.

The RSVP was established in 1971 and became active in Texoma in 1987. Texoma residents age 55 and older, with a heart to serve who meet certain income level requirements, are able to pass a physical and criminal background check, and can commit to a minimum of one hour per month are invited to join the program.

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson Counties. Established in 1968, the Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Either directly, or through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.

For Immediate Release

Texoma seniors have a heart to serve

SHERMAN, December 31, 2014– Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG) offers Texoma seniors a variety of volunteer opportunities through the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and the Foster Grandparent Program. Whether a senior would like to help deliver meals with Meals on Wheels of Texoma or serve in one of our local elementary schools tutoring or reading with a special needs student, TCOG’s Senior Corps programs provide volunteer opportunities in more than 70 locations including schools, day cares, community centers, hospitals, and other social service agencies throughout the region.

During the 2013-2014 fiscal year, Senior Corps volunteers served more than 90,000 volunteer hours. According to Independent Sector’s Volunteer Time Calculator, the monetary value of a volunteer hour served in Texas is $23.40 per hour, bringing the total value of TCOG’s Senior Corps volunteer time served to more than $2 million. The 90,000 hours also represent the equivalent of 43.5 full time equivalent positions, which is significant when considered in terms of the salary and benefit dollars our local schools and non-profit agencies have saved by utilizing TCOG’s volunteer services.

While the payoff for the volunteer can’t be stated in the same monetary terms, the value is no less significant. Alice, a foster grandparent had this to say:

Many of our seniors have a heart to serve, and TCOG can find a place to help our seniors plug back into the community and feed that desire. Wanda is a TCOG RSVP volunteer, and she will tell you she was “born to serve others.” Wanda began volunteering by delivering meals with Meals on Wheels in the 1990’s in Odessa, Texas. She eventually retired and relocate to Gainesville, Texas where she currently resides. Wanda’s mission has always been to help others in need, so once again she returned to volunteering with Meals on Wheels locally. Although Wanda is now 89 years of age, moves a little slower, and is currently unable to drive, she’s not going to let a little thing like age stop her from what she refers to as “her mission” in life. With the assistance of her seated walker, Wanda continues to deliver meals in the senior citizen’s apartment complex where she lives. Wanda stated, “Sitting around can make you old, so I try to do what God wants me to do.”

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson Counties. Established in 1968, the Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Either directly, or through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.