Foster Grandparents Make A Difference

The Catholic Charities of Houma-Thibodaux Foster Grandparents Program held its 29th Annual Recognition Luncheon at the Pastoral Center on April 8 to celebrate more than 1,621,000 all-time volunteer hours! ​
Through the Foster Grandparent Program, adults age 55 and older in our community volunteer in schools and childcare centers—mentoring, tutoring, and supporting children who need it most. From helping with reading to simply being a caring presence, they make a lasting difference in young lives. More than just volunteers, these “grandparents” build meaningful relationships and remind each child that they are seen, valued, and loved. The program is federally funded through AmeriCorps Seniors.
 
Congratulations to these foster grandparents who were recognized for their outstanding service over the years:
 

• Lena Hunter has served 26 years with 31,000 volunteer service hours. 
• Paty O'Gwin has served 20 years with 23,800 volunteer service hours.
• Ethel Griffin has served 17 years with more than 20,500 volunteer service hours. 
• Janet Robertson for 14 years and 18,400 service hours
• Vera Jones for 13 years and 17,200 service hours
• Priscilla Grady for 13 years and 17,100 service hours
• Alberta Hite for 13 years and 16,500 service hours
• Joyce LeGarde for 13 years and 16,300 service hours 

Also deserving of recognition were:

•  Verna Shanklin for 11 years and 14,100 service hours
•  Eartha Johnson for 11 years and 13,500 service hours
•  Emma Joseph for 10 years and 10,300 service hours
•  Donna Johnson for eight years and 9,400 service hours
•  Audrey Simmons for six years and 10,100 service hours
•  Mary Ann Scott for six years and 10,000 service hours
•  Jesse Mckenzie for six years and 9,500 service hours
•  Brenda Washington for six years and 8,300 service hours
•  Constance Tarleton for six years and 7,600 service hours
•  Betty Davis for six years and 7,000 service hours
•  Evelyn Walter for six years and 5,100 service hours

At the luncheon, a special memorial mention was made for Brenda Delco who served for 9 years and provided more than 12,160 dedicated volunteer service hours to Hattie Watts Elementary School and Mount Era Baptist Church Summer Enrichment Program. She passed away on July 21, 2025.
​Special thanks to Van Johnson, who has served as the program director since its inception in our diocese. He was recently named on the national board as the South-Central Region Representative. In this role, Johnson draws on his deep expertise to elevate community voices, advance meaningful progress, and strengthen collective impact. In addition, he serves as Parliamentarian for the board, helping to guide effective governance and ensure strong, transparent decision-making.
 
Thank you again to our grandparents and to all who serve on the advisory board. Our diocese is grateful for these members of our community who continue to give of themselves in such a beautiful way. 
 
Learn more about the program at https://catholiccharitiesht.org/foster-grandparent-program.