Shearlene Whipple
Shearlene Whipple of Crothersville was recognized for contributing over 4,000 hours as a Foster Grandparent at Crothersville Community Schools.
Whipple, along with Meda Dixon, Gayle Walker and Carolyn Weddle volunteer to tutor and guide Crothersville Elementary students through the Foster Grandparent program.
Foster Grandparents are adults over age 55 who volunteer four hours daily every day school is in session with children in local elementary schools and Head Start Programs in Seymour, Brownstown, and Crothersville.
On June 17, Whipple received the President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Award from President Barack Obama honoring her service. She received a commendation letter and achievement pin.
The volunteers provide an extra special one-on-one attention, tutoring, and mentoring children with their work. The Foster Grandparent is part of an important intergenerational component of a child’s education and it is a very valuable part of the volunteer’s own day to day life.
For their assistance, Foster Grandparents receive a non-taxable stipend of $106 every two weeks that does not affect Social Security benefits, housing subsidies or any assistance.
Anyone wishing information on the program can call 1-866-644-6407.