Foster grannies and grandpas graduate from parenting education class

The Foster Grandparent Program, founded in San Antonio in 1965, matches seniors 55 years and older with special needs children and at-risk youth.

The services of the Foster Grandparent Program are based on a one-on-one relationship between the foster grandparent and a special needs child and focus on the gains that come from an individual, continuing relationship between a concerned mature adult and a child with special needs. The foster grandparent is essentially a parent substitute for children deprived of the benefits of a normal relationship with a parent or grandparent.

The foster grandparent takes on a supportive role, contributing kindness, patience and understanding in an on-going and signifi cant relationship.

As part of the orientation and training provided to the senior volunteers of the Foster Grandparent Program, our foster grandparent volunteers must participate in in-service training sessions on a quarterly basis. These sessions serve as continuing education opportunities for our grannies and grandpas in regard to serving special needs children and at-risk youth.

This past year, Foster Grandparent Program volunteers began participating in parenting education classes offered through the Precious Minds, New Connections program at Blessed Sacrament Child Development Center. Parent educator Kathy Lozano facilitates the weekly class every Tuesday.

“At first,” says Lozano, “some of the grandparents are a bit nervous as they do not know what to expect. School has not always been a successful part of their lives, and they may come in a bit intimidated about reading or writing…Once they get settled in lesson one and fi nd that it is about real life, about experiences and about drawing on their wisdom and memories, they relax. The grandparents always tell me they wish the class did not have to end.” Read More ...

Lanierites honor Margaret Zepeda for her work with West Side youth

This past September, Guadalupe Community Center hosted a dedication ceremony to honor Margaret Zepeda on her 96th birthday. Zepeda was a dedicated softball coach in the 1940s and 1950s on San Antonio’s West Side.

Zepeda was honored by the Lanierites, a Lanier High School alumni group, for her commitment to the youth of the West Side. She produced winning teams of all ages and is remembered for her love of sports and desire to establish self worth in the children she coached.

On Sept. 15, Guadalupe Community Center was filled with many of Zepeda’s friends and family, including her three daughters, son and grandchildren.

Former State Senator Joe J. Bernal Lanierites honor Margaret Zepeda for her work with West Side youth gave the welcome and retired San Antonio City Clerk Norma S. Rodriguez shared a few words as well.

Tribute was also given to Zepeda by her former students and co-workers. It was a very joyous occasion filled with many heartfelt comments as everyone reminisced on her years of dedication to her family as well as her “barrio.”

Sandra Salas, chairwoman of the event, talked about the impact Zepeda made on her and the other players, in regard to both sportsmanship and self-respect. Read More ...