Fairfax County, VA-based GrandInvolve has grown quickly since its 2014 launch, recruiting more than 100 volunteers to serve in six Title I Schools. Read about the program and their Governor’s Award recognition.
Less than three years after its launch, Fairfax County volunteer program GrandInvolve was honored with the Governor’s Volunteerism and Community Service Award at a ceremony in Richmond, VA. These awards have recognized exceptional volunteer service in Virginia for more than 20 years. GrandInvolve is one of Fairfax County’s 50+ Initiatives, bringing older adults into Fairfax County Title I elementary schools to assist in classrooms.
Founded by Dorothy Keenan, a retired Superintendent of Senior Services in Fairfax County, GrandInvolve volunteers work directly with students, connecting the community and local schools, creating meaningful relationships between generations and cultures, and allowing people of all ages to share their talents and resources.
Gail Harris, Director of the Office on Volunteerism and Community Services at the Virginia Department of Social Services, commented: “GrandInvolve is an outstanding example of a two-generation approach that is yielding measurable results. By sharing their time and experiences, the 100 seniors who volunteer in the program are making a huge impact on the children of Fairfax County, both socially and academically. The senior citizens, in turn, get the joy of seeing a future generation build skills and relationships that will help them for years to come. Congratulations to GrandInvolve on your well-deserved recognition.”
A partnership with Greenspring Village, a senior housing community in Springfield VA, brings many volunteers to the program. Kathryn Knoble, the Volunteer Coordinator at Greenspring Village, explained, “The partnership with GrandInvolve . . . provides an opportunity for our residents to volunteer at a local elementary school, Crestwood Elementary, [and] provides our residents with many other community connections that have become a great benefit to them and to Greenspring. The Greenspring residents who participate in this volunteer project absolutely love the children and this . . . interaction with Crestwood students has become a highlight of their week.”
Published: April 26, 2017