CCCE RECEIVES ONE OF THREE NATIONWIDE GRANTS
FOR FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM

HATTIESBURG - The Mississippi Center for Community and Civic Engagement (CCCE) at The University of Southern Mississippi has received a grant of almost $187,000 from the Senior Corps Program administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service. This grant will fund the Foster Grandparent Program of Senior Corps, part of USM Freedom Corps. The CCCE competed nationwide and was one of three recipients.

The Foster Grandparents Program allows for those 60 years old and over on limited incomes to work with children and youth with exceptional and special needs. Foster grandparents earn $2.65 an hour working 20 hours a week in schools, shelters, or other locations where children need help. The foster grandparents serve as mentors and tutors for abused or neglected children, troubled teenagers, disadvantaged preschoolers and children with mental and physical disabilities.

"This project will help meet the critical needs of the Hattiesburg community while using talents of some of our most talented, experienced and skilled citizens," said Celeste Brown, director of the Hattiesburg Foster Grandparent Program. "Young people in unfortunate situations need the special care and guidance that seniors can provide and will now be exposed to that extra help to make the difference in their lives."

The CCCE is currently looking for 40 foster grandparents to be assigned to approximately five children. For more information, contact Brown at (601) 266-5747, via e-mail at celeste.t.brown@usm.edu, or visit the CCCE Web site at www.usm.edu/ccce.

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