Who We Are
The Michigan Association of Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs (MAFG/SCP) officially came into being in September 1978 through the efforts of program staff throughout the state. Bylaws were developed and passed, slates of officers were presented, and a president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer were elected to serve through 1979. The MAFG/SCP has been responsible for the development and implementation of biennial statewide Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Program conferences. The first conference was held at the Hilton Inn in Kalamazoo (1979) and was attended by approximately 750 volunteers from all of Michigan. Since that conference, attendance has averaged 500 and is held every other year. The volunteer conferences have been held at the Book-Cadillac in Detroit (1981), Central Michigan University (1983, 1985), Detroit Renaissance Center (1991), at the Grand Hotel, on Mackinaw Island (1995, 2001,2005), the Grand Traverse Resort (1997), and the Kewadin Hotel and Convention Center (1999).
The Association has been and continues to be a strong advocate for the Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion volunteers at the National and State level, as well as in local communities. It has also ensured that Michigan Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion stipends kept pace with those funded by the Corporation for National & Community Service (CNCS), the federal funding source. There have been times when state volunteers would have been paid less than the federally funded volunteers.
In 1990, the Michigan programs faced a budget crisis. Cuts would have hampered all state funded programs and permanently crippled others. The programs were faced with a potential loss of 171 volunteer positions! Staff and volunteers rallied together to advocate for the programs. Letters poured into the offices of elected officials. Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion volunteers came to the Capital in Lansing. Legislators listened as a volunteer testified about how her stipend moneys were spent each week; a child receiving the services of a Foster Grandparent, speaking eloquently, addressed the meaning of her relationship with her Foster Grandparent; a client able to remain at home due to the visits from a Senior Companion spoke; and a Senior Companion Director vividly described the effects the cuts would have on the programs. During the hearing, the Director of Mental Health stated that the financial cuts (5,000,000) would be restored.
During fiscal year 1992, two federally mandated stipend increase created the potential for reducing 87 volunteer positions. The effort of the MAFG/SCP, Office of Service to the Aging (OSA), and the Foster Grandparent / Senior Companion volunteers succeeded in obtaining federal funding for the cumulative $0.25 per hour stipend increase paid to the Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion volunteers. The availability of this federal funding insured that the 87 volunteer positions were not lost.
In August of 1992, the MAFG/SCP affected an eleventh hour victory that restored $250,000 to the Department of Mental Health budget for fiscal year 1993. While the state was in economic crisis the Department of Mental Health proposed the cut the FGP appropriations from $500,000 to $250,000. The Association used available information, which demonstrated that the cost effectiveness of the program justified the retention of all services to Foster Grandparents and their assigned children. The Association President testified on the House floor. The money was restored the following day.
Another significant accomplishment achieved in 1992 by the MAFG/SCP and OSA was to effect and important change in federal policy. For the first time, state funded Older American Volunteer Programs were eligible to apply for federal assistance form the Corporation for National Service.
2005 marks the 26th anniversary of the Michigan Association of Foster Grandparents and Senior Companion Programs. The Association continues to work with funding sources to maintain and increase programs by consistently demonstrating the cost effectiveness of the programs. The MAFG/SCP continues to lend support to FGP and SCP staff, to encourage communication between programs, and to act as a voice for Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion volunteers. We of the MAFG/SCP staff are better because of the connection with our volunteers.
When we succeed, it's because of them.