Whereas, Foster grandparent programs partner with more than 2,000 nonprofit organizations to meet a wide range of human and community needs, and,

Whereas, Michigan children benefit from 19 different foster grandparent programs that serve 59 counties throughout the state; and,

Whereas, Each year more than 1,100 foster grandparent volunteers contribute over one million hours in service to nearly 8,000 children with special or exceptional needs; and,

Whereas, Each week, foster grandparents spend 15 to 20 hours with children to help them meet various educational and life skill-challenges; and,

Whereas, Foster grandparents make a difference by nurturing and mentoring children and have an overall positive impact on each other's lives; and,

Whereas, The contributions that foster grandparents make help to reinforce and strengthen the families in our communities;

Now, Therefore, be it Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, governor of the state of Michigan, do hereby proclaim January 30, 2009, Foster Grandparent Volunteer Day in Michigan.  I encourage all citizens to adopt a grandparent and share your life with people of a different time.