Memorials, Recognition - Foster Grandparent Program of Greene County, 60th anniversary -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Steve Southerland

Ceremonial recognition of the Foster Grandparent Program of Greene County for 60 years of intergenerational mentoring, training, and volunteer service benefiting Tennessee children

Adopted, Ayes 27, Nays 0

#memorials #recognition

Purpose and intent

SJR 1113 is a commemorative resolution recognizing and commending the Foster Grandparent Program of Greene County on the occasion of its 60th anniversary.

The resolution honors the program’s long-standing service to children and families in Greene County and across Tennessee, highlighting its impact on community well-being and intergenerational engagement.

Key provisions and changes

Formal recognition: The Tennessee General Assembly declares its commendation of the Foster Grandparent Program of Greene County for six decades of service.

Description of program role: The resolution describes the program as providing older adults with volunteer mentoring opportunities in schools and after-school settings, fostering intergenerational connections and supporting youth development.

Volunteer standards and support (described in the preamble):

The program operates with participation standards such as age eligibility, residency requirements, income eligibility, and mandatory background screening to ensure suitable volunteers.
Volunteers receive training, ongoing support, and modest stipends to sustain their service and well-being.

Final corporate remedy: The resolution directs that an appropriate copy be prepared for presentation, with standard formatting to omit legislative designations on the copy as requested.

Affected entities

Primary entity honored: Foster Grandparent Program of Greene County.

Beneficiaries described: Children and families in Greene County and, more broadly, Tennessee, who benefit from mentoring and intergenerational engagement.

Stakeholders implicitly involved: Older adult volunteers, schools and after-school programs that host mentors, program administrators, and partners supporting volunteerism and youth development.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and consideration timeline:

Filed for introduction: April 9, 2026.
Passed first consideration: April 13, 2026.
Placed on Senate Consent Calendar for April 14, 2026 (twice listed).
Passed on second consideration and referred to Senate Calendar Committee: April 14, 2026.
Adopted by the Senate: April 16, 2026 (Ayes 27, Nays 0), indicating unanimous support.

Status: The bill is a concurrent resolution (SJR) that, upon passage, serves as a formal commendation and does not create new statutory obligations or spending authority.

Impact and significance

No new funding, statutory changes, or regulatory requirements are introduced by SJR 1113.

The bill serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment that can raise public awareness of the Foster Grandparent Program of Greene County’s 60-year legacy.

By highlighting the program’s standards, training, and stipends, the resolution implicitly reinforces the value of structured volunteer programs that support at-risk youth and community resilience.

Bottom line

SJR 1113 is a ceremonial measure recognizing six decades of service by the Foster Grandparent Program of Greene County, praising its intergenerational mentoring model, volunteer standards, and ongoing contributions to children and families in Tennessee. The resolution passed with bipartisan support and does not alter laws or allocate new resources.

Bill