Community Action Partnership of North Alabama‘s (The Partnership) Senior Programs presented its Volunteers of the Year awards during the December In-service event on December 10th at the Central Office in Decatur.
Those nominated for Volunteer of the Year from both Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions were spotlighted in a room of their peers and Partnership staff. Director of Senior Programs Tamisha Sales read some of the comments made by those nominating volunteers for their respective awards.
“She encourages each child and helps each child do his/her best work.”
“A grandparent’s presence in a child’s life gives them the attention they need and helps them develop positive behaviors that they may have lacked otherwise.”
“Our family would not be complete this year without (her).”
“I appreciate all the hard work she does daily.”
These are just a few of the inspiring words shared by those touched directly by the selfless men and women who volunteer their time and so much more to serve others in their communities.
This year’s winners of the Partnership’s Volunteers of the Year Awards went to Ms. Mattie Steele, Foster Grandparent of the Year and Ms. Sylvia Turner, Senior Companion of the Year.


Not only did The Partnership recognize excellence among its Senior Program volunteers, but our Sheffield Head Start site is also privileged to have Ms. Olivia Simmons (center), the Northwest Alabama Foster Grandparent of the Year, working at the center. Ms. Simmons is 81 years old and has been working at Sheffield Head Start for 10 years.
Volunteers with Foster Grandparents and Senior Companion programs must be 55 or older and meet income eligibility guidelines. Partnership volunteers receive a tax-free stipend to help support their incomes.