We are so excited to welcome extraordinary grandmother, Eileen Bostwick, as our State of California GRAND Ambassador!
Since 1990 I have directed the Foster Grandparent Program for North Coast Opportunities, serving five, rural, northern CA counties. Prior to this I worked as a Human Resources Officer for Daly’s Department Stores (5 years) and Director of Environmental Services for General Hospital for 7 years, and Humboldt County Office of Education in Vocation Education Office. I graduated from University of Indianapolis, Aging Studies Center with a Master’s degree in Gerontology, and hold double Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Speech Communications, with a minor in Psychology from Humboldt State University, Eureka, CA. In 1999 I implemented a Senior Companion Program in Mendocino County, CA.
I have served as President and Secretary for the Northern California senior corps association, and have served on the National Association of Foster Grandparent Program Directors (NAFGPD) Board from 1992 to present and held offices of Secretary (two terms) and Pacific Cluster Representative, representing 10 U.S. states. In 2005 I was chosen as a delegate to the White House Conference on Aging. On June 27, 2012, I was named a Daily Point of Light Awardee by President George H. Bush. I have served as a committee member for several national conferences and have been a consultant for Bridging the Generations, a collaboration between the National Head Start Association and NAFGPD. I am a graduate of Leadership Mendocino and the National Service Leadership Institute at the Presidio in San Francisco. On the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council for Lake and Mendocino Counties, I serve as Secretary. Over the years I have served on several Board in Humboldt and Mendocino Counties.
Since childhood I have served as a community volunteer with numerous non-profit agencies. One event was the Tour of the Unknown Coast, a 50 mile and 100 mile bicycle ride in southern Humboldt Count, CA. It was an arduous route and required support at numerous check points.
Most importantly, I am the proud Grandmere to Hali, 14; Gavin, 11; Keoni, 5 and Mikaela, 3 and Grammie to Avary, 7 and Brady, 4. These six children are truly the delight and joy of my life!
Favorite Quote: “To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.”
~~Anatole France