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2025 Little by Little campaign!
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By Giselle Logan | PR Communications Specialist
At Excel Academy, an all-girls school in Washington, DC, the sound of young voices fills the hallways. Laughter spills from classrooms, tiny feet patter with excitement, and through it all, one constant presence stands out—Grandma Langford.
Muriel Langford, a 72-year-old Foster Grandparent, isn’t just a volunteer—she’s a cornerstone of the school. “They know I’m Grandma,” she says with pride. And it’s true. Not just the Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 students she works with, but the teachers, the security guards, even the maintenance staff—everyone knows and loves her.
Foster Grandparents typically volunteer during school hours, but Grandma Langford stays well past the final bell. She’s there for morning greetings, lunchtime laughter, after-school homework sessions—putting in 12-hour days simply because, as she says, "As long as there’s a need, I’ll be here."
Her love for children isn’t new. Before joining UPO’s Foster Grandparents program, she worked with the VOCA program, supporting children affected by crime as they navigated the justice system. Even then, she was a steady presence in young lives, helping them find their footing in uncertain times.
At Excel Academy, she brings that same commitment. “The key to this work is having a big heart,” she says. “You have to respect kids, help them, and treat them as your own.” And she does—wiping away tears, tying shoelaces, cheering on successes, and offering a reassuring hug when things get tough.
Her impact stretches beyond the classroom. As an active volunteer with UPO, a breast cancer survivor, and a leader in her church, Grandma Langford doesn’t just support students—she’s a pillar for their families as well. Director of Operations Drake Wilson calls her a bridge between the school and the community, sharing resources and opportunities with families who need them most
Thanks to your generosity, Foster Grandparents like Grandma Langford are changing lives every day. Your support makes it possible for children to receive love, guidance, and stability while giving elders a renewed sense of purpose.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making this possible. Because of you, Grandma Langford and so many others continue to uplift, inspire, and empower the next generation.
By Zohar Rom | Writer/Editor
By Zohar Rom | Writer/Editor
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