Hattie Kanipe is a Foster Grandparent with the Foster Grandparent Program at Blue Ridge Community Action at the Quaker Meadows Generations Childcare Center. She is deeply rooted in her community and surrounded by strong family ties. Blue Ridge Community Action has been part of her family’s story for generations, including through Head Start. Now, Hattie finds herself giving back in a meaningful way, serving as a Foster Grandparent in the same center where members of her own family once received support.
Hattie has volunteered as a Foster Grandparent for 15 years. Each day, she brings patience, kindness, and steady care into early learning classrooms. When asked what she loves most about the role, her answer is simple and heartfelt. “Them babies.”
Before joining the Foster Grandparent Program, Hattie worked at the J. Iverson Center, a state home for residents, where she spent her career caring for others. After retiring, she wasn’t ready to slow down or step away from service. Becoming a Foster Grandparent gave her a way to continue doing what she has always done best, showing up for people.
Hattie has lived in her home since 2000, and staying there matters deeply to her. In 2025, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments. While she remained strong and committed to volunteering as a Foster Grandparent throughout her treatment, the physical toll made everyday movement more difficult. Using the steps at her home became unsafe, and a ramp became necessary for her to safely come and go.
I’m thankful to God for this opportunity. I’m thankful for Blue Ridge Community Action and Foothills Service Project. There are good people in the world and good organizations. You just have to ask and believe. Ask and believe.
Hattie first learned about Foothills Service Project after her sister received a ramp through the program. Seeing the difference it made for her sister encouraged Hattie to apply. Foothills Service Project is a nonprofit powered by volunteers who give their time and skills to build wheelchair-accessible ramps and make critical home repairs. Their work helps people stay safe, independent, and connected to their homes and families.
Today, volunteers with Foothills Service Project are building Hattie’s ramp. It will allow her to move in and out of her home safely and will also make it possible for family members who use wheelchairs to visit, something that was not possible before.
Looking back on the support she has received, Hattie shared, “I’m thankful to God for this opportunity. I’m thankful for Blue Ridge Community Action and Foothills Service Project. There are good people in the world and good organizations. You just have to ask and believe. Ask and believe.”
About Blue Ridge Community Action
Blue Ridge Community Action, Inc. (BRCA) is a private, non-profit organization founded in 1965 to address problems related to poverty in Burke, Caldwell, and Rutherford counties. The BRCA mission statement, “Helping People. Changing Lives.” embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes our counties better places to live. We care about the community and are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other. BRCA strives to obtain and maintain agency self-sufficiency and assist employees and low-income residents in obtaining and maintaining self-sufficiency. Our mission is realized by providing services, advocacy, and support for persons to become economically self-sufficient, improve the quality of their lives, and better provide opportunities for their families.
To learn more or donate visit brcainc.org
