Senior Companion Program
Our mission is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering.
The Senior Companion Program (SCP) recruits individuals 55 and better to volunteer as friends and companions to older adults living independently at home and at community centers. Their support enables older adults to live independently at home for longer periods of time. They also provide respite for caregivers of older adults. Volunteers may provide supportive services to their clients, such as transportation to medical appointments, assistance with grocery shopping, and cooking meals. They cannot provide medical care, complete tasks that are provided for by a paid professional or caregiver, nor any tasks that are beyond their physical capabilities. The purpose is to provide companionship, respite, and support with daily living tasks as is appropriate and necessary to help older adults remain living independently in their own homes.
The mission of FCS is to strengthen, empower, and enrich the lives of individuals and families through a broad continuum of services. AmeriCorps Seniors strengthens, empowers, and enriches the lives of senior volunteers by fostering civic engagement through service and volunteering. SCP also strengthens, empowers, and enriches the lives of older adults and caregivers through the service and volunteerism of the senior volunteers who provide companionship and respite.
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WHO WE SERVE
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SCP provides a benefit to the senior volunteers by connecting the senior volunteers to opportunities that are purposeful and meaningful to them and that utilize their unique set of skills and experiences. Volunteering is also proven to help seniors maintain an active and social life which leads to improved mental and physical well-being. This, in turn, helps volunteers continue to live independently in their homes for longer periods of time. SCP volunteers also receive a stipend based on the number of hours served. This stipend assists with their ability to volunteer and live independently at home. The stipend does not detract from other social services they receive because it is not counted as income (they must qualify under 200% of the federal poverty income threshold). Other benefits that enable them to volunteer include mileage reimbursement or bus passes, meals, background checks, and uniforms.
CURRENT NEEDS
Volunteers! Senior Companion Program is looking for individuals who want to give back to their community. To learn more about how you can get involved, contact us today.
