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Senior Companion Program
Volunteers keep seniors company and give caregivers
a break
Did you know that there are programs across the U.S. that give caregivers a break? Their volunteers are available to spend time with your older adult.
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The Senior Companions program recruits volunteers to give friendship and assistance to seniors who have difficulty with daily living tasks. Volunteers go through background checks and training in order to participate.
The volunteers are all aged 55 and over and, aside from companionship, can also help with things like shopping or paying bills. These Companions give family caregivers much-needed help so they have a chance to take care of themselves.
Volunteer Testimonials
"I am not sure where to start, but last Thursday I received the "Mother Hen" award from the Clovis Evening Lions Club (I am a member). That sort of says it all: I enjoy helping others. I believe that it is important to give back where I can and when I can. By becoming a caretaker for those that need my companionship and help, I am giving back. I hope I can do this for a long time. It brings joy to my heart when I am helping someone. The small stipend that I receive helps me to make repairs to my car, which is much needed to get around in this town. I live on a limited income, because I have chosen to be retired from the normal work force. With a little extra money I can also get new glasses, when needed, and visit family, all of which do not live in this community. Those that I assist are very happy to have me come and visit and help. One of my clients has no vehicle, so relies on my assistance to help her pay bills and get food. Another would not get out of the house if it were not for my taking her to doctor and other places. Then my third client, a double amputee for 55 years due to a tragic electrocution, has found my assistance a God-send. It pleases me that my presence helps to improve the quality of life for my clients. Thank you for allowing me to be part of the wonderful program."
-SCP Volunteer, Elizabeth Popescu
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"A senior companion cares for th elderly, listens when they want to talk, help in their time of need, assist in keeping their house in order, run errands when needed because at the end of the day everyone especially seniors need as much assistance as can be given to them. After all, they are someone's parent and if their own children can't be around to help them, then I fell Like I should step in and be their friend/family/helper."
-SCP Volunteer, Patricia Henline
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"I have worked with Senior companion program for 6 years I enjoy working with the elderly a lot, I prepare meals, do some light housekeeping, run errands, go with them to the doctor etc, but most of all I enjoy visiting with them, I feel that this program allows them to stay in their own homes longer and gives me a chance to help someone else so I get to do something beside staying home alone. I am Very proud to be a member in this program."
SCP Volunteer,Rita M. Gonzales
Volunteer Requirements
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Must be 55 years of age or older
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Eligibility to be an SCP volunteer may not be restricted on the basis of formal education, experience, race; color; national origin; gender; sexual orientation; religion; age; disability; political affiliation; marital or parental status; or military service
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Must meet income eligibility guideline is 200% of the poverty line
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To be enrolled and receive a stipend, a Senior Companion cannot have an annual income, from all sources, deducting allowable medical expenses, that exceeds the income eligibility guideline for the state in which he or she resides
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Be willing to serve a minimum of 15 hours per week
Volunteer Stipend
For each hour served, SCP volunteers earn a $3.00 tax-free stipend. For volunteers, stipends do not count against the income or taxes filed.
Still interested but
do not meet requirements?
Do not meet the requirements to be a FGP volunteer? No worries, other volunteer opportunities are available.
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Check out our volunteer opportunities:
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Want more information?
Click the link below to visit the Federal website:
Corporation for National and Community Service
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https://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/senior-corps/senior-corps-programs/fostergrandparents
Contact us
If you need more information, don't hesitate to give us a call. A staff member would be happy to visit with you.
Senior Companion Program
Phone: 575-356-8576 ext. 19
Email: cscscp@yucca.net
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