When you take time out of your week to do something for another person, it can have lasting impact. Senior Companion and Foster Grandparent volunteers at the Region IV Area Agency on Aging do just that. Senior Companions provide friendship and assistance to older adults and people with disabilities. Foster Grandparents mentor children in the classroom, providing one-on-one attention. Senior Companion volunteers may go for a walk with their client or put together a jigsaw puzzle. Foster Grandparent volunteers may help a student with an assignment or play a game with the whole class.
The impact of these volunteers can be seen on the smiling faces of the clients, families, students and teachers they help.
Senior Companions
Client Dora and Senior Companion Cheryl have been paired up for several years now. Last year, Dora’s daughter, Barbara, wrote Area Agency on Aging a letter about the experience her mom has had with a senior companion volunteer.
“We can depend on Cheryl to come for weekly visits with my mom. I recently experienced some services that we paid for and they were not on time, definitely not dependable and not professional. This opened my eyes to just how lucky we are. Cheryl is a gem,” Barbara wrote in her letter.
She said her mom enjoys outing with Cheryl and it’s something she looks forward to every week.
“When Cheryl is with mom, it’s time I can take for myself to decompress. I love it. I don’t have to worry. I know that my mom is safe and taken care of,” Barbara said.
Even during the pandemic, Cheryl stayed in touch with Dora with phone calls and cards to keep her connected.
“Mom doesn’t have very good hearing or eyesight. Having to repeat oneself doesn’t bother Cheryl. She takes it all in stride and with a chuckle,” Barbara said. “Mom is 90 now and is slowing down. Cheryl gives a helping hand getting mom in and out of her car, as well as walking to and from the car. I wish everyone could have a Cheryl.”
Foster Grandparents
When you share your love, time and experience, you have the power to help a child.
As a Foster Grandparent, you’re a role model, mentor and friend. Our volunteers serve at schools, early childhood centers, after school programs, detention centers, and migrant programs in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties.
They help children learn to read, provide one-on-one tutoring and guide children at a critical time in their lives.
Put simply, you give the kind of comfort and love that sets a child on the path towards success.
“I love being in the classroom. It makes me feel young again,” one volunteer wrote to us.
“Being around young minds keeps your mind young,” another said.
Experience is the best teacher and you have a lifetime’s worth. Don’t let it go to waste. Share It.
Eligibility
Senior Companion and Foster Grandparent volunteers are required to be age 55+ and at a certain income.
All volunteers must successfully complete a pre-service training and criminal background check.
Benefits of being a Senior Companion or Foster Grandparent include:
- Paid (stipend) training and in-service training
- Tax-free stipend, which does not affect any other benefits you may be receiving
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid holidays
- Annual physical examination
- Annual recognition event
- New contact with peers
- Opportunity to belong to a group and make a contribution to others
- Contact with children, teachers and school staff
There are a variety of volunteer programs at Area Agency on Aging for ages 18+. Training is always provided.
Call 269-983-7058 or visit https://areaagencyonaging.org/volunteer-opportunities/ to volunteer.
Come make a difference in your community!
