Service is Love
More than half a million Americans that are age 55 or more contribute their time, skills, and experience to assist local nonprofit organizations. These organizations are referred to as Senior Corps Programs and they are committed to providing immeasurable value in carrying out their mission. A few of these programs include the Foster Grandparents Program, the Senior Companies Program, and RSVP.
The Foster Grandparents Program
This is a great program that allows volunteers that are 55 or older, and on a limited income, to lovingly serve the children and youth with exceptional needs. A Foster Grandparent could mentor a troubled teenager or a young mother. They also may care for a premature infant, or another child with a physical disability. Foster Grandparents also may help children who have experienced abuse or have been neglected.
The volunteer Foster Grandparent may willingly serve from 15 to 40 hours a week. The service may take place in schools, hospitals, juvenile correctional institutions, or Head Start and daycare facilities.
The Senior Companions Program
This wonderful program allows individuals that are aged 55 or older, and have a limited income, to offer their services to adults in need. The volunteers will offer assistance and friendship to those adults who experience difficulties in daily living tasks, for example shopping or paying bills. This program allows the adult to keep their independence instead of having to move to a costly institution.
Senior Companions may willingly serve between 15 and 40 hours weekly. The average companion is able to help between 2 and 4 adults in keeping their independence and living in their own home. A Senior Companion does receive monthly training, provides relief to caregiver, and alerts family members and doctors in the case of any medical or other problems.
RSVP
This amazing program is one of the largest volunteer efforts nationwide. This program allows people aged 55 or older to serve as a volunteer in a variety of activities within their community. The opportunities to serve are as diverse as each community is, and may include:
>The opportunity to organize a neighborhood watch program
>The opportunity to mentor or tutor a disadvantaged or disabled youth
>Assisting in renovating homes
>Teaching immigrants English
>Serving and assisting victims of natural disasters
>Offering service in Homeland Security efforts
This is just a small list of how a volunteer may help and serve their community. The volunteer may do much more depending on their own individual interests and talents.
How do I? physically challenged (wheelchair dependent) and soon to be age 65, qualify to receive a companion from your program?
Regarding Senior Corps, is there a paid stipend of $200.00 a month and reimbusement for gasoline mileage?