Senior Companion Program (SCP)
The Senior Companion Program (SCP) recruits individuals 55 and older 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.
Our mission is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering.
Helping Seniors Stay Independent at Home
SCP 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 independent in their own homes.
Service That Strengthens Generations
The mission of Axess Family Services is to open pathways to wellbeing by connecting communities to health and supportive services. AmeriCorps Seniors opens pathways to wellbeing for senior volunteers by fostering civic engagement through service and volunteering, which also betters the lives of older adults and caregivers by providing companionship and respite.
Who We Serve
SCP provides a benefit to the senior volunteers by connecting them 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.
Contact the Senior Companion Program
Donate to the Senior Companion Program
The 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.