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4 people are interested
Become a Senior Companion!
ORGANIZATION: Valley Opportunity Council, Inc.
This opportunity is provided by VolunteerMatch's partner.
Please visit the new page to apply.
Please visit the new page to apply.
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4 people are interested
You value your independence. Now you can help other adults remain independent, too. As a Senior Companion(55+) volunteer, you’ll join a support network that creates new possibilities and improves the quality of life for adults with physical, emotional, or mental health limitations, most of whom are elderly. Seniors Companion volunteers keep seniors independent longer and provide respite to family caregivers. The Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. in partnership with AmeriCorps Seniors and WestMass ElderCare sponsors this amazing opportunity.
Senior Companions serve anywhere from 5 to 30 hours per week. Most serve 12-18 hours each week. When you volunteer, you're not just helping others -you're helping yourself. Volunteering leads to new discoveries and new friends. Plus, studies show that volunteering helps you live longer and promotes a positive outlook on life. In addition, there are ongoing training, recognition, and appreciation activities!
Being a Senior Companion Volunteer is the perfect way to stay active and involved!
Senior Companions help other seniors preserve independence allowing isolated and disabled seniors to live in their homes longer. Senior Companion volunteers accomplish this mission by providing regular companionship and/or transportation to appointments, shopping, and senior center activities.
We are in need of volunteers that speak Spanish, French, and English to serve in Holyoke and Chicopee.
Learn More:
To help seniors in your community, call Andrea Holden, Director of the Senior Companion Program at the Valley Opportunity Council at 413-612-0229 or email aholden@valleyopp.com.
Bonus:
Senior Companions don’t do it for the money but many are eligible to be paid a small tax-free stipend, mileage reimbursement, and a snack/meal allocation.
More opportunities with Valley Opportunity Council, Inc.
No additional volunteer opportunities at this time.
About Valley Opportunity Council, Inc.
Location:
35 Mt. Carmel Street, Chicopee, MA 01013, US
Mission Statement
The Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. is dedicated to eliminating poverty by providing the opportunity for our low- and moderate-income neighbors, families and friends in the Greater Hampden County area to achieve greater independence and a higher quality of life.
Description
Over 50 years ago, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared a War on Poverty. It was this declaration that led to the formation of Community Action Agencies throughout the country. Today, Valley Opportunity Council (VOC) is one of 23 Community Action Agencies in Massachusetts.
VOC started out small in 1965 and was originally named the Community and Regional Opportunity Program. At that time our agency focused on community outreach, with few programs of our own. VOC has grown significantly since then and now offers over 30 programs in a wide variety of areas, including food and nutrition, energy assistance, education and child care, youth and adult programs and community outreach.
Several years ago, VOC also started investing in the local community by purchasing and renovating properties in Chicopee and Holyoke. These properties include market-rate and low-income housing as well as multiple commercial and mixed-use buildings.
When VOC first opened, our organization was only able to offer services in Chicopee and Holyoke, and today many of our programs are available to participants throughout greater Hampden County. As we continue to grow, our focus has been, and will continue to be, helping people achieve a higher quality of life.
CAUSE AREAS
Community,
People with Disabilities,
Seniors
WHEN
We'll work with your schedule.
WHERE
Multiple locations Chicopee, MA 01013
(42.15213 ,-72.6092 )
DATE POSTED
February 2, 2023
SKILLS
- Spanish
- English
- French
GOOD FOR
- People 55+
REQUIREMENTS
- Background Check
- Must be at least 55
- Orientation or Training
- You decide? Be a companion for 1-2 older adults in need & work 5 hours each week or more. Make your own schedule. Our Senior Companions go through an application, background check, orientation & training before being placed as a Senior Companion.
- To become a Senior Companion Volunteer you must be at least 55 years old, be available to volunteer 5+ hours per week, and have th desire to help other seniors. We are in particular need of volunteers with Spanish and French language skills.