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10 people are interested
Seeking Low-Income Senior (55+) Volunteers for Upcoming Training
ORGANIZATION: Valley Opportunity Council, Inc.
Please visit the new page to apply.
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10 people are interested
Senior Companion Volunteers provide one-on-one interaction, help ease loneliness, boost self-esteem, solve problems, and build friendships with seniors. Senior Companions Volunteers are active older adults who help others live independently. Senior Companions can also provide support by assisting with grocery shopping, medical appointments, and other daily tasks necessary for maintaining independence. The program also provides respite service by giving primary family caregivers a break. Senior Companions play a vital role in maintaining independence and quality of life for those they serve.
Senior Companion Volunteers are;
- Over the age of 55,
- Available to volunteer a minimum of 5+ hours per week,
- Most often retired and living on a fixed income,
- Older adults with a "helping" nature,
- Looking to be part of a community group, make friends, and stay active!
- Kind humans looking to provide friendship and personal connection to those who are socially isolated.
Senior Companion Volunteer Benefits include;
- A small hourly tax-free stipend, currently $4 per hour, for those who are eligible,
- Mileage and travel reimbursement,
- Meal allocation depending on service schedule,
- Supplemental volunteer and car insurance provided,
- Pre-service and ongoing training, and
- Recognition and appreciation events for volunteers.
- The joy of helping others maintain their independence!
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.
This program is made possible through grant funding from AmeriCorps Seniors
More opportunities with Valley Opportunity Council, Inc.
1 ReviewNo 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
WHEN
WHERE
Multiple locations Holyoke, MA 01040
DATE POSTED
January 19, 2024
SKILLS
- Elder care
- People Skills
- Relationship Building
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.