1. For more information about the
Senior Companion Program
please contact:
Sarah Garramone
218-529-2280
Sarah.Garramone@lssmn.org
Website: www.mnseniorcorps.org
www.lssmn.org/seniorcorps
Statewide info: 1-888-205-3770
Senior Companions are older
adults who help others live
independently by assisting with
grocery shopping and other daily
tasks. They are friends from the
community who care.
People 55 years and older may be
eligible for a tax-free stipend,
transportation reimbursement,
meal allowance & other benefits.
For more information on a
volunteer
opportunity near you, call:
Sarah Garramone
218.529.2280
Sarah.Garramone@lssmn.org
1.877.612.6243 toll-free
Services are available to all eligible persons
regardless of race, color, creed, religion,
national origin, six, marital status, sexual
orientation, public assistance status,
disability, age, or political affiliation.
Funding provided by Corporation for National
Service, Minnesota Board on Aging through
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota.
Who are
Senior
Companions? Serving Seniors.
Improving Lives.
Volunteer with Purpose
2. Benefits as a
Senior Companion
Senior Companion
Adventures in
Changing Lives
Benefits of Participating in Senior Companion:
Meet new people
Learn new things
Add value to the lives of your neighbors
Help others
Set your own hours with a flexible
schedule and a commitment of just 15
hours per week
Feel the satisfaction of being involved.
Since the program’s inception in 1974, Senior
Companion volunteers have served others
who need assistance with the tasks of daily
living. Through collaborative efforts with
public agencies, private non-profits and health
care organizations, the Senior Companion
Program assists in meeting the needs of those
seniors who wish to remain independent in
their own homes.
“A Senior Companion
is a volunteer and a friend.”
Every day in communities across Minnesota,
Senior Companions are sharing their time and
talents, impacting and enhancing the lives of
many older adults who are attempting to
remain independent in their own homes.
Marshalling the time, talents and compassion
of senior volunteers to help other seniors has
proven to be an effective model. Informal
care networks for an ever increasing elderly
population can reduce care costs to
individuals, their families and governmental
agencies.
Senior Companions, helping with routine but
essential tasks, free up professionals and allows
them to focus on other serious issues, and play
a significant role in reducing the stress on
family caregivers.
By experiencing a new adventure you are giving
your gifts of experience and caring to others. You
benefit by knowing you are making a difference
in the lives of others.
Other benefits may include:
A small financial reimbursement to cover the
costs of volunteering
($2.65 per hour tax free stipend)
Transportation
Reimbursement for travel costs to and from
assignments and official project activities.
Insurance
Coverage during regular service hours, including
accident, personal liability, and if driving, auto
liability insurance.
Meals
Allowance for meals for volunteers serving three
or more hours each day, may be available.
Recognition
Bi-annual recognition events to celebrate the
importance of volunteering as a Senior
Companion.
Training
Initial orientation to the program and volunteer
assignment, monthly site visits, and continuing
education in-services & workshops.
Senior Companion
Program
A National Adventure
Your Name Here...
Senior Companions assist others to maintain the
highest level of dignity and independent living
possible by:
Visiting homebound isolated adults
Providing support to family caregivers
Assisting with vital services such as
grocery shopping and appointments
Acting as a friend who listens and cares.
Every day in communities across Minnesota,
Senior Companions (55 years or older) have the
opportunity to serve others who need assistance
with the tasks of daily living. They become
friends with those who are lonely and isolated.
“Be a part of a program that reaches out to
help your neighbors.”
