As part of the Senior Corps, the Senior Companion Program is authorized by the Domestic Volunteer Act of 1973 and is federally funded through the Corporation for National & Community Service. Senior Corps taps the skills, talents, and experience of more than half a million Americans age 55 and older to meet community needs in education, the environment, public safety, homeland security, and other areas providing Baby Boomers and other older adults with valuable volunteering opportunities.
The Senior Companion Program serves a dual purpose in the lives of older adults. Serving as a Senior Companion provides an opportunity for individuals, particularly those with limited incomes, to enhance their own self esteem, remain physically and mentally active, and provide help to other adults who need assistance to maintain their dignity and their highest level of independence. A stipend (a monetary payment) for their time and other benefits are provided so that these volunteers can provide service without costs to themselves.
In the Waterloo area, the Senior Companion Program began in September of 1976 with Hawkeye Community College as the sponsoring agency. The College provides administrative and in-kind financial support. The Senior Companion Office is located at:
www.seniorcorps.org www.getinvolved.gov
