Hawkeye Receives Funding to Relaunch Senior Companion Program

Senior Companion Program Returns to Hawkeye

Hawkeye Community College has been awarded a three-year, $407,940 AmeriCorps grant to relaunch its Senior Companion Program.

The program was paused on June 30, 2025, after federal funding cuts to AmeriCorps Seniors. At that time, 52 senior companions were serving 81 local clients.

With the new funding, 48 volunteers have already returned or will return in the coming week, and another four are preparing to rejoin once they are matched with new companions.

Hawkeye is also rebuilding its program team. The college has rehired a full-time administrative assistant and a part-time van driver and is recruiting a program manager.

Founded in 1976, the Senior Companion Program has proudly served the community for almost 50 years. The Senior Companion Program helps older adults in the Waterloo area live independently at home for as long as possible. Volunteers, all age 55 and older, assist with grocery shopping, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and transportation to appointments—while offering meaningful companionship along the way.

Get more information about the Senior Companion Program