Senior Companion Program

Our mission is to provide the opportunity for meaningful relationships for Senior Companions and their clients throughout Maine with talented,caring and active individuals age 55 and older providing companionship to homebound adults. 1950, President Harry Truman: encouraged the development of programs to serve older persons by older persons. 1955, Department of Health, Education and Welfare: sponsor two demonstration projects. 1960, President Richard Nixon: ACTION agency embraces low-income older volunteers to provide person-to-person services. 1974: The first 18 Senior Companion Programs were funded throughout the country with assignments in rural, urban and suburban communities. 1975: More than 1,000 Senior Companions served in projects that ranged in size from 40 to 120 Companions. 1978, President Jimmy Carter: The Bureau of Maine's Elderly was the first sponsor for Washington and Hancock Counties. 1979: First Volunteer Stations. 15 people became active Senior Companions. 1981: Cooperative Extension, under the umbrella of the University of Maine, became the program sponsor. 2015: The Center on Aging took over as the sponsor. The Senior Companion Program in Maine has approximately 103 Companions serving 400 or more homebound Clients. Currently, there are approximately 220 projects funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service with a total of 13,600 Senior Companions.

Our Agency serves all Maine Counties except Knox, Lincoln, York and Cumberland and welcomes volunteers based on age and income eligibility. Monthly Trainings are provided and are generally based on current issues. The trainings also serve as an opportunity for strong group support. For those who volunteer a minimum of 15 hours per week,a stipend and mileage reimbursement is offered as well as some health insurance benefits. Once a year a Recognition Banquet is held for Senior Companion Volunteers state wide.