Senior Companions

Senior Companions (SCs) are volunteers age 55+ who generously donate their time visiting other seniors to provide companionship, transportation to appointments, the grocery store and more. SCs come from all walks of life with diverse life experiences. Volunteers serve 10-40 hours a week sharing their lives with other seniors who need just a little bit of support. Often a visit from a volunteer can relieve the loneliness that some experience.

The Senior Companion Program (SCP) is a volunteer program through Senior Corps, Corporation for National and Community Service. The SCP is funded through a federal grant with matching funds from a sponsor. Our program is sponsored by the Region IV Area Agency on Aging, and we serve Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties. We strive to provide a rewarding volunteer opportunity for our Senior Companions, who make a measurable difference with the clients they serve. There is no cost to the client for having a Senior Companion and they usually visit once a week on the same day and time, so the client can plan for appointments.

SCs who are income eligible receive a nominal federal stipend plus program benefits. SCs are required to pass three state and federal (FBI) background checks. SCs must attend pre-service orientation, monthly in-service meetings and other trainings.