Light of Hope Fund/COVID-19 Response

HOPE TO REMAIN INDEPENDENT AS ONE AGES.

Elder Services

Volunteer Services
Senior Companion Program
RSVP/SHAKE

Now recruiting senior companions for Benton, Franklin, Walla Walla, Yakima, Kittitas, Klickitat, Grant, Douglas, and Chelan Counties!

About Senior Companions

As we age, things that we used to take for granted become harder and harder to accomplish—going to the store, visiting the doctor, picking up a prescription. Over time, some older adults begin to forgo these essential activities, leading to a decline in both mental and physical health.

Senior companion volunteers provide emotional support and friendship. This can mean meeting at the senior’s home, giving them rides to appointments, doing crafts or other activities, but most of all just spending time with them. This support helps older individuals stay more mentally and physically active which can help them live longer, with a better quality of life. Studies show that seniors with access to strong social support have better health, with a lower risk for illness, cardiovascular disease, and overall cognitive and physical decline.

Are you ready to do your part? Join Catholic Charities Elder Services program and make a difference in the life of an older adult today!

AmeriCorps Seniors

Catholic Charities Senior Companion Volunteers are members of AmeriCorps Seniors, a national program that pairs individuals 55 and older with seniors who need caring support. Senior Companion Volunteers work between 5 and 40 hours a week based on their availability and most receive a modest, tax-free stipend that doesn’t affect Social Security, disability, food stamps, or similar types of income. While working, volunteers also receive accident and liability insurance, and reimbursement for travel. But the greatest benefit to volunteers is the reward of helping an older adult maintain their independence and quality of life.

Senior Companion Volunteers helps seniors by:

  • Easing loneliness
  • Providing friendship
  • Giving seniors something to look forward to
  • Helping seniors remain physically and mentally active (within their abilities)
  • Assisting senior’s in maintaining their independence

The rewards of volunteering include:

  • Satisfaction of helping others
  • A modest, tax-free stipend
  • Transportation reimbursement
  • Accident and liability insurance while on duty

Apply below or call to learn more:

Benton, Franklin, and Walla Walla counties – 509.946.4645 or 888.586.7418

Yakima, Kittitas, Klickitat, Grant, Douglas, or Chelan Counties – 509.965.7100 or 800.246.2962