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Senior Companions

Senior Companions serve as a friend and companion to older adults, helping them to be more self-sufficient and live in their own homes for as long as possible.

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The Senior Companion Program (SCP) is a part of Americorps Seniors, along with the RSVP program and Foster Grandparents program.

About the program

The Senior Companion Program provides assistance and friendship to older adults who have difficulty with daily living tasks, such as shopping or paying bills. Through SCP, AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers keep older adults independent longer as well as provide the gift of respite to family caregivers. 

Volunteer Opportunities
  • Provide companionship to homebound and frail older adults
  • Provide the gift of respite to a caregiver
Volunteer Benefits

Senior Companion volunteers invest their unique talents in improving their community. In return they receive the training and support they need to make a difference. 

  • Volunteers are eligible for reimbursement of transportation and a portion of meal expenses incurred while volunteering.
  • A $4.00 per hour tax-free stipend for income-eligible volunteers
  • Free supplemental and accidental insurance while serving.
  • An invitation to the annual Volunteer Recognition luncheon. 
  • Connection to free events sponsored by the City of Boston. 

Eligibility and Requirements

ELIGIBILITY 

  • Be 55+ years of age
  • Income Qualify 
  • Pass a Background Check 
  • Have a Valid ID 

How to Apply

To apply to be a senior companion, please contact Quanda Smith at quanda.smith@boston.gov or call 617-635-4366.

 

Program information

Program information
1973

The program was incorporated by Title II of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act (DVSA). It was designed by that Act, along with the Foster Grandparent Program and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. It was one of the Older American Volunteer Programs (OAVP) administered by the national volunteer agency, ACTION.

1974

ACTION funded 18 model Senior Companion projects.

1984

The program was authorized by amendments to the Domestic Volunteer Service Act to serve homebound, frail older people.

1993

Older American Volunteer Programs were re-authorized as the National Senior Volunteer Corps by the National and Community Trust Act.

Current

Now known as the National Senior Service Corps, the program is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

When asked why she commits so much of her time to helpting others, Senior Companion Petra Santos replies, "Because there are people who need me."

"Being volunteers, we can help the needy people and at the same time, we can use our leisure time constructively, learn something new, make more friends, and get satisfaction. We are very happy about it." — Station Supervisor, David Ko

"With our own heart we do that work, not because of money but because of our community's needs, and we feel helpful to serve them." — Senior Companion, Happy H. Nguyen

"It made me feel so good. Before volunteering, I was shy and nervous. I really didn't think I was going to last that long (as a volunteer). To be a real volunteer you have to have patience, perseverance, compassion, and a sense of humor." — Senior Companion, Jack Peckham

"When I come here to volunteer I come with an attitude of love, smiles, and jokes because that's the type of person I am. I like to be happy." — Senior Companion, Eleanor Armstrong

All Senior Companion volunteers go through life following the words of Booker T. Washington, "If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else."

If you're interested in volunteering through the Senior Companion program, please reach out to Quanda Smith at 617-635-4366 or quanda.smith@boston.gov for more information.

Who's Involved:

Age Strong Commission
617-635-4366
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