The Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs of Blair Senior Services, Inc. are recruiting individuals, sixty years of age or over, who have a common love for and interest in assisting people with special needs. By joining the Foster Grandparent Program, people can help to bridge the gap between the generations by giving the love, support and the one-on-one attention that some children need to develop to their fullest potential. The Senior Companion Program will give volunteers the chance to make the lives of other seniors less lonely and more fulfilling by providing friendship, guidance and assistance.
Suzy Loy, Director of National Senior Service Corps Programs, commented on this opportunity for individuals that are sixty years of age or older. “The program gives people the chance to do a service for others as well as fulfilling part of their own lives.” Loy added, “We have a high need for Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions for both Blair and Huntingdon Counties.”
The Foster Grandparent Program serves children in both Blair and Huntingdon Counties, and is seeking volunteers from both counties. Senior Companion volunteers must be residents of and will serve in Blair County.
An anonymous foster grandparent stated of her experience in the program. “After the death of my husband I was depressed. The program has been a gift from God for me.” She continued, “It has given me a reason to get up in the morning as well as helping me financially. I love being with children and they give back much more than I can give.”
The same kind of warming words have come from Senior Companions also, according to Loy. These programs touch the volunteer’s lives as well as the people they help.
Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions receive stipended training, a non-taxable hourly stipend of $2.65, paid vacation and sick time, a free annual physical examination with blood work, transportation assistance and a variety of other benefits.
Volunteers must meet income guidelines, be able to serve twenty hours per week and be willing to participate in monthly in-service training.
If you are sixty years of age or over, and are looking for a meaningful, productive alternative to your daytime routine, please call Blair Senior Services, Inc. for additional information and/or an application at (814) 946-1235.
The deadline for registration for training is July 31, 2002. An orientation and training class is scheduled for Monday, August 19, 2002 through Friday, August 30, 2002. If you are unable to attend this session, you can register for one of the future classes.
Blair Senior Services, Inc. strongly encourages people in Blair and Huntingdon Counties to get involved. The programs can have a positive, life-changing effect.
