EUGENE, Ore. — The Senior Companion Program in Lane County is calling for volunteers to enhance the lives of disabled and isolated adults through companionship and supportive services. As part of AmeriCorps Seniors, this initiative benefits from both national government funding and local community support in Lane County.
Established in 1974 with Lane Community College as its sponsor, the program has contributed over 1.5 million hours of service, providing assistance and companionship to the community’s citizens. Each year, around 65 Senior Companions volunteer monthly to support over 500 seniors and disabled adults in various cities including Junction City, Florence, Veneta, Eugene, Springfield, Oakridge, Creswell and Cottage Grove.
"The Senior Companion Program embodies the spirit of community and compassion. Our volunteers are not just providing a service; they are building bridges and fostering connections that enrich both their lives and those of the individuals they assist,” said Beth Brooks, director of the Senior Companion Program of Lane County. “Every hour spent in service is a testament to the power of human connection and the profound impact it can have on both the volunteer and the recipient. We invite members of our community to join us in this rewarding journey of service, learning, and friendship,"
Eligibility and Volunteer Commitment: Senior Companions are essential volunteers aged 55 and over who commit to volunteering 15-40 hours weekly. Eligible volunteers, particularly those meeting low-income guidelines, can receive a stipend of $4 per hour, meal, and mileage reimbursements. The program ensures all Senior Companions receive extensive training and support, equipping them to offer the best possible companionship to clients alongside professional staff.
Benefits of Volunteering: Volunteering as a Senior Companion not only aids in improving the quality of life for Lane County's elderly and disabled adults but also provides significant benefits to the volunteers themselves. Studies have shown that volunteering can help individuals live longer and foster a positive outlook on life. Through their service, Senior Companions gain self-esteem and experience the fulfillment that comes from making a tangible difference in the community.
Application Process: Individuals interested in becoming Senior Companions are encouraged to visit lanecc.edu/scp to complete and submit an application or learn more about the program. The Senior Companion Program offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the community's well-being while engaging in meaningful and rewarding volunteer work.
For more information or inquiries, potential volunteers can visit the program's website lanecc.edu/scp. Lane County's Senior Companion Program represents a valuable opportunity to serve and connect with the community, embodying the spirit of volunteerism and compassion.
Lane Community College educates over 15,000 students annually at six locations across Lane County and online. Students and alumni from all 50 states and 79 countries create more than an $675 million dollar impact on the local economy, helping to support more than 8,900 local jobs. Lane provides affordable, quality, professional technical and college transfer programs; business development and employee training; academic, language and life skills development; and lifelong personal development and enrichment courses.