NAU AmeriCorps Seniors Senior Companion Program

The Center for Service and Volunteerism (CSV) at Northern Arizona University aspires to be a leader in the field of service and volunteerism by supporting a vibrant network of individuals and partner agencies who are making an exceptional impact throughout Arizona supporting direct service, capacity building, professional development, and innovation.

CSV has an extensive and successful history operating national service programs. In 1985, NAU became the sponsor of the Senior Companion Program, adding RSVP in 1992, an AmeriCorps program in 1995, and the Foster Grandparent Program in 1997. Today, CSV hosts all three AmeriCorps Seniors programs, a VISTA project, and the five state/national AmeriCorps programs. CSV provides unique insight into the communities we serve and strong relationships with close to 300 partnering agencies.

We are actively recruiting seniors, 55 and older, interested in helping fellow seniors citizens maintain their independence, reduce loneliness, and provide respite to caregivers. Volunteers are matched up with community members that need support with basic needs including companionship and transportation. Senior Companion volunteers assist older neighbors, making sure they can live in their own homes for as long as possible. The program offers many benefits to volunteers including a non-taxable hourly stipend, pre-service and ongoing training, paid time off, supplemental accidental and liability insurance while on duty, ongoing recognition, transportation reimbursement (when funding permits), connection with like-minded individuals and more.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Age: 55 and older
• Income: Below 200% of federal poverty rate (stipend qualification)
• Background: Ability to pass rigorous background checks (costs covered by program)
• Time availability: Ability to serve a minimum of 5, maximum of 35 hours per week

The Senior Companion Program is a national service program created in 1968 and it is federally grant funded by AmeriCorps. CSV as a grantee oversees the program in 5 counties in the State of Arizona including Coconino, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Yavapai and Yuma Counties.