Any successful program involving human interaction has specific goals. The main purpose of the foster grandparent program is to serve children and to support the work of teachers and child care providers. Volunteers also add a note of informality and intimacy to the site location. Learn more about this national program.
Senior Volunteer Opportunities
Senior Corps Foster Grandparents
The foster grandparent program provides an opportunity for older men and women to interact with children through active involvement at locations such as nonprofit day care centers, Head Start, state-supported facilities, public and private schools, and home settings. The “grandparents” serve youth with exceptional and special needs.
Eligibility
- Men and women, age 55 and over.
- Retired or no longer in the workforce.
- Capable of serving assigned children on a personal and regular basis.
- Physically able, as determined by a required physical examination prior to the assignment, and annually thereafter.
- Willing to volunteer a minimum of 15 hours per week.
- Willing to accept supervision as needed.
Benefits
- If eligible, volunteers may receive a stipend at the rate of $3.00 per hour.
- One hot, nutritious meal provided at most site locations.
- Transportation or mileage reimbursement.
- A physical exam.
- Accident and liability insurance.
- Orientation and in-service training program.
- Information and referral service.
- Annual recognition program.
Activities
- Foster grandparents and children play games, talk, listen, read, and eat together.
- Foster grandparents lend support to learning and therapy.
- Activities between the foster grandparents and children are developed for a one-on-one relationship.
Retired Senior Volunteer Program
The AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP program pairs individuals aged 55 and older with organizations making change in Cooper County. Volunteers who serve in our RSVP program choose how, where, and when they want to serve, with commitments ranging from a few hours to 40 hours per week. Volunteers become a solution to local, regional, and national challenges by supporting individuals and agencies in their neighborhoods.
RSVP volunteers learn new skills, make new friends and become more active in their communities. Volunteer qualifications (time, talent, and experience) are matched with the needs of area nonprofit and governmental organizations. AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers report better health and longevity having served their community.
How Does the Program Work?
Each potential RSVP volunteer meets with a member of the staff and completes an enrollment form and an interest inventory. Then the staff member visits with the individual about their interests and time available for volunteer assignments. The volunteer and staff review the opportunities that are available.
Based on the time commitment and the qualifications for the various volunteer positions, the volunteer decides which assignment they would like to pursue. After a volunteer chooses an activity of interest, a staff member will arrange for the volunteer to meet with the station supervisor from the agency. During the interview, the supervisor provides detailed information about the volunteer activity. The interview provides an opportunity for the volunteer to learn more about the assignment and for the supervisor to determine if the volunteer has the necessary qualifications for the position.
Who is Eligible to Participate?
- Anyone 55 and over can become an RSVP Volunteer! You simply need:
- A willingness to be of service in the community without monetary compensation.
Contact Us to Learn More
Tim Echternach, RSVP Program Manager
Retired Senior Volunteer Program
Central Missouri Community Action
345 West Ashley Rd. Boonville, MO 65233
Office: 660.882.5601 | Cell: 660.324.0803
The Cooper County RSVP is funded through an AmeriCorps Seniors grant, providing approximately 70% of the operational funds for the project. The other 30% comes from match dollars through Cooper county and Central Missouri Community Action.