Companion Volunteer
Companion Volunteer
Do you like the company of older adults? Do you enjoy hearing stories of old? Are you drawn to serving veterans and their families? If you answered yes to any of these, you would enjoy being a Companion Volunteer!
Companion Volunteers provide friendship and support to older adults living independently. Your company is a treasure to isolated elders, while providing a break (respite) for the family caregiver. Volunteers are carefully matched with families to provide weekly visits involving non-medical activities ranging from assistance with errands and grocery shopping, community outings, transportation, storytelling, support at medical appointments, reading books or simply being a trusted friend. Most families are military connected, and value your service.
A big Thank You to The Mike Brown Reality Group for creating a 3-minute video about the power of Companion Volunteers!
Join our AmeriCorps team of volunteers, designed for older adults! This elite team of volunteers create life-long relationships, participates in a robust training program and receive stipends to offset expenses associated with their service. Volunteers are eligible to earn over $1,600 in Education Awards which may be gifted to a child or grandchild to help with higher education tuition and/or loans.
Companion Volunteers Commit to:
One year of service (beginning September- August annually) provide weekly visits to families (scheduled to meet volunteer needs, with plenty of flexibility for other life commitments!)
Providing transportation in their own vehicle
Willingness to create new friendships
Interest in learning about community resources
Maintaining an email account and checking it weekly
Participating in the Pre-service Orientation and monthly volunteer trainings
Volunteer Bob and his companion enjoying classic cars!
Many people thank veterans for their service. Serving in Legacy Corps is “walking the talk” and veterans truly appreciate the sincere “thank you for your service” commitment.
–Barry, Companion Volunteer
Legacy Corps Team
Application Process:
The best way to start your application process is with a conversation to ensure this position meets your needs and interests! Applicants complete an application form, required documentation, and complete a comprehensive criminal history background check. All background checks are paid for by the Legacy Corps Program. We will guide applicants through this process, and assist with AmeriCorps Enrollment.
All volunteer positions are contingent on passing multi-level criminal history background checks.
The Legacy Corps Program is committed to providing fulfilling and safe experiences to volunteers and the families we serve. Your experience as a volunteer is important to us!
For more information on Companion Volunteer Positions, contact Lisa Underwood at lunderwood@jannus.org or 208-947-4284.
Companion Volunteers Receive:
Monthly living allowance (approx. $167)
Education Award at the end of their service year (over $1,600.00). Members over the age of 55 are able to gift the Education Award to a child or grandchild.
Extensive training and support are provided throughout the experience, seeding life-long relationships and meaningful friendships
“Legacy Corps has been a fulfilling experience in many ways, including benefits to my student success. Legacy corps assisted me in my service learning, they equipped me with community contacts and networking opportunities. They allowed me to schedule my service and meetings conveniently around my busy work and school schedule. For all this and more, I give Legacy Corps an A plus.”
—Laura, age 53, Social Work Student
“I experienced the phenomenon of a slow paced, relaxed, unhurried relationship. It’s a lovely experience. It’s nice to not have to rush through a day.”
Watch this video to learn more about volunteering for the Legacy Corps Program
“I have now earned $4800 toward my granddaughter’s education. She is now a RN and is working at the Seattle VA. ”
Legacy Corps Volunteer and his companion enjoying the great outdoors!
Legacy Corps for Veteran and Military Families is a national-direct AmeriCorps program administered by Arizona State University. Learn more here.