Companion Volunteer
Companion Volunteer (Formally Known As Legacy Corps
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 Seniors team of volunteers, designed for older adults! This elite team of volunteers create life-long relationships and they are able to participate in a robust training program.
Companion Volunteers Commit to:
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 is “walking the talk” and veterans truly appreciate the sincere “thank you for your service” commitment.
–Barry, Companion Volunteer
Companion Respite 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 Aging Strong Program. We will guide applicants through this process.
All volunteer positions are contingent on passing multi-level criminal history background checks.
The Companion Respite 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:
Extensive training and support are provided throughout the experience, seeding life-long relationships and meaningful friendships
“The Companion Respite Program 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 The Companion Respite Program 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 Companion Respite Program. (Formally Known As Legacy Corps)