AmeriCorps Senior Companions
In 2024, Big Sky Senior Services received a grant from AmeriCorps Seniors to begin a new Senior Companions program that focuses on volunteer companionship with older adults to support our clients.
With that, this program replaced the original Friends Volunteer Program. The goal is to continue to offer companionship to home-bound seniors with this new program, providing connection we all know that senior citizens really need.
REQUEST A SENIOR COMPANION
If you're interested in becoming a client of the AmeriCorps Senior Companions Program, please complete the Client Enrollment Application or call Angela at 406-259-3111.
REFER A SENIOR
If your loved one would benefit from having a Senior Companion, please complete the Client Referral Form or call Angela at 406-259-3111.
OFFERING SUPPORT & COMPANIONSHIP
The Senior Companions program focuses on providing assistance and companionship to older adults who have difficulty with daily living tasks or who are experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation. As a Senior Companion, you will help create new possibilities and improve the quality of life for adults with physical, emotional, or mental health limitations. Your time and companionship will enable older adults to remain in their own home and age in place, reduce feelings of loneliness, and give family caregivers a break.
WE NEED YOUR EXPERIENCE
Use your experience to make a positive difference in the lives of others. As a Senior Companion volunteer, you'll help create new possibilities and improve the quality of life for adults with physical, emotional, or mental health limitations.
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Your time and companionship will:
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Enable older adults to remain in their own home and age in place.
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Reduce feelings of loneliness.
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Give family caregivers a break.
VOLUNTEER STIPEND & ELIGIBILITY
AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers must be 55 years of age or older and be capable of serving the frail elderly or adults who have one or more physical, emotional, or mental health limitation and are in need of assistance to achieve and maintain their highest level of independent living. AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers must be able to provide such services without detriment to either themselves or the clients served and be willing to abide by the AmeriCorps Seniors Senior Companions Program requirements.
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To be enrolled and receive a stipend, an AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer cannot have an annual income, from all sources, deducting allowable medical expenses, which exceeds the income eligibility guidelines, which is 200% of the poverty line in the state in which he or she resides.
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Persons aged 55 or older with income that exceed eligibility guidelines may be enrolled in AmeriCorps Seniors Companions Program projects as non-stipend volunteers. Non-stipend volunteers may serve alongside stipend volunteers and will be treated consistently and equitably.