AmeriCorps Seniors
Each year, AmeriCorps Seniors taps the skills, talents, and experience of people ages 55 and older to meet a wide range of community challenges through three signature programs: the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), the Foster Grandparent Program (FGP), and the Senior Companion Program (SCP). Through grants and other resources—including the energy and efforts of citizens ages 55 and over—AmeriCorps Seniors helps meet the needs and challenges of America’s communities.
Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP)
Seniors in AmeriCorps RSVP recruit and manage other volunteers, participate in environmental projects, mentor and tutor children, deliver meals to the homebound, and respond to natural disasters, among many other activities.
Since 1971, AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP, one of the largest volunteer efforts in the nation for people 55 and over, has matched older adults willing to help local organizations on the front lines of meeting community needs. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP projects link volunteers’ skills with the community’s identified needs.
AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in RSVP do not receive any monetary incentive or stipend, but the project may reimburse volunteers for certain out-of-pocket costs associated with their service activities. In addition, volunteers receive accident, personal liability, and excess automobile liability insurance as well as community recognition.
Foster Grandparent Program
Seniors in the AmeriCorps Foster Grandparent Program serve one-on-one as tutors and mentors to young people with special or exceptional needs.
Since 1965, the AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program has provided one-on-one mentoring, nurturing, and support to children with special or exceptional needs, or who are in circumstances that limit their academic, social, or emotional development.
AmeriCorps Senior volunteers in FGP serve from 5 to 40 hours a week and receive hourly stipends. Volunteers must be ages 55 or older and meet established income eligibility guidelines. In addition to the stipend, they receive accident, personal liability, and excess automobile liability insurance; assistance with transportation costs; recognition; and, as feasible, meals during their assignments.
Senior Companion Program
Seniors in the AmeriCorps Senior Companion Program help adults maintain independence in their homes.
Since 1974, AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in Senior Companion Programs have made a difference by providing assistance and friendship to adults who have difficulty with daily living tasks, such as shopping or paying bills. Their assistance helps these adults retain their dignity and remain independent in their homes, rather than moving to more costly institutional care.
AmeriCorps Seniors serve from 5 to 40 hours a week and receive hourly stipends. They must be ages 55 or older and meet established income eligibility guidelines. In addition to the stipend, they receive accident, personal liability, and excess automobile liability insurance coverage; assistance with transportation costs; recognition; and, as feasible, meals during their assignments.
Ready to Serve?
Explore the Arkansas AmeriCorps Seniors map below to connect with a program in your community.
