Vermont Senior Corps Programs
Vermont offers a multitude of ways for seniors to contribute to their communities by helping their less active peers, children in need of caring role models, or the community at large.
Here are some accomplishments of the Vermont Senior Corps in 2008:
Essential Services: Over 600 RSVP volunteers helped to provide low income households throughout the state with food, clothing and shelter. Activities included such tasks as serving at soup kitchens and surplus food distribution centers, washing, sorting and selling clothing at thrift shops, and staffing shelters and daytime "drop-in" centers.
Literacy and Success in School: Over 400 participants in the Foster Grandparents and RSVP programs helped students to succeed through tutoring and mentoring programs, as well as assisting in a multitude of ways in the daily lives of students. By showing young people that someone cared, these volunteers inspired students to greater levels of achievement.
Independent Living: Over 700 participants in the Senior Companions and RSVP programs helped older and disabled Vermonters maintain their independence by contributing their time and energy to programs like Meals on Wheels and adult day care centers, as well as helping seniors with chores and shopping and providing support through visits and telephone calls.
Health Care: Over 600 RSVP volunteers promoted public health by assisting with immunization and other preventative health clinics, helping with the delivery of essential medical services in hospitals, rural medical centers, schools and blood banks, and providing support services to mental health and other health organizations.
These and other contributions by Vermont's seniors are made primarily through the following three programs:
Senior Companion programs exist in a growing number of Vermont communities. Participants provide assistance and companionship to elderly individuals who are homebound and, in many cases, living alone. In helping with simple chores, providing transportation to medical appointments and acting as a contact with the outside world, Senior Companions allow these individuals a measure of independence and dignity. Senior Companions sometimes offer respite care to live-in caretakers for short periods.
RSVP is found throughout Vermont. The program matches volunteers 55 and older with service opportunities in their community. RSVP participants serve from a few to over 40 hours a week, acting in various capacities for a wide variety of non profit organizations. Participants are matched as much as possible with service opportunities requiring their specific skills and experience, but participation can also be a chance to try something new! RSVP volunteers do not receive a stipend, but participation may include training, as well as supplemental insurance while on duty.
Active in Addison, Bennington, Rutland, Chittenden, Franklin, Washington and Grand Isle counties. Foster Grandparents act as mentors, tutors and care givers for youths with special needs in schools, early childhood centers and other organizations serving children. Foster Grandparents must be at least 55 years old. In exchange for 15-40 hours of service per week, they receive a stipend and some other benefits.
