Senior Companion Program Update


Article By:  Amanda Hodgens

Newsletter   |   May 04, 2020

During the COVID-19 Pandemic our Senior Companion Program volunteers have been making daily welfare calls to their clients. All in-home services have been suspended indefinitely. All active volunteers are still receiving their stipends, as a temporary allowance, due to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. This was approved by the CNCS, the program’s federal funding source until May 22nd, 2020. If an extension is needed at that time, a written request will be submitted to the program’s state director.

On April 1st, 2020, all of the volunteers received a raise on their hourly stipend. They went from making $2.65 an hour to $3.00 an hour. There has not been an hourly stipend raise in 18 years. This was a very positive incentive for our program during this challenging time.

The Senior Companion Program was granted a match waiver for the fiscal years 2019 and 2020. This means that if we don’t meet our required match, no penalties or cost dis allowances will occur.

The Senior Companion Program continues to find a light during such a dark time. The volunteers are working diligently to keep the connection and the companionship piece with each of our clients. They are keeping their promises and fulfilling our mission while also staying safe.