Administrative Office Senior Services Division 200 W. Washington St. 17th floor Phoenix, AZ 85003-1611 Office hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday

Program Staff Lacretia Bacon Volunteer Coordinator Denna Davis, Secretary II Enrollment and correspondence   Devieka A. Rajbansee, Secretary II Service log, report and reimbursement processing Telephone 602-256-3353 Please leave a message after hours

What is the Senior Companion Program? The Senior Companion Program is part of Senior Corps, a network of national service programs that provide older volunteers with the opportunity to apply their life experiences to meet community needs. Because of this program, thousands of elders are able to continue living an independent life in the comfort of their own homes. Locally, the Senior Companion Program is sponsored by the city of Phoenix Human Services Department, Senior Services Division.

Who are Senior Companions and what do they do? Senior Companions are healthy older adults who help other adults and seniors live independently. They provide friendship and support services to clients who may be lonely, ill, or disabled. Each Senior Companion serves from three to eight clients, depending on the needs of each client. Services of a Senior Companion may include: Accompanying their clients to medical appointments, the grocery store, senior or community centers or social events Assisting their clients in obtaining needed social services and completing daily tasks Providing short periods of relief to primary caregivers such as family members. Without the help of Senior Companions, many older adults would not be able to continue living at home and would need more expensive, less personal care.

"I get to see smiles on my client's faces and hear all their beautiful life stories."

	Everyone benefits: Senior Companions Clients Volunteer stations Community
"I enjoy being a listener and giving comfort to clients who do not have family or friends around to discuss their fears and concerns."		"Each person is important to me and is the most valuable part of my day. I am here to serve; that is what my life is about."

When and where do Senior Companions serve?
Senior Companions are able to choose a flexible schedule (15-40 hours per week) that fits best with their lifestlye and abilities.

Senior Companions are assigned to volunteer stations located throughout the city. These facilities and organizations have agreements with the program to provide the optimal service experience for the Senior Companions and their clients.

Volunteer stations are located at:

• Senior and community centers
• Senior housing facilities
• Medical facilities
• Faith-based facilities

Can you be someone's Senior Companion?
The Senior Companion Program is open to individuals:

• 60 years and older
• Able to volunteer 15 or more hours a week
• In good health
• Love to help neighbors in the city of Phoenix

All applicants undergo an interview and a background check before becoming a Senior Companion.

Benefits include:

• Limited income individuals may qualify to receive a tax-free stipend
• Pre-service and on-going training, including recognition events and social activities
• Assistance with meals and transportation costs
• Assistance with annual physical examinations
• Supplemental insurance during volunteer service hours
• The simple joy of helping others live on their own

How do I become a Senior Companion?

Complete the application form and mail it to the office. Project staff will call you when there are position openings and arrange an interview. (Download application: SCP Volunteer_Application_English or SCP Volunteer_Application_Spanish, requires Adobe Reader)

Quick facts on the Senior Companion program:

• The service is FREE to clients
• The first 18 Senior Companion Programs were established nationally in 1973
• The city of Phoenix was one of the first 18 programs
• The city has approximately 94 Senior Companions who assist approximately 550 clients monthly and serve more than 98,000 volunteer hours each year

Become a Senior Companion today!