Persons 55 years of age and older can help maintain an active lifestyle while helping residents in our community in meaningful ways through participation in the Foster Grandparents Program, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program and the Senior Companion Program.
The Foster Grandparent Program is part of the AmeriCorps Seniors, a network of National and Community service programs that supports the engagement of nearly 500,000 Americans age 55 and older in service to meet critical needs in education and social engagement for children in need.
The Foster Grandparent Program connects Senior Volunteers age 55 and older with children with exceptional needs, helping to guide these students to higher academic achievement. AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers report better health and longevity having served in their community.
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) offers individuals 55 and older an opportunity to utilize their unique abilities, expertise, and life experiences to enhance and support the well-being of others. RSVP is a national organization sponsored by AmeriCorps Seniors a federal agency, and locally by Miami Dade County Community Action and Human Services Department (CAHSD). Partnerships are with non-profit organizations and Health Care Agencies.
Volunteers can help make a difference in community-based programs, congregate meal sites, hospitals, and hospice units. The RSVP volunteers choose how they would like to serve and give back to their community. The volunteer may commit to from a few hours to 40 hours per week depending on the project chosen. RSVP volunteers are not paid any wage or stipend but may receive reimbursement for transportation.
Persons age 55 and older on a low income can volunteer part-time by helping other seniors less able than themselves with their daily activities.
The goal is to provide friendship, education, provision of community resources and regular visits to prevent or reduce the need for institutional care.
Volunteers will receive:
Hourly stipend
Transportation allowance
Training
Casework services
Information and referrals
Participation does not affect Social Security benefits, food stamps or government housing.
Thanks to the efforts of Senior Companions, many older adults are able to avoid living in an elderly care center.
The Seniors Who Serve Volunteer Award Program honors elderly residents annually for exceptional volunteer service in Miami-Dade County. To be considered for the award, nominees must have demonstrated volunteerism within any of the following categories:
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