Senior Volunteer Programs

Persons age 55 and older on a low income can volunteer part-time by helping at-risk and special needs children.

Children involved in the Foster Grandparent Program achieve improved physical, mental, emotional and social development through interaction with a senior volunteer.

Volunteers will receive: 

• Hourly stipend 
• Transportation allowance 
• Daily hot meals 
• Annual physicals 
• Casework services 
• Information and referrals

Anyone 55 years of age and older can use their talents, skills and experiences to enrich and help the lives of others.

Volunteers can help make a difference in education, community-based programs, congregate meals, and hospital and clinical support to include rehabilitation, hospice and care for terminally-ill patients. More than 1,000 retired and senior volunteer program volunteers serve in 79 agencies and organizations in Miami-Dade County.

Retired and senior volunteer program volunteers receive insurance coverage, transportation reimbursement and, in some cases, meals.

Volunteers must serve a minimum of 40 hours per quarter or three hours per week. Training is based on the level of support.

Travel reimbursement is 20 cents per mile, with a maximum reimbursement of $30 per quarter.

Volunteer Partners: 

• Advancement Via Individual Determination Program (tutoring program at Public Schools) 
• Allapattah community service center 
• Baptist Hospital *Catholic Hospice 
• City of Sweetwater senior center 
• Department of Veteran Affairs 
• Hialeah Housing Authority 
• Jackson Memorial Hospital 
• Jackson North Medical Center 
• Little Havana Nutritional and Activities Center 
• Miami International Airport 
• Miami Jewish Health Systems 
• Miami-Dade County Public Schools 
• Miami-Dade Police Department 
• Residential Plaza at Blue Lagoon 
• Senior Lift 
• Southwest Social Services 
• University of Miami 
• United Home Care 
• Vitas Innovative Care 
• West Dade Adult Day Care

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:

• Education/Mentoring
• Health Care
• Intergenerational Service
• Arts, Music & Entertainment
• Public Service

For more information, visit: Seniors Who Serve Awards page