Each year, Maine AmeriCorps Seniors programs engage more than 2,000 older adults age 55+ in volunteer service, enriching the lives of both the volunteers and their communities through Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion, and RSVP programs.
AmeriCorps, the federal agency that sponsors service, volunteering, and civic engagement provides funding and support for the 8 Maine AmeriCorps Seniors programs.
Foster Grandparent
Foster Grandparents devote their volunteer service entirely to disadvantaged or disabled youth. They are individuals age 55 and over who thrive on direct interaction with children and believe they can make a difference in their lives. Income-eligible Foster Grandparents receive a modest stipend to help offset the costs of volunteering.
In Maine, two programs cover the state. The Opportunity Alliance in Portland operates Foster Grandparents in York, Cumberland, and southern Oxford Counties. Penquis Community Action overs all remaining counties. Learn more about the opportunities to serve using the information below.
- Penquis Foster Grandparent Program
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Counties served: Androscoggin, Aroostook, Franklin, Hancock, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Oxford, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Sagadahoc , Somerset , Waldo, Washington, and the town of Brunswick.
Primary Contact: Maria Staples, Program Director
Penquis Community Action Program
262 Harlow Street, Bangor, ME 04401
phone: (207) 207-973-3611
email:mstaples@penquis.org
web site: www.penquis.orgThe Foster Grandparent Program places volunteers 55 years of age or older in public or nonprofit settings such as schools, Head Start centers, correctional institutions, and child care centers, to serve as tutors and mentors to children and youth with special needs. Among other activities, they review schoolwork, reinforce values, teach skills and care for infants and children with disabilities.
Volunteers serve an average of 15-36 hours per week. Benefits include a non-taxable stipend, mileage, paid time off, training, supervision and recognition. Help to mobilize one of Maine's greatest resources - its seniors - to prepare our children and youth to be successful students and responsible citizens.
For more information, contact mstaples@penquis.org or submit an inquiry on line through this LINK.
- Foster Grandparent Program sponsored by The Opportunity Alliance
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Counties served: Cumberland, York County and the southern towns of Oxford County
Primary Contact: Sonya Thibeau
222 St. John Street, Suite 302B
Portland, ME 04102
phone: (207) 773-0202
fax: (207) 874-1182
email: sonya.thibeau @opportunityalliance.org
web site: www.opportunityalliance.orgAdults age 55 and over have an opportunity to make a difference in children's lives while enhancing their own. Foster Grandparents mentor and tutor children under the supervision of teachers and staff in schools, child development centers and Head Starts throughout York, Cumberland and parts of southern Oxford county.
Volunteers who have completed our application process (including background checks), meet generous income guidelines, and able to commit to at least 10 or more hours a week are eligible for a number of benefits including a non-taxable stipend, meal and travel assistance, paid time off, pre-service and ongoing training, supervision and recognition.
To find out more, call 207-773-0202 or toll-free 800-698-4959, or email FGP@opportunityalliance.org.
Senior Companions
Senior Companions are volunteers aged 55 or older, who help frail adults achieve and maintain their highest level of independent living.
Helping elders stay independent can be a challenge in Maine's rural areas. Many older adults are isolated and do not have relatives living nearby to visit on a regular basis and must rely on others to help assist them.
- Senior Companion Program sponsored by The Opportunity Alliance
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County: Cumberland, York
Primary Contact: Sonya Thibeau
Opportunity Alliance
222 St. John Street, Suite 302B
Portland, ME 04102
phone: 207-773-0202
fax: 207-874-1182
email: sonya.thibeau @opportunityalliance.org
web site: www.opportunityalliance.orgAdults age 55 and over have an opportunity to make a difference in an older person’s life while enhancing their own. Senior Companions make independence a reality for frail elders and their families by providing companionship, increased socialization, transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping and other essential errands, and respite for family caregivers.
Volunteers who complete our application process (including background checks), meet generous income guidelines, are able to commit to a consistent schedule, and are eligible for a number of benefits. These include a non-taxable stipend, meal and travel assistance, paid time off, pre-service and ongoing training, supervision and recognition.
To find out more, call us at 207-773-0202 or toll free 1-800-698-4959 or email SCP@opportunityalliance.org
- University of Maine Center on Aging Senior Companion Program
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Counties: Androscoggin, Franklin, Hancock, Kennebec, Oxford, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, Washington
Primary Contact: Michael R Morang, LSW
Director, Senior Companion Program
UMaine Center on Aging
Camden Hall
25 Texas Avenue
Bangor, Maine 04401-4324
telephone: 207-262-7929; fax: 207-262-7921
e-mail: michael.morang@maine.edu
website: www.mainecenteronaging.orgThrough the University of Maine Center on Aging Senior Companion Program, homebound elders are able to maintain their independence by living in place longer thanks to regular visits from Senior Companion Volunteers who are dedicated, active individuals age 55 and older.
Since 2019, more than 50 Senior Companion Volunteers have been trained in the evidence based Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) model. MHFA is an adult public education program designed to improve participants' knowledge and modify their attitudes and perceptions about mental health and related issues. The training provides an individual with the tools to identify and respond to someone who may be experiencing one or more mental health crisis and or a substance use disorder.
With the MHFA training, UMaine Center on Aging Senior Companion Program Volunteers are well equipped with knowledge and resources to connect those they serve in the community with the supports available in their area.
For more information, contact michael.morang@maine.edu
RSVP
RSVP's mission is to provide meaningful volunteer opportunities for adults and to serve communities by utilizing the talents, expertise and life-long experiences of older adult volunteers.
It offers offers maximum flexibility and choice to its volunteers, age 55 and over, who serve in non-profit, educational, public, and health care organizations.
- Aroostook RSVP
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County served: Aroostook
Primary Contact: Halina Herzob, Manager, RSVP and Volunteer Services
Aroostook Area Agency on Aging,
PO Box 1288
260 Main Street, Suite B, Presque Isle, ME 04769
phone: 207.760.6274
email: halina.herzog@aroostookaging.org
website: https://www.aroostookaging.org/volunteerAroostook Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) promotes healthy, successful aging and meets critical local needs by matching people age 55 and older with nonprofit or public organizations that utilize volunteers to deliver services and accomplish their missions.
Volunteers work with RSVP program coordinators to select opportunities that best meet individual interests and expertise. Volunteers have the right to accept or refuse any specific volunteer position. They receive supplemental accident and liability insurance, some expense reimbursement and the great satisfaction of making an important contribution to their community.
- Catholic Charities Maine RSVP
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Counties served: Kennebec and Somerset
Primary Contact: Lynn Kidd, RSVP Project Manager
Catholic Charities SEARCH RSVP Project
24 Washington Street. Augusta, ME 04330
phone: 207-530-0137
email: lkidd@ccmaine.org
website: www.ccmaine.org/rsvpSomerset Contact: Jodi Waterhouse, RSVP/ Search Program Coordinator
Catholic Charities SEARCH RSVP Project
Christ The King Parish, 271 Water Street, P.O. Box 2027, Skowhegan, ME 04976
phone: 207-576-5730
email: jwaterhouse@ccmaine.org
website: www.ccmaine.orgKennebec Contact: Lynn Kidd, RSVP Project Manager
Catholic Charities SEARCH RSVP Project
24 Washington Street, Augusta, ME 04330
phone: 207-530-0137
email: lkidd@ccmaine.org
website: www.ccmaine.orgCatholic Charities Maine RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program) focuses on supporting seniors ages 60 and above in our communities and partnering with local food pantries.
Catholic Charities RSVP volunteers provide companionship & socialization activities, transportation support and referrals for seniors to help them be less isolated & lonely, more connected to their communities and the services that can support them, and to support them in living in their homes longer and age in place.
Our volunteer stations in Kennebec and Somerset counties will support seniors in our SEARCH (Seek Elderly Alone, Renew Courage & Hope) Program. Join us in making a positive difference in the life of a senior.
Catholic Charities RSVP provides training, ongoing support, supplemental insurance coverage, recognition.
- RSVP of Southern Maine
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Counties served: Cumberland, York
Primary Contact: Mary Hadlock
Southern Maine Area Agency on Aging,
136 US Rt. 1, Scarborough, ME 04074
phone: (207) 396-6509, 1 (800) 427-7411
fax: (207) 883-8249
email: mhadlock@smaaa.org
website: https://www.smaaa.org/volunteer/index.htmlRSVP of Southern Maine currently has volunteers placed in over 50 organizations in York and Cumberland Counties. RSVP volunteers come from all backgrounds and choose volunteer opportunities based on their interests, skills and schedule. RSVP provides all its volunteers with a variety of volunteer opportunities from which to choose, careful placement, on-going support, recognition of their service, insurance coverage while volunteering and membership in a national volunteer organization. Many volunteers give one morning or afternoon of service each week, but any amount of service is welcome and schedules are flexible.
RSVP is looking to place volunteers in six important impact areas this year - Education, Healthy Futures, Veterans and Military Families, Environmental Stewardship, Economic Opportunity and Disaster Services.
Southern Maine Agency on Aging has been the sponsor for RSVP in Cumberland and York counties since the program began here in 1973.
- UMaine Center on Aging RSVP
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Counties served: Penobscot, Piscataquis, Hancock, Washington
Primary Contact: Carrie Limeburner
UMaine Center on Aging RSVP,
Camden Hall, 25 Texas Avenue, Bangor, ME 04401
phone: (207) 262-7926
fax: (207) 262-7921
email: carrie.limeburner @maine.edu
web site: https://mainecenteronaging.umaine.edu/service/umaine-center-aging-rsvp/UMaine Center on Aging RSVP members are active, vibrant adults aged 55 to 100+ who invest their skills and life experiences to make a difference for generations in Eastern Maine through volunteer service. Our membership consists of Senior Volunteers Responding to Community Needs in the following focus areas:
Home-delivered meals for the elderly by volunteers and volunteer support for supplemental food programs to address food insecurity among seniors. Bone Builders excersize program for older adults led by volunteers to combat osteoporosis by building bone density and education around fall prevention.RSVP members can "shop" for volunteer opportunities that best match their interests and skills with assistance from the RSVP staff. Training for volunteer positions are provided, along with supplemental accident/liability insurance, recognition, and on-going volunteer support.
- Tai Chi for Arthritis classes led by volunteer instructors for older adults with arthritis, joint, and other muscle-skeletal issues.
- School readiness/early childhood literacy - seniors serving as volunteer readers in child care centers.
- Volunteer support for respite and independent living for seniors.
- Miscellaneous volunteer opportunities that support other community priorities including services to veterans and capacity building for agencies.