Senior Volunteer Programs Advisory Council

Meetings

• Quarterly (January, April, July, and October) on the 3rd Wednesday of the month
• 1:15 p.m.
• Alamogordo Senior Center (in Classroom #1)
  2201 Puerto Rico Avenue
  Alamogordo, NM 88310 

Members

Eleven members:

• Nine At-Large Members
• One Foster Grandparent Representative
• One Senior Companion Representative

No more than two members may reside outside City limits.

Responsibilities

This Council provides advisory direction and input regarding the operation of the Senior Volunteer Programs (which includes the Foster Grandparent Program and Senior Companion Program). Tasks include:

• Short and long-term planning to advance the programs
• Discuss any trends in society affecting senior volunteers and whether the programs should be adjusted based on these trends
• Review budget information and Administrator's Report
• Vote on any other relevant business regarding the programs

About FGP & SCP

The Foster Grandparent Program engages older Americans in service to youth/students within schools and educational settings. Foster Grandparents are under the supervision of teachers/other school professionals such as principals. Seniors 55 years or older perform one-on-one service with young people. Income-eligible senior volunteers in the Foster Grandparent program receive a modest stipend to help offset the costs of volunteering. Some examples of volunteer activities include the following:

• Helping preschool children prepare for elementary school
• Tutoring elementary, middle, or high school students in schools for academic success (i.e. help with reading, writing, math, etc.)
• Reading a story to a second-grade class
• Helping a kindergarten student practice penmanship and writing their name
• Providing emotional support to children

The Senior Companion Program consists of older Americans who provide assistance to homebound seniors. This program helps homebound clients maintain dignity and independence while providing respite to family caregivers. Clients can include older adults who are frail, have disabilities, or have a terminal illness. Seniors  55 years or older perform one-on-one service with their clients. Income-eligible seniors volunteers in the Senior Companion Program also receive a modest stipend to help offset the costs of volunteering. Some examples of volunteer activities include the following:

• Providing companionship and friendship to isolated adults (socialization)
• Assisting with simple chores
• Providing transportation for client (doctor appointments, etc.)
• Preparing a snack for a client
• Helping with grocery shopping

Staff Liaison

Ryan Sanders, SVP Specialist, can be reached at 575-439-4150.