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| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Federal government of the United States |
| Headquarters | Washington, D.C. |
| Agency executive |
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| Parent agency | AmeriCorps |
| Website | https://www.americorps.gov/ |
AmeriCorps Seniors is aUnited States government program run by theCorporation for National and Community Service. The program engages volunteers aged 55 and older to serve their communities. There are over 200,000 volunteers nationwide.[1]
AmeriCorps Seniors is made up of seven constituent programs—State and National, VISTA, NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps), Foster Grandparents, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Senior Companions and Volunteer in Community—which were brought together under one umbrella when theCorporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) was formed by then-presidentBill Clinton in 1993. At that time, the three programs were collectively called Senior Corps.[2] On September 29, 2020, CNCS announced the agency was rebranding itself as AmeriCorps, and Senior Corps was being rebranded as AmeriCorps Seniors.[3]
Three of the programs have unique histories, and each was developed to meet a specific need. The Foster Grandparent Program was piloted on August 28, 1965, to entice low income people over 60 in community service. The Senior Companion Program began as part of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare and Administration on Aging in 1968, and before being legislated and signed into law under PresidentRichard Nixon. The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) began as an outgrowth by private groups and government agencies to create opportunities of engagement, activity, and growth for older Americans following the work of theCommunity Service Society of New York onStaten Island beginning in 1965; the Society's success led theOlder Americans Act being amended to create RSVP as a nationwide program in 1969.
Senior Corps was formed from a merge of its constituent programs: Foster Grandparents, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), and Senior Companions. The three were originally mandated under theDomestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 with similar aims. The three programs have unique histories, and each was developed to meet a specific need, but all were crafted on the same belief that older adults are valuable resources to their communities. When theCorporation for National and Community Service was formed by then-presidentBill Clinton in 1993, the three organizations were reformed into the single agency Senior Corps.
The Foster Grandparent Program was piloted on August 28, 1965, to attract low income individuals over 60 into community service. The program quickly revealed the positive impact these thriving older Americans have on exceptional and special needs children and grew in scope. In the 1980s, the Foster Grandparent Program was championed by First LadyNancy Reagan. She drew attention to the program and helped it grow as one of her pet projects.
In 1968, the Senior Companion Program began as part of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare and Administration on Aging. Five years later, President Richard Nixon asked Congress to expand the role of low-income older volunteers who provide personal services to others. Seven months later, the Senior Companion Program was signed into law.
RSVP began as an outgrowth by private groups and government agencies to create opportunities of engagement, activity, and growth for older Americans. One of the earliest programs, theCommunity Service Society of New York, began in 1965 onStaten Island. The project involved a small group of volunteers who were dedicated to serving their communities in a variety of ways. It was due to the success of their efforts that led to an amendment to theOlder Americans Act, creating RSVP as a nationwide program in 1969.
Senior Corps is forpeople age 55+ who want to share their experiences with others who are most in need ofmentors, coaches, or a companion.
First operational on August 28, 1965, the Foster Grandparents program enablesseniors to interact with and support young children, thus acting asfostergrandparents. Open to seniors 55 and over, the program's goal is to provide "grandparents" who will give emotional support to victims of abuse andtutor,mentor, and care for children with disabilities. The participants make a difference in the lives of these children, receive pre-service and monthly training sessions, transportationreimbursement, an annualphysical, andaccident andliability insurance while working with the child/children. Some Foster Grandparents also receive small tax-freestipends to offset costs incurred while participating in the program; eligibility for these stipends is based on income criteria.
Much like the Foster Grandparents program, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) seeks to provide a way in which senior citizens can give back to their community. Flexible in nature, RSVP allows participants to choose how and when they work. Open to seniors 55 and over, the program's goals are wide and varied, and include job training, tutoring children, building homes, helpingimmunize children, relief services, and aid to community organizations. Volunteers are given a pre-service orientation, on-the-job training from the placement agency or organization, and supplemental insurance while on duty. This program does not provide a stipend.
One of the more widespread RSVP programs is a telephone reassurance service; RSVP volunteers contact other seniors by phone to ensure their well-being and provide friendly chat.
The Senior Companions program is aimed at helping citizens who need extra assistance to live independently, such as adults with disabilities or those withterminal illnesses and theircaregivers. Participants provide both emotional and physical support by assisting with simple housechores, providing transportation, and offering companionship.
A senior companion must be 55 years of age and able to give between 5 and 40[4] hours of service per week. In addition to making a significant contribution to the lives of others, participants receive pre-service and monthly training, transportation reimbursement, an annual physical, and meals and accident and liability insurance while on duty. Income-eligible Senior Companions also receive a modest, tax-free stipend to offset the cost of volunteering.
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