McKenzie County ND

According to Sonja Mickelson, Western Coordinator of the Senior Companion Program located in Minot, “There is a need statewide for senior companions but the need is GREAT in rural communities in the Watford City area. A toll free number is 1 800 450 1510. Callers will be forwarded to the Minot office.”

This is some of the information found on the senior website http://www.seniorcorps.gov/about/programs/sc.asp

Senior Companions touch the lives of adults who need extra assistance to live independently in their own homes or communities. They serve frail older adults, adults with disabilities, those with terminal illnesses, and offer respite for caregivers. They assist their adult clients in basic but essential ways:
Offering companionship and friendship to isolated and frail adults;
Assisting with simple chores;
Providing transportation; and
Adding richness to their clients’ lives.

Who can be a Senior Companion? Senior Companions are individuals age 60 or over who want to help adults with special needs remain independent and living in their own home.

To participate in the Senior Companions program, volunteers must be 60 or over and be able to serve between 15 and 40 hours a week.

Senior Companions make connections with other adults and know they are making significant contributions to their lives. In addition, they receive the following:
Pre-service and monthly training sessions
Reimbursement for transportation;
Some meals during service;
An annual physical;
Accident and liability insurance while on duty; and
Income-eligible Senior Companions also receive a modest, tax-free stipend to offset the cost of volunteering.

Seniors 60 and over and who meet income requirements are encouraged to apply to become a mentor at their local school. Grandparents help students gain reading skills by listening to them read or reading to them. They can also help in any subject area depending on the needs of individual students. It goes without saying interested people have to love being with young folks.

Benefits gained by the senior is a chance to utilize their skills and talents and to supplement their income. Benefits gained by students is another loving adult at school to give them love, support, patience and guidance.

To qualify as a Foster Grandparent a senior must:

be 60 years of age or older
Meet income guidelines
able to serve a minimum of 15 up to a maximum of 40 hours a week
receive a clear Criminal Background Check and Child Abuse and Neglect Check
have a sincere interest in children and a desire to help in their growth and development.

For more information about the Foster Grandparent Program and application forms contact:
Paula Messmer, Director
600 South 2nd Street Suite 8
Bismarck, ND 58504

Phone: (888) 603-8376 ext. 17

According to Bonnie Johnson of Experience Works located at 512 4th Ave E Suite 16 in Williston, ND, “Life is full of changes! Let’s see if we can be of any help now!”

Bonnie or Galen Germundson can be reached at 701 774 9675. Candidates for the program must meet income guidelines, and be 55 or older. The training rate of pay is currently $5.85 per hour for an average of 20 hours per week. This of course, is subject to change, depending on the funds available. If you are interested in learning new skills be sure and call.

Included here are some facts of the Experience Works program taken from the website http://www.experienceworks.org.

Experience Works helps low-income seniors, many with multiple barriers to employment, get the training they need to find good jobs in their local communities.

Experience Works is a national, charitable, community-based organization. Originally named Green Thumb, and chartered in 1965 as a small, rural demonstration program, Experience Works has grown to be the nation’s leading provider of training, employment, and community service for low-income older people.

Mission: Improve the lives of older people through employment, community service and training.

Strengths:
Assisting employers to take full advantage of the talents of older workers
Helping older people who are low income or at risk of becoming low income.
Using community service as a path to employment.
Building strong relationships in local communities.
Addressing the challenges facing older people in rural America.

Beliefs:
Older people should have an opportunity to learn new skills and contribute to their community throughout their lives.
Employers who hire, train and retain older workers will be most successful.
People who are productive and active throughout their lives will have better health, increased longevity, and a more positive impact on their community.