Doing good is good for you

You can make a difference in local schools by serving as a Foster Grandparent! Foster grandparents are volunteers placed with local schools and assist teachers by providing extra support to students. As a foster grandparent you are a role model, a tutor and a friend. You help children learn to read, provide one-on-one tutoring and guide children at a critical time in their lives. Volunteers are requested for students ranging in age from pre-kindergarten to high school in Seeley Lake and Condon.

Senior companions make regular visits to older adults and help with daily living tasks like errands, household chores, driving to appointments or going to social events. Senior companions can also help caregivers by giving them the chance to take a break and take care of their own needs.

Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions are part of the national AmeriCorps Seniors program which requires that participants be age 55 or older and be income eligible. They receive a small tax-free hourly stipend as reimbursement and offer free excess liability insurance to members while they are volunteering. If you are under age 55, the Caring Companion volunteer position may interest you. This position also provides companionship and socialization to local older adults.

RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) also part of AmeriCorps Seniors are volunteers in Seeley- Swan, aged 55 and over who support our local non-profit organizations focusing on hunger, nutrition, the health of older adults and Montana's natural resources. For example, RSVP volunteers in Seeley Lake are Meals on Wheels drivers, work at the Seeley Swan Community Food Bank, and volunteer at the Seeley Lake Senior Center as cashiers, Board members, Bingo callers, and help with both the Hunter's Breakfast and St. Patrick Day Dinner fundraisers.

RSVP also offers free excess liability insurance for all members while they are volunteering. When you become an AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP member, you will be notified of volunteer opportunities in Seeley Lake and Condon. The Clearwater Resource Council recently partnered with RSVP to link their project needs to interested volunteers. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP has 32 members in the Seeley-Swan, and we would like to expand our volunteer base to meet the needs of the community.

If you would like to become a member of the national AmeriCorps Seniors program as a Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion, RSVP member or Caring Companion please feel free to call me or stop by my office. My office hours are 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday in the Seeley Lake Community Foundation Building 3150 MT Highway 83 N, 406 541-7688. I can help you sign up for these important volunteer opportunities. For more information you may also go to the Missoula Aging Services website: https://missoulaagingservices.org.

I look forward to seeing you soon! The very best of health to you, Linda