RSVP and Foster Grandparents

Lutheran is the proud sponsor of two AmeriCorps Seniors programs, RSVP and Foster Grandparents. AmeriCorps Seniors is a network of national service programs for Americans 55 years and older, made up of three primary programs that each take a different approach to improving lives and fostering civic engagement. AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers commit their time to address critical community needs including academic tutoring and mentoring, elderly care, disaster relief support, and more.

Conceived during John F. Kennedy’s presidency, AmeriCorps Seniors currently links roughly 220,000 Americans to service opportunities in their communities. Their contributions of skills, knowledge, and experience make a real difference to individuals, nonprofits, and faith-based and other community organizations throughout the United States.

Similar to the Military or AmeriCorps, AmeriCorps Seniors is another form of service to your country. Scroll down to learn more about these volunteer opportunities and for each office’s contact information.

When you join AmeriCorps Seniors, you choose how you want to give back. Help a struggling child to learn to read. Deliver groceries to an elderly neighbor. Support a family impacted by natural disaster. These are just a few of the service opportunities available to you through AmeriCorps Seniors.

Every year, we match over 200,000 AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers with service opportunities offered by our partner organizations.

RSVP is one of the largest volunteer networks in the nation for people 55 and over. Our local volunteers use their skills and talents to serve in a variety of volunteer activities within our community. Being a part of the RSVP program helps strengthen our community and foster civic engagement through volunteerism, plus giving back is good for you too! Older Americans who volunteer frequently live longer and report better health by staying active physically and socially.

The RSVP program has helped support many community organizations including the Salvation Army Food Pantry, St. Susan’s Soup Kitchen, Chautauqua County Humane Society, Audubon Community Nature Center, and Chautauqua Striders.

Foster Grandparents are role models, mentors, and friends to children with exceptional needs. The program provides a way for volunteers age 55 and over to stay active by serving children and youth in their communities.

Our local Foster Grandparent Program serves over 150 children each year spending 15 hours a week in classrooms around the county. Foster Grandparents receive paid orientation, travel assistance, lunch while working, accident/personal liability insurance, and income-eligible individuals can earn a tax-free hourly stipend of over $2,000 per year.

“I was a physician before, but I now work with the Meals on Wheels program to make sure the meals are meeting the nutritional needs of each recipient.”

Richard BlankRSVP Volunteer

“I try to dream up new activities to help the children in the Head Start program prepare for elementary school. I see them improve and advance right before my eyes.”

Neil WeareFoster Grandparent Volunteer

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RSVP and Foster Grandparents

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Southern Chautauqua County RSVP (716) 665-3038

Northern Chautauqua County RSVP (716) 366-8070

Foster Grandparent Program (716) 665-5354

To Learn About RSVP And Foster Grandparents

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