Volunteers, Elder/Senior Volunteers (This facility accomodates Elder Volunteers)

Senior Companions are healthy older adults who help other adults live independently. They provide support to family caregivers and assist with grocery shopping and other daily tasks necessary to maintain independence. Without the help of VCLA’s Senior Companions, many older adults would not be able to continue living at home and would need more expensive and less personalized care.

Senior Companions become part of a team of caregivers, alerting doctors and family members to potential health problems. Senior Companions also provide short periods of relief to family members and other primary caregivers. Senior Companions are 60 years of age and older, with a limited income. They are people who are able to volunteer for 20 hours per week and who find personal fulfillment through helping other people.

For more information about VCLA's Senior Companions, please contact:

Program Coordinator
(213) 621-2257

Foster Grandparents give children the kind of individual attention that can change lives. Foster Grandparents offer their valuable talents and experience to help children develop the skills, confidence, and strength to succeed. They help children learn to read, care for children who have been diagnosed with disabilities, and offer counseling to those in need. Foster Grandparents make neighborhoods stronger by helping children gain self-esteem and achieve their goals. In the United States last year, Foster Grandparents:

Provided mentoring to more than 145,000 children.

Helped over 11,000 teen-aged parents improve their parenting skills so they could keep their children healthy and safe.

Provided one-on-one support and care to over 27,000 youth who had gotten in trouble with the law.

Tutored more than 115,000 elementary, middle, and high school students.
Foster Grandparents receive the joy of knowing that they are making a difference in the lives of children. Increased personal attention helps children feel more confident, and individualized tutoring from Foster Grandparents can lead to improved academic outcomes and a more rewarding life course. Through the life-changing opportunity to know the consistent love of a Foster Grandparent, children will get the advice, counseling, and emotional support they need to be happy and fulfilled.

Foster Grandparents are 60 years of age and older, with a limited income. They are able to volunteer for 20 hours per week, they love children, and they find great joy in helping other people. Foster Grandparents receive pre-service orientation and monthly training. They also receive supplemental insurance, an annual physical exam, and assistance with their meal and transportation costs. In addition, a small stipend is available for those who qualify.

For more information about VCLA's Foster Grandparents, please contact:

Program Director
(213) 625-2257