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FOSTER GRANDPARENTS – SENIOR COMPANIONS

Giniw Waakaa'igan – Red Lake Vocational Rehabilitation Services is a volunteer location/site for Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions. We have positions available for people 55 years and older in both programs. Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions become program participants with Giniw Waakaa'igan – RLVR.

Foster Grandparents are older adults whom children and youth depend upon for much needed attention that can change lives. They are friends from the community who care. Seniors may be eligible for a tax-free stipend, transportation/meal allowance and other benefits. Foster Grandparents generally work within the School District for two hours each day.

Senior Companions are older adults whom assist others to maintain the highest level of dignity and independent living possible by visiting homebound isolated adults, assist with vital services such as grocery shopping and appointments, providing support to family caregivers and being a friend who listens and cares.

Benefits for Senior Companions include a small financial reimbursement for travel costs to and from assignments and official project activities. The Senior Companions generally work for two hours each day. Payment for hours worked are in the form of a stipend which cannot be counted as "income".

Training is provided – initial orientation to the program and assignments, monthly site visits at Giniw Waakaa'igan and continuing in-services and workshops for both programs.

We are also looking for Senior Services Advocates for each District. These individuals will actually be situated at the Red Lake and Ponemah Elderly Nutrition Programs and be involved in the Senior Companions Program. They will be assigned with the task of reaching out to home-bound; elders and vulnerable adults. This position will be for two days a week, 5 hours each day; the schedule is rather flexible if one has other daytime commitments. Candy Beaulieu, Program Director for Red Lake Elderly Nutrition will serve as the site supervisor for the Senior Services Advocates.

You may contact either of the following for more information or if you would like to become involved in the Foster Grandparent or Senior Companions Program:

Connie Lee Berg, Director of Giniw Waakaa'igan at 679-2152 – located at the Red Lake Agency.

Donna Sumner, Employment Services Specialist at 679-2152 – located at the Red Lake Agency.

Mar Kuha is the Program Manager, Foster Grandparent/Senior Companion Program. She can be reached at 1-218-547-4626 or you may contact the State Office at 1-888-205-3770.

 

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