The Concho Valley Senior Companion Program was established by the Concho Valley Area Agency on Aging in 1988 through a grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service, formerly known as ACTION. The purpose of the program is to provide income-eligible seniors, aged 55 and older, the opportunity to serve the needs of frail elderly and disabled adults while earning a modest tax-free stipend.

If you are interested in applying for the Senior Companion Program, please contact:

Concho Valley Council of Governments
Attn: Senior Companion Program
5430 Link Road,
San Angelo, Texas 76904
325-944-9666
Toll Free: 1-877-944-9666

Senior Companions often provide essential services that enable the elderly to remain independent in their homes:

• Running errands
• Meal preparation
• Assistance with household chores
• Vital emotional support through friendship
• Respite care for full-time caregivers

Senior Companions also serve in congregate settings such as Adult Enrichment Center, hospitals, and senior centers. Through their community service, Senior Companions enhance their self-esteem, remain active both mentally and physically, and enrich the lives of those they serve.

Senior Companions must be 55 years of age or older and have an interest in working with older persons. In order to receive a stipend and transportation reimbursement, individuals must meet income eligibility guidelines. Up to 50% of out of pocket medical expenses may be deducted from total income to determine eligibility.

Annual Income for Family Units of:

• Pre-Service Orientation training plus monthly In-Service Trainings.
• On-the-job supplemental accident/liability and auto liability insurance.
• Mileage reimbursement or transportation assistance may be provided.
• Daily meal provided at some Stations.
• Annual physical examination.
• Annual Volunteer Recognition.
• An hourly stipend. By federal law the stipend is not subject to tax or garnishment. It also does not reduce or eliminate the level of, or eligibility for, assistance or services a Foster Grandparent may be receiving under any governmental program, including: unemployment insurance, worker's compensation; temporary disability, retirement, public assistance or similar benefit payments or minimum wage laws.

A volunteer station is a public agency, private non-profit organization, or health-care agency or organization that utilizes Senior Companions to enhance service to their consumers. Each volunteer station accepts responsibility for assignment and supervision of Senior Companions. In providing service, volunteer station managers and staff identify prospective clients, arrange for volunteer placements, and maintain volunteer timesheets.

Volunteer stations established by the Concho Valley Senior Companion Program, located in San Angelo and surrounding counties, include the following:

The Senior Companion Program is one of three major programs that comprise the National Senior Service Corps of the Corporation for National and Community Service. The Senior Companion Program, Foster Grandparent Program, and Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) help seniors aged 55 and older find volunteer opportunities to enhance their lives through service and strengthen their communities.

To learn more about the National Senior Service Corps, contact 1-800-424-8867 or (512) 916-5671 (Texas) or view the website by clicking on the following link for The National Senior Corps Association.