Henry Street Settlement opens doors of opportunity for Lower East Side residents and other New Yorkers through social service, arts, and health care programs.
Senior Companion Program volunteers provide in-person and telephone support for older adults, to help them live independently throughout the five boroughs of New York City. Volunteer companions are trained to provide services that include friendly visiting, shopping assistance, and help escorting their weekly scheduled clients to doctor’s appointment or other community activities. Volunteers do not provide “activities of daily living” support such as bathing, household cleaning, money or medication management, home repairs, or lifting clients.
We offer both one-time task support and long-term matches with a Senior Companion volunteer.
NEW! One-Time Task Support:
The Senior Companion Program is now seeking participants and volunteers for short-term needs! Senior Companion volunteers can accompany* and support New Yorkers age 60 and older with a variety of one-time tasks to help maintain their independence. This is a great resource for older adults who don’t have family nearby, are getting back on their feet after a medical treatment, or feel safer with a companion when leaving the house.
(*Volunteers do not provide transportation, only accompaniment.) Funding is provided by Citymeals on Wheels).
To get support for yourself or a loved one, please click the intake form button below.
To become a volunteer for one-time tasks, contact Susana Sanchez at 212.473.1474 x1337 or SSanchez@HenryStreet.org.
Long-Term Companionship Support:
Senior Companions are active older adult volunteers 55 years and above who regularly visit and provide telephone reassurance services to homebound or isolated fellow older adults, to help them age independently at home. In addition to the services described above, volunteers can refer active clients to case management services to assist with obtaining other resources in New York City.
Funded by AmeriCorps Seniors, the Senior Companion Program is available in all of New York City’s five boroughs.
We seeking volunteers who meet the following criteria:
- Are at least 55 years old
- Volunteer between 5 and 40 hours weekly
- May qualify for a tax-free stipend and paid time off
- Are covered by accident and liability insurance while in the field
- Participate in training sessions tailored to the needs and interests of older adults
Are you interested in referring a potential client to our waitlist? Please click below to complete a referral form.
Click here to see Senior Companions featured in The NYCHA Journal »
