Senior Sense seeks different kind of volunteer

We’re taught at a very young age that it’s better to give than to receive. The Senior Sense program takes the sentiment to a new level.

The program, which is funded by a three-year AmeriCorps VISTA grant from the Corporation from National and Community Service to the University of Maine Center on Aging, utilizes volunteers who are interested in helping low-income seniors.

“The goal of Senior Sense is to provide seniors with accessible resources and information to not only help them manage their limited financial assets, but also to help them save money and protect themselves against fraud,” said Drew Matlins, director of Senior Sense. “Our priority right now is on recruiting people who will help us achieve our goal.”

This help comes in a variety of forms, including heath care, minor home repair, nutrition assistance and employment. With the ideas and goals of the program firmly in place, all Senior Sense needs now are the volunteers who will make it all happen.

This isn’t your typical volunteer assignment. There are some guidelines that must be followed. The volunteer, who is expected to commit to the program 40 hours a week for one year, will receive a living allowance of $832 per month. The volunteer may not be employed during the course of the assignment. A high school diploma or GED and a valid driver’s license, with reliable transportation are required.

At the successful completion of the assignment, the volunteer receives a bonus of $1,200 in cash or a $4,725 education award to pay present or future student loans. Other benefits include health insurance, extensive training and, in some cases, childcare assistance.

Senior Sense is looking for applicants who possess strong organizational, communication and written skills, but most importantly have a deep commitment to working with older adults.

Eastern Agency on Aging currently has two Senior Sense positions available: a minor home repair coordinator and a FARMS (Food Assistance for Rural Maine Seniors) coordinator.

Senior Sense is a great way for people to expand their professional experience, increase skills, learn new ones and give back to the community, said Matlins.

“Traditionally, VISTA volunteers tend to be fresh out of college, but we are seeing older people apply,” he added. This is an ideal situation for seniors who want to make a difference and may want a little extra money.

Volunteers must attend an all-expense paid training that takes about four days including travel, said Matlins.

“The goal of AmeriCorps VISTA is to address the root causes of poverty,” said Matlins. “For me it’s a learning opportunity. I’ve personally seen some seniors struggle financially and I understand now how bad an issue this is.”

Senior Sense is also working to find “creative ways” of bringing social service agencies together to address the specific needs of low-income seniors, he added.

“There are 18 agencies on board now and I hope that number increases,” he said.

For the people who choose to volunteer for this program, the experience is unforgettable. Along with the training and the cash or education award at the end of the year, these selfless volunteers can also bask in the knowledge that, for a while, their mission was to make life better for an older person.

“[Senior Sense] is like a domestic Peace Corp,” said Matlins.

Indeed it is. The program brings a little peace of mind to struggling seniors and peace of heart to the volunteers who dedicate part of their lives to improve someone else’s.

For more information on the Senior Sense program, call Matlins at 581-3461 or log on www.americorps.org. Or, for information on EAA’s positions, call Deb Chapman at 941-2865.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865, log on www.eaaa.org, or e-mail info@eaaa.org.