Each year, Maine AmeriCorps Seniors programs engage more than 2,000 older adults age 55+ in volunteer service, enriching the lives of both the volunteers and their communities through Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion, and RSVP programs.

AmeriCorps, the federal agency that sponsors service, volunteering, and civic engagement provides funding and support for the 8 Maine AmeriCorps Seniors programs.

child at table with adult helping with colors and turning pagesFoster Grandparent

Foster Grandparents devote their volunteer service entirely to disadvantaged or disabled youth. They are individuals age 55 and over who thrive on direct interaction with children and believe they can make a difference in their lives. Income-eligible Foster Grandparents receive a modest stipend to help offset the costs of volunteering.

In Maine, two programs cover the state. The Opportunity Alliance in Portland operates Foster Grandparents in York, Cumberland, and southern Oxford Counties. Penquis Community Action overs all remaining counties. Learn more about the opportunities to serve using the information below.

Penquis Foster Grandparent Program

Counties served: Androscoggin, Aroostook, Franklin, Hancock, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Oxford, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Sagadahoc , Somerset , Waldo, Washington, and the town of Brunswick.

Primary Contact: Maria Staples, Program Director
Penquis Community Action Program
262 Harlow Street, Bangor, ME 04401
phone: (207) 207-973-3611
email:mstaples@penquis.org
web site: www.penquis.org

The Foster Grandparent Program places volunteers 55 years of age or older in public or nonprofit settings such as schools, Head Start centers, correctional institutions, and child care centers, to serve as tutors and mentors to children and youth with special needs.  Among other activities, they review schoolwork, reinforce values, teach skills and care for infants and children with disabilities. 

Volunteers serve an average of 15-36 hours per week.  Benefits include a non-taxable stipend, mileage, paid time off, training, supervision and recognition.  Help to mobilize one of Maine's greatest resources - its seniors - to prepare our children and youth to be successful students and responsible citizens.

For more information, contact mstaples@penquis.org or submit an inquiry on line through this LINK. 

Foster Grandparent Program sponsored by The Opportunity Alliance

Counties served: Cumberland, York County and the southern towns of Oxford County

Primary Contact: Sonya Thibeau
222 St. John Street, Suite 302B
Portland, ME 04102
phone: (207) 773-0202
fax: (207) 874-1182
email: sonya.thibeau @opportunityalliance.org
web site: www.opportunityalliance.org

Adults age 55 and over have an opportunity to make a difference in children's lives while enhancing their own. Foster Grandparents mentor and tutor children under the supervision of teachers and staff in schools, child development centers and Head Starts throughout York, Cumberland and parts of southern Oxford county.

Volunteers who have completed our application process (including background checks), meet generous income guidelines, and able to commit to at least 10 or more hours a week are eligible for a number of benefits including a non-taxable stipend, meal and travel assistance, paid time off, pre-service and ongoing training, supervision and recognition.

To find out more, call 207-773-0202 or toll-free 800-698-4959, or email FGP@opportunityalliance.org.

older man with cane holding onto female adult to steady himself as he walksSenior Companions

Senior Companions are volunteers aged 55 or older, who help frail adults achieve and maintain their highest level of independent living. 

Helping elders stay independent can be a challenge in Maine's rural areas. Many older adults are isolated and do not have relatives living nearby to visit on a regular basis and must rely on others to help assist them. 

Senior Companion Program sponsored by The Opportunity Alliance

County: Cumberland, York

Primary Contact: Sonya Thibeau
Opportunity Alliance
222 St. John Street, Suite 302B
Portland, ME 04102
phone: 207-773-0202
fax: 207-874-1182 
email: sonya.thibeau @opportunityalliance.org
web site: www.opportunityalliance.org

Adults age 55 and over have an opportunity to make a difference in an older person’s life while enhancing their own.  Senior Companions make independence a reality for frail elders and their families by providing companionship, increased socialization, transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping and other essential errands, and respite for family caregivers.

Volunteers who complete our application process (including background checks), meet generous income guidelines, are able to commit to a consistent schedule, and are eligible for a number of benefits.  These include a non-taxable stipend, meal and travel assistance, paid time off, pre-service and ongoing training, supervision and recognition.

To find out more, call us at 207-773-0202 or toll free 1-800-698-4959 or email SCP@opportunityalliance.org

University of Maine Center on Aging Senior Companion Program

Counties: Androscoggin, Franklin, Hancock, Kennebec, Oxford, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, Washington  

Primary Contact: Jennifer Jain, PhD, CTRS
Director, Senior Companion Program
UMaine Center on Aging
Dunn Hall
139 Munson Road
Orono, Maine  04469
telephone: 
Jennifer Jain (Program Director) 207-581-2031

Laurie Bishop (Program Coordinator) 207-581-2039 fax: 207-262-7921
e-mail: coaseniorcompanionprogram-group@maine.edu
website:  https://mainecenteronaging.umaine.edu/americorps-senior-companion-program/

The University of Maine Center on Aging Senior Companion Program provides services for socially isolated older adults, who are matched with volunteers 55 and older to support aging in place and maintain independence for as long as possible. Volunteers provide companionship, assistance with daily tasks, and support at doctors' appointments, among many other services.  

We also provide free digital literacy training, licensed by Senior Planet and AARP.  We offer lectures, workshops, courses, and series throughout Maine. 

We are currently seeking volunteers for the Senior Companion Program and for Senior Planet trainer roles. To learn more about these opportunities or how to make a client referral, please get in touch with Jennifer Jain or Laurie Bishop using the contact information listed above. 

two adult men fixing porch railing with carpentry toolsRSVP

RSVP's mission is to provide meaningful volunteer opportunities for adults and to serve communities by utilizing the talents, expertise and life-long experiences of older adult volunteers.

It offers offers maximum flexibility and choice to its volunteers, age 55 and over, who serve in non-profit, educational, public, and health care organizations.

Aroostook RSVP

County served: Aroostook

Primary Contact: Halina Herzog, Manager, RSVP and Volunteer Services
Aroostook Area Agency on Aging,
PO Box 1288
260 Main Street, Suite B, Presque Isle, ME 04769
phone: 207.760.6274
email: halina.herzog@aroostookaging.org 
website: https://www.aroostookaging.org/volunteer

Aroostook Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) promotes healthy, successful aging and meets critical local needs by matching people age 55 and older with nonprofit or public organizations that utilize volunteers to deliver services and accomplish their missions. 

Volunteers work with RSVP program coordinators to select opportunities that best meet individual interests and expertise.  Volunteers have the right to accept or refuse any specific volunteer position.  They receive supplemental accident and liability insurance, some expense reimbursement and the great satisfaction of making an important contribution to their community.

Catholic Charities Maine RSVP

Counties served: Androscoggin, Kennebec, and Somerset

Primary Contact: Lynn Kidd, RSVP Project Manager 
Catholic Charities SEARCH RSVP Project  
24 Washington Street. Augusta, ME 04330
phone: 207-530-0137
email: lkidd@ccmaine.org
website: www.ccmaine.org/rsvp


Wendy Russell, volunteer Aging Services Director Jodi Waterhouse, RSVP/ Search Program Coordinator
Catholic Charities SEARCH RSVP -Androscoggin
270 Minot Avenue Auburn, ME 04210
phone: 207-782-0051
email: wrussell@ccmaine.org
website: www.ccmaine.org/rsvp

 

Somerset Contact:Lynn Kidd, RSVP/ Search Program Coordinator
Catholic Charities SEARCH RSVP Project
phone: 207-530-0137
email: lkidd@ccmaine.org
website: www.ccmaine.org

Kennebec Contact: Lynn Kidd, RSVP Project Manager
Catholic Charities SEARCH RSVP Project
24 Washington Street, Augusta, ME  04330
phone: 207-530-0137
email: lkidd@ccmaine.org 
website: www.ccmaine.org

Catholic Charities Maine RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program) focuses on supporting seniors ages 60 and above in our communities and partnering with local food pantries.

Catholic Charities RSVP volunteers provide companionship & socialization activities, transportation support and referrals for seniors to help them be less isolated & lonely, more connected to their communities and the services that can support them, and to support them in living in their homes longer and age in place.  

Our volunteer stations in Androscoggin, Kennebec, and Somerset counties will support seniors in our SEARCH (Seek Elderly Alone, Renew Courage & Hope) Program. Join us in making a positive difference in the life of a senior.

Catholic Charities RSVP provides training, ongoing support, supplemental insurance coverage, recognition.

RSVP of Southern Maine

Counties served: Cumberland, York

Primary Contact: Meg Barhite
Southern Maine Area Agency on Aging,
30 Barra Road, Biddeford Maine 04005
phone: (207) 396-6500
fax: (207) 883-8249
email: volunteer@smaaa.org
website: https://www.smaaa.org/volunteer/index.html

RSVP of Southern Maine places volunteers over the age of 55 in meaningful community service roles across York and Cumberland Counties. Annually, RSVP of Southern Maine volunteers impact over 6,400commuinty members via programs such as Meals on Wheels, Community Cafes/Congregate Meal Sites, Phone Pals, Money Minders, Medicare Counseling, Adult Day Programming, hospital volunteering, and more.

RSVP of Southern Maine volunteers come from all backgrounds and choose volunteer opportunities based on their interests, skills and schedule. RSVP of Southern Maine provides all its volunteers with a variety of volunteer opportunities from which to choose, careful placement, on-going support, recognition of their service, insurance coverage while volunteering and membership in a national volunteer organization. Many volunteers give one morning or afternoon of service each week, but any amount of service is welcome and schedules are flexible.

Southern Maine Agency on Aging has been the sponsor for RSVP in Cumberland and York counties since the program began here in 1973.

UMaine Center on Aging RSVP

Counties served: Penobscot, Piscataquis, Hancock, Washington

Primary Contact: Tara Mozdziez
UMaine Center on Aging RSVP,
139 Munson Road, Dunn Hall, Orono, ME 04469-5724
phone: (207) 581-2053 
email: tara.mozdziez@maine.edu
web site: https://mainecenteronaging.umaine.edu/service/umaine-center-aging-rsvp/

UMaine Center on Aging RSVP is a program through AmeriCorps Seniors. It engages people 55 and older in meaningful volunteer roles. Each role utilizes their skills and life experiences to make a difference for community members across Penobscot, Piscataquis, Hancock, and Washington counties.
RSVP volunteers are matched with opportunities that align with their interests, skills, and passions. Volunteer opportunities are available for those who wish to give only a few hours a month or several hours weekly. Training, supplemental accident/liability insurance, and superior support from the RSVP staff make volunteering on your terms achievable.
The program specifically supports community-led initiatives, such as:

  • Bone Builders: This osteoporosis prevention and reversal exercise program was developed by Tufts University and is led by trained RSVP volunteer leaders. Classes are held twice weekly, emphasizing strength training, balance exercises, as well as osteoporosis-related education and fall prevention. Learn more about Bone Builders and how you can participate today!
  • Food Security: RSVP volunteers promote food security in many ways. They assist local food pantries. They work with their Area Agency on Aging to deliver commodity food boxes. They help prepare and serve congregate meals in their communities and provide education about available programs. Our list of community partners continues to grow.
  • Building Community Capacity: Older adults are a growing demographic in Maine. The UMaine Center on Aging RSVP Program assists Lifelong Maine’s Age-Friendly communities to promote and strengthen community-based initiatives. Programs and activities include creating accessible spaces and improving access to technology, home repair, transportation, and social connections.