Volunteer or Partner With Us

LSS partners with AmeriCorps Seniors, a national service agency, that connects volunteers, age 55 and older, with the people and organizations that need them the most.

We work with many local nonprofit organizations to create meaningful opportunities for older adults in Minnesota and North Dakota to use their talents, stay active and earn extra income through these services. All volunteers must pass background checks. The Foster Grandparent Program is offered in Minnesota and the Senior Companion Program is offered in Minnesota and North Dakota.
 

Volunteer With Us

Become a Foster Grandparent

Foster Grandparent volunteers provide academic and social support for children and youth to make a
positive and lasting impact on their personal growth and social and emotional development.

Volunteer Benefits:

• *A non-taxable stipend of $4 per hour (with 10 or more hours of service per week)
• Feel the satisfaction of giving back as a role model, mentor
  and resource to help children and youth develop essential
  social skills, recognize their strengths and grow
  in confidence.
• Stay connected by participating as a team member that
  helps keep children and youth motivated and inspired.
• Sites may include public and private schools, Head Start locations, early learning centers, shelters and day care centers.
• Transportation reimbursement and accident/liability insurance while volunteering

*The income earned from the stipend does not affect federal, state and other benefit programs eligibility.

Become a Senior Companion

Senior Companions provide non-medical support to older adults through weekly visits and: 

• Offer encouragement, support and friendship 
• Share hobbies and interests such as playing cards, doing a puzzle, or going for a walk 
• Provide transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping, and errands 
• Assist with correspondence and simple household tasks 
• Provide a break for family caregivers 

Volunteer Benefits:

• *A non-taxable stipend of $4 per hour (with 10 or more hours of service per week)
• Doing something new, meaningful, and fun
• Being matched with someone who shares your interests
• Increased health and longevity from serving
• Training that includes orientation, team meetings, and workshops
• Meal allowance (when required criteria are met)
• Transportation reimbursement and accident/liability insurance while volunteering

*The income earned from the stipend does not affect federal, state and other benefit programs eligibility.
 

Get Started Today 

To Qualify as a Volunteer: 

• No prior experience is required
• Be age 55 or older and in good general health 
• Have access to dependable transportation and be willing to travel in your service area 
• Have compassion, patience and respect for others 
• Be flexible and available with service activity schedule 
• Work well with diverse individuals, families, groups, and organizations
• Undergo a background check

We are currently accepting new volunteers. Complete our quick interest form or call us at 888.205.3770 (Minnesota) or 701.389.2293 (North Dakota) to learn more, talk about your needs and how this opportunity will work for you.
 

Partner With Us

• Volunteers serve consistently to develop meaningful relationships with your organization and the youth/older adult.
• LSS conducts all initial volunteer interviews, driving/background checks, and approves volunteers for service. 
• We provide initial and ongoing volunteer training and hold recognition events. We are available to support you throughout the partnership.
• Our program is based on the needs of schools, children and the volunteers.

How It Works

As a partner site, your organization will:

• Designate your primary contact for the partnership. We will go over details with them. 
• Interview LSS-approved volunteers to see if they are a good fit. If so, provide site-specific training. 
• Match volunteers with children/older adults and help them develop/maintain plans for the individuals they serve. 
• Supervise, evaluate and recognize volunteers.
• Identify the site: Foster Grandparent hosts provide the volunteer location. For Senior Companions, the visits happen at the older adult’s home or in the community.
• Make a nominal financial contribution to help cover the costs of transportation, recognition and meals which vary by program. The federal agency (CNCS) covers the cost of volunteer stipends.

Become a Partner Today!

To learn more or get started, please contact us at 888.205.3770 (Minnesota) or 701.389.2293 (North Dakota) or complete our short interest form.
 

What People Say About LSS AmeriCorps Seniors

"Foster Grandma Rita has built strong and loving relationships with every child in the program. The children light up when she enters the room and always want more hugs from her. She does a great job helping these children feel unconditionally heard and loved.” – Meredith Johnson of People Serving People                                                     

“I don’t know what I’d do without Patricia - I don’t get a chance to go out by myself much. She is much more than a volunteer to me- she’s a friend. She’s been with me through thick and thin.” – Judy Anderson

“This allows me to stay busy and useful. It keeps me young and moving! These children make me happy every day.” – Foster Grandma Charlotte