Needs From: United Way of Southeast Minnesota

Make Independence a Reality

Our Companion Volunteers make a difference by providing assistance and friendship to adults who have difficulty with daily living tasks, such as shopping or paying bills. We help these adults remain independent in their homes instead of having to move to more costly institutional care. Companions give families or professional caregivers a much needed time off from their duties, run errands, and often provide friendship for their clients.

***NEW-- You can now serve as little as one client a week! That's only 3 hours of your time a week, that makes all the difference in the world for our clients! Or if your looking to volunteer more, you can serve up to 5 clients a week!  

All of our volunteers receive a small stipend and mileage reimbursement for their time and dedication to our programs! 

And remember: When you volunteer, you’re not just helping others—you’re helping yourself. Volunteering leads to new discoveries and new friends. Plus, studies show that volunteering helps you live longer and promotes a positive outlook on life.

So get involved, and join our Companion Programs today!

Do you love children? Do you like mentoring and tutoring kids of all ages? Do you have a special skill set?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then becoming a Foster Grandparent Volunteer maybe right for you! We currently need Foster Grandparent Volunteers in Rochester & Stewartville!

Our Foster Grandparent Volunteers serve at a variety of locations throughout the region. The volunteers go to these sites and are role models, mentors, and friends to children with exceptional needs. The program provides a way for volunteers age 55 and over to stay active by serving children and youth in their communities.  

Volunteers serve at local organizations that:

Help children learn to read and provide one-on-one tutoring Mentor troubled teenagers and young mothers Care for premature infants or children with disabilities Help children who have been abused or neglected  

All you need to join is the ability to give the kind of comfort and love that sets a child on the path toward a successful future. If you’re 55 or older and want to share your experience and compassion, you have what it takes to be a Foster Grandparent.

Requirements: Volunteers have to be willing to serve at least 10 hours per week (schedules are flexible-- you set the hours that work best for you) and are 55+ years old. Our volunteer undergo background checks and we provide any training required. In return for your time and commitment, you will receive a small stipend, mileage reimbursement, ongoing training, and recognition.