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SERVING SIOUXLAND SINCE 1974

Generations
caring for
generations.

— Proud Grantee of AmeriCorps Seniors —

The Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs of Greater Siouxland connect adults 55 and older with children, older adults, and people with disabilities who need a steady, caring presence.

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OUR MISSION

We believe that growing older means staying connected, useful, and loved, and that every community is stronger when its generations meet.

Serving Sioux, Lyon, O’Brien, Osceola, Plymouth, Cherokee, and Woodbury counties in Iowa and Union county in South Dakota and Dakota county in Nebraska.

FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM

A loving role model for every child who needs one.

The Foster Grandparent Program is a federally funded initiative through AmeriCorps Seniors that connects older adults with children in local classrooms. Volunteers age 55 and older serve in schools, Head Start centers, daycares, and after school programs across Greater Siouxland. They tutor, mentor, read, and offer the patient, one on one attention that helps children thrive.

 

Roughly 40 Foster Grandparents currently serve at more than 20 sites in communities across Sioux, Lyon, O’Brien, Osceola, Plymouth, Cherokee, Woodbury, Union, and Dakota counties.

Foster Grandparent Video
Program Explanation

SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM

Helping older adults stay independent at home.

The Senior Companion Program is a federally funded initiative through AmeriCorps Seniors that connects older adults with other adults needing assistance to maintain independence in their homes. The program engages adults 55 and older in meaningful volunteer work while addressing critical needs for support in our communities.

 

Senior Companions are volunteers who offer nonmedical supportive services to older adults and people with disabilities, helping with the everyday tasks that can become more difficult over time.

  • Friendly visits and companionship to reduce isolation
  • Transportation to medical appointments and grocery shopping
  • Assistance with meal preparation and light housekeeping
  • Medication reminders and help with daily activities
  • Respite care for family caregivers
Senior Companion Video
Program Explanation

OUR STORY

A half-century of service

Foster Grandparent Program

The Rock Valley Rotary Foster Grandparent Program was established in June 1974 with a grant to the Rock Valley Rotary Club, which has sponsored the program ever since. By fall of 1974, 26 foster grandparents were trained and serving at the school operated by Hope Haven.

 

In 1975, 23 additional volunteers joined, and by 1976 the program reached its original goal of 60 foster grandparents. Area Education Agency 4 took over Hope Haven’s school program that same year, renaming it River Valley, which remained the primary site until fall 2001.

 

In January 2016, the program was renamed The Foster Grandparent Program of Greater Siouxland to reflect the broader reach of its volunteers. Today, approximately 40 foster grandparents serve at 20+ sites across Rock Valley, Sioux Center, Orange City, Boyden, Hull, Hawarden, Rock Rapids, George, Sheldon, Le Mars, and Sioux City.

Senior Companion Program

The Senior Companion Program began at the request of the Creative Living Center, Sioux County’s mental health provider, which was seeking volunteers to visit with clients and improve their mental and physical well-being.

 

In spring 2005, a Faith-In-Action grant from the Robert Woodward Johnson Foundation launched the program. It was later recognized as an official Senior Companion Program by the Corporation for National and Community Service. The first senior companion was placed in Rock Valley in fall 2005.

 

The program expanded to Lyon, Sioux, and O’Brien counties in 2009, acquired the Sioux City Senior Companion Program later that year (covering Woodbury, Plymouth, and Monona counties in Iowa and Dakota County in Nebraska), and grew again in 2012 to Osceola County and Union County, South Dakota. It was renamed The Senior Companion Program of Greater Siouxland in January 2016.

 

The Rotary Club of Rock Valley Foundation remains the sole sponsor of both programs, which together serve nine counties. Offices are located in Rock Valley and Sioux City.

GET IN TOUCH

We'd love to hear from you

Whether you’re interested in volunteering, sponsoring a site, or learning more, reach out to the office nearest you.

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation;s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.

Rock Valley Office

Sioux City Office