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Retired Seniors Program (RSVP)

VCLA ’s Senior Programs include the Retired Seniors Program (RSVP) , Senior Companions, Respite Program and Foster Grandparents. These programs match adults ages 55 and older with individuals, families, and organizations that are greatly in need of their experience, expertise, wisdom, and compassion. Through participating in these unique volunteer opportunities, older adults who are retired or working part-time experience the fulfillment of using their knowledge and skills in ways that can transform lives.

The Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP) is a nationwide program that recruits volunteers ages 55 and older, referring them to nonprofit and community service organizations that can benefit from their talent, wisdom, and experience. Volunteers may serve as few or as many hours as they wish, and may also choose to volunteer at one or more organizations. The RSVP interviewer matches the skills and interests of the volunteer to the needs of an organization or agency near their home.

Volunteer opportunities exist at more than 150 organizations, including health agencies, municipal court offices, social service agencies, homeless shelters, schools, colleges, libraries, theaters, museums, daycare centers, and many others. Some of the exciting and interesting jobs that are available include dispute mediators, ESL teachers, literacy tutors, for just a few examples. RSVP volunteers receive instruction and supervision at their chosen volunteer site.

RSVP offers many valuable benefits, including the chance to learn new skills and perfect old ones; the opportunity to make new friends; and an invaluable sense of fulfillment from helping others. RSVP participants receive the added benefit of excess accident, liability, and automobile insurance, which covers them while volunteering and traveling to and from their volunteer site. Through RSVP, active seniors, using a lifetime of knowledge and experience, continue to be a rich resource for their communities. RSVP volunteers are honored at an annual awards luncheon.

For more information about VCLA's Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP), please contact:

Program Director
(818) 908-5070

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Senior Companions Program

Senior Companions are healthy older adults who help other adults live independently. They provide support to family caregivers and assist with grocery shopping and other daily tasks necessary to maintain independence. Without the help of VCLA's Senior Companions, many older adults would not be able to continue living at home and would need more expensive and less personalized care.

Just a small example of what Senior Companions did in one year:

  • Helped over 75,000 adults remain independent in their homes;
  • Served as the “eyes and ears” to identify necessary services for over 12,000 adults in need.
  • Provided rehabilitation, therapy and exercise to more than 8,000 adults with physical disabilities.

Senior Companions become part of a team of caregivers, alerting doctors and family members to potential health problems. Senior Companions also provide short periods of relief to family members and other primary caregivers. They also provide a helping hand to make sure they take their medicine, a watchful eye to notice when they need extra care, encourage remaining active, offer adults contact with the world outside their homes, make their lives less lonely and develop a friendship that can last a lifetime.

Senior Companions are 60 years of age and older, with a limited income. They are people who are able to volunteer for 20 hours per week and who find personal fulfillment through helping other people. Senior Companions receive pre-service orientation and monthly training. They also receive supplemental insurance, an annual physical exam, and assistance with their meal and transportation costs. In addition, a small stipend is available for those who qualify.

For more information about VCLA's Senior Companion Program, please contact:

Program Director
(213) 621-2257

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Respite Program

The respite program is a temporary pilot program ending June 30, 2008, granted by the Department of Aging to provide temporary relief or rest for caregivers for up to 10 hours a week. Respite workers visit identified, low-income family caregivers whose elderly member resides in the Los Angeles City area. Family caregivers may not necessarily live with the loved one, but do not have time to see them.

They provide companionship, read, walk, help with mail, and grocery shopping while the family caregiver takes time to take care of themselves, or just knowing that their loved one is not alone for a couple of hours a day.

The respite workers are background checked and fingerprinted, need to pass a physical examination including clearance of Tuberculosis, if they drive, they must have a valid Driver’s License and current proof of Automobile Insurance. They also must be show proof of legal residency in the United States. Respite workers are paid the minimum wage and mileage reimbursement is provided.

For more information about the Respite Program, please contact:

Program Coordinator
(213) 621-2257


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Foster Grandparents Program

Foster Grandparents give children the kind of individual attention that can change lives. Foster Grandparents offer their valuable talents and experience to help children develop the skills, confidence, and strength to succeed. They help children learn to read, care for children who have been diagnosed with disabilities, and offer counseling to those in need. Foster Grandparents make neighborhoods stronger by helping children gain self-esteem and achieve their goals. In the United States last year, Foster Grandparents:

  • Provided mentoring to more than 145,000 children.
  • Helped over 11,000 teen-aged parents improve their parenting skills so they could keep their children healthy and safe.
  • Provided one-on-one support and care to over 27,000 youth who had gotten in trouble with the law.
  • Tutored more than 115,000 elementary, middle, and high school students.

Foster Grandparents receive the joy of knowing that they are making a difference in the lives of children. Increased personal attention helps children feel more confident, and individualized tutoring from Foster Grandparents can lead to improved academic outcomes and a more rewarding life course. Through the life-changing opportunity to know the consistent love of a Foster Grandparent, children will get the advice, counseling, and emotional support they need to be happy and fulfilled.

Foster Grandparents are 60 years of age and older, with a limited income. They are able to volunteer for 20 hours per week, they love children, and they find great joy in helping other people. Foster Grandparents receive pre-service orientation and monthly training. They also receive supplemental insurance, an annual physical exam, and assistance with their meal and transportation costs. In addition, a small stipend is available for those who qualify.

For more information about VCLA's Foster Grandparents, please contact:

Program Director
(213) 625-0760