Volunteer Opportunity Details:

Aroostook County, ME is extremely rural and the largest county east of the Mississippi covering more than 6,800 square miles. According to the 2000 Census Report, people over age 60 now represent 22% of Aroostook's population with one in three 75 or older; one third living alone and 14% having no living children. 21% of people age 65+ report they are able to live independently but need help with personal mobility/care, household chores and/or errands. Maine ranks 2nd nationwide for percentage of residents age 65+ living in rural areas and 3rd for percentage of residents age 65+ living alone. Aroostook County is also one of Maine's poorer regions with an overall 39% out-migration/decline rate of people under age 65 since 1970. With such a depletion of human resources there are consistent waiting lists for seniors to receive insurance-covered or private pay homemaker services. Consequently, the demand for senior assistance and outreach services continues to increase. Currently, RSVP is the only organization systematically providing these services to the older population.

RSVP receives specific referrals and assigns appropriately trained volunteers through a sponsoring organization, such as senior a center, or an institution, such as a hospital or nursing home. Volunteer provides companionship and outreach to help relieve social isolation and loneliness to home-bound and other individuals, who can not do everything for themselves.

Background check
Must maintain confidentiality
Attend initial and annual training

This opportunity is sponsored by: Aroostook RSVP

Volunteers will work with the following groups Disabled / Ill Older Adults (55+) We need volunteers who are free at these times Weekly This volunteer opportunity is available to the following types of volunteers Adults (26-54) Adults (55+) This volunteer opportunity addresses the following social interests Human Services We are looking for volunteers with the following skills Advocacy Errand Running / Shopping Companionship Transportation

Contact Person: Eleanor Reese, Program Director, (phone), (email) View all agency contacts

Address:

PO Box 1288 Presque Isle, ME 04769

Directions:

Located on the second floor of the main Key Bank Building on Main Street

Details where opportunity can also be performed

Miscellaneous Information

Average number of hours per volunteer that are required weekly to do this task.
	15 minutes to 1 hour per recipient
We need the following number of people to fill this position.
	Ongoing volunteer need

Last updated on July 2, 2009