RurAL CAP’s Elder Mentor and Senior Companion Programs, part of the AmeriCorps Seniors initiative, provide vital support to both children and older adults across Alaska. Our programs engage individuals aged 55 and older, offering them opportunities to serve their communities while receiving training, support, and a small stipend for their service.

Volunteers mentor youth in schools, Head Starts, or after-school programs, serving as lunch buddies, Culture Bearers, tutors, assisting students with special needs or who are at an academic, social, or financial disadvantage. The program positively impacts the children, Elders, and teachers involved. Children benefit from individualized tutoring and mentoring while Elders stay active and share knowledge with future generations. As a result, teachers gain valuable classroom support and increased student engagement. Senior Companions, on the other hand, provide companionship and assistance to elderly individuals, helping them maintain independence and improve their quality of life. They visit elderly clients in their homes, assisting with daily tasks, providing transportation to appointments, and offering social interaction that reduces isolation.

Both programs create a lasting impact on the participants and the community. Children receive individualized tutoring, while seniors benefit from personalized assistance and companionship. Volunteers in both programs stay active, share cultural values, and form meaningful connections, enriching their own lives and those they serve. These programs strengthen communities by fostering intergenerational bonds, spreading knowledge across generations, and ensuring that everyone—from children to elders—receives the support they need to thrive.