Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota expresses the love of Christ for all people through acts of service.

FAQs

1. Why do volunteers need to be 60 years of age or older?
   The Senior Companion and Foster Grandparent Programs are government funded programs and with the funding are certain necessary regulations. The two programs were established over 30 years ago for lower income seniors so they could volunteer their time and receive a small tax-free stipend for their service.
        
2. Why do you offer to pay for volunteering?
   Volunteers are paid a tax-free stipend (not a wage) to act as an incentive for people to volunteer regularly. It is a nice perk and it also helps limited income people.
       
3. What benefits do the volunteers receive?
   Volunteers are eligible to receive several benefits. Not only do they receive the tax-free stipend (which does not affect any other benefits they are currently receiving) but they are reimbursed for their mileage and usually receive a meal or meal allowance from their work site. Other options include a health screening, insurance coverage, training and recognition but the most important benefit is the great feeling in helping someone that needs the one-on-one support.
        
4. Why do you ask for 15-20 volunteering hours each week?
   We ask for this time commitment because there is a financial reimbursement to encourage volunteering. And the success of these programs is based on a relationship between the person served (a child, youth or senior citizen) and the volunteer. A significant time commitment helps develop a special bond between persons and assure success. 
       
5. To volunteer would I have to quit other activities that I enjoy? What if I have a family emergency?
   We try to be as flexible as possible with family needs and also encourage continuation of your social activities.
       
6. To be income eligible, do I also have to declare my spouse's income? 
   Yes, income from other members of the household needs to be declared; however, we have a program funded through state dollars that permits us to utilize volunteers above the income guidelines and have them still be paid the non-taxable stipend.
      
7. Do I have to be Lutheran to be a volunteer?
   While these programs are administered by Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, people of all beliefs, races or creeds are eligible and encouraged to volunteer.