Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Wyoming Senior Citizens Inc., based out of Riverton, is looking for volunteers for their programs in the Big Horn Basin area.
Volunteer opportunities are for people age 55 or older who would like to work with either children or the elderly.
Executive Director Herb Wilcox said the private, nonprofit organization was founded in Riverton in 1975 with the goal of aiding senior citizens in maintaining their independence. Wilcox said the company’s mission statement is, “To help seniors remain independent living with dignity for as long as possible.”
Wyoming Senior Citizens Inc. today offers a number of services to senior citizens across the state of Wyoming. Wilcox said, “In the Big Horn Basin area, we have six programs. In Worland specifically, we have five. Basically, if anyone needs help with any questions on Medicare or Medicare fraud, or if you have a heart to serve others; children or the elderly, give us a call.”
“We’re here to help people. We help seniors and disabled people remain living in their homes independently. If you need help contact us, or if you’d like to help contact us,” he added.
To learn more about the agency, call 1-800-856-4398 or go to wyomingseniors.com.
Foster Grandparent Program Manager Lauri Shoopman said that the program she manages is one of two seeking volunteers in the Worland area. The primary purpose of the Foster Grandparent Program is working with schools to pair a volunteer with a child at school who will assist them throughout the day. A description on the agency’s website says, “The Foster Grandparent program connects role models like you with young people with exceptional needs.”
The criteria to volunteer for this program is being 55 years of age or older, as well as meeting income criteria defined by 200% below the poverty level after medical deductions. Shoopman said, “This program is designed to help offset some income for folks who are living on a limited budget.”
The agency advertises that foster grandparents can earn a potential income of $250 a month by volunteering, based on a 15-hour week. Shoopman said that 15 hours is a number that the agency encourages their volunteers aim for, as that provides three five-hour days with their partner per week.
Shoopman said, “It could be more or less depending on how much they work … We offer flexible hours, we really try and work with the schools and the foster grandparents with how much they volunteer. The minimum requirement is five hours per week, and the maximum allowed is 40 hours per week.”
“It’s really how much you want to give, and how involved you want to be,” she added.
Volunteers are also offered mileage reimbursement, and ‘recognition parties’, where the company pays for an evening of food and entertainment for the foster grandparents to show their appreciation.
Shoopman said, “It’s a great program for anyone who likes spending time with kids, and we would like anyone who meets that description on board.”
To learn more about how to join the Foster Grandparent Program, call Shoopman at 307-856-6880 or go to wyomingseniors.com.
A sister program to the one Shoopman manages, the Senior Companion Program is also seeking volunteers. Volunteers of this program must meet the same criteria as that provided previously, and the pay scale for volunteering is the same as the Foster Grandparent program. Volunteers of this program will aid senior citizens.
Shoopman said, “They might read a book, they might do a puzzle, they might do light meal prep, or they can meet them at their senior center and be on their cribbage team, or sit with them during a meal, things of that nature.”
To learn more about the Senior Companion Program, you can call the Coordinator Vernita Lackey at 1-800-856-4398 or once again, go to wyomingseniors.com.
The other services offered in Washakie County are:
•Long-term care ombudsman program. According to the website, “The ombudsman work to resolve problems related to the health, safety, welfare, and rights of individuals who live in LTC facilities, such as nursing homes, board and care and assisted living facilities, and other residential care communities.”
•Wyoming State Health Insurance Program to “educate and assist Medicare-eligible individuals through unbiased counseling to make informed health insurance decisions that optimize access to care and benefits. Trained counselors provide understanding of Medicare, prescription drug plans, Medicaid, Medicare supplement and long-term care insurance.”
•Senior Medicare Patrols (SMPs) “empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families and caregivers to prevent, detect and report health care fraud, errors and abuse through outreach, counseling and education.”