Community Services

AmeriCorps Seniors Volunteer Programs

AmeriCorps Seniors is a network of national service programs for individuals 55 years and older, made up of three primary programs that each take a different approach to improve lives and foster civic engagement: Foster Grandparent Program, Senior Companion Program, and Retired Senior Volunteer Program. Senior Corps volunteers commit their time to address critical community needs, including academic tutoring and mentoring, elderly care and support, addressing hunger needs, environmental work, and much more. These programs are locally sponsored and operated by the City of Santa Fe Division of Senior Services with additional support from the New Mexico Aging & Long-Term Services Department and the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Foster Grandparent Program (FGP)

FGP offers seniors aged 55 and over opportunities to serve as mentors, tutors, and caregivers for children and youth with special/exceptional needs. Foster Grandparents provide 5-30 hours of service weekly to community organizations such as schools and Head Start, offering emotional support to children who have been abused or neglected and assisting children with physical disabilities. Income-eligible Foster Grandparents receive modest tax-free stipends, reimbursement for transportation, meals during service, and free supplemental insurance while on duty.

For more information, contact:

Theresa Trujillo at 505-955-4745 or tptrujillo@santafenm.gov

Senior Companion Program (SCP)

SCP offers seniors aged 55 and over opportunities to serve 20 hours a week as companions and caregivers for lonely/isolated/frail homebound elderly and offers emotional support to seniors with disabilities, who are lonely, or who have been neglected or abused. Income-eligible Senior Companions receive modest tax-free stipends, reimbursement for transportation, meals during service, and free supplemental insurance while on duty.

For more information, contact:

Theresa Trujillo at 505-955-4745 or tptrujillo@santafenm.gov

 

Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)

Join us today!

RSVP provides seniors aged 55 and over with a wide variety of engaging volunteer opportunities that aim to meet vital community needs. The program recruits matches and supports volunteers. The program offers mileage reimbursement, a free supplemental insurance program, access to conferences and training, volunteer appreciation and social events, and recognition and thank-you gifts.

Volunteer hours vary depending on the opportunity, which may include: food distributions/pantries, consumer/benefits counseling, mentoring/tutoring, hospital and hospice services, emergency preparedness, senior center activities, environmental work, one-day events, and more. Visit our website: www.rsvpsantafe.org, or like us on Facebook for current volunteer opportunities.

For more information, contact Mona Baca at 505-955-4760 or Erika Cuellar at 505-955-4722. Email  mabaca@santafenm.gov or eccuellar@santafenm.gov

The following are organizations with whom Santa Fe RSVP has agreements to place volunteers.

  • AARP – advocacy, community outreach, driver safety instructors & coordinators, events volunteers
  • Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) – explain benefits programs to seniors.
  • Alzheimer's Association – assist with administrative duties and events.
  • Ambercare Hospice – visit patients at the end of life or make crafts for them.
  • American Red Cross – emergency preparedness and response for Santa Fe.
  • Assistance Dogs of the West – puppy sitters, dog snuggling/groomers, Rail Trail walkers, puppy raisers.
  • Bienvenidos Outreach – food and clothing distribution for people experiencing homelessness.
  • BOOKKIDS – assist with book giveaway events to promote a love of reading for children.
  • Cancer Foundation for NM – assist patients & nurses, provide patient comfort and pleasant conversation.
  • CHRISTUS St. Vincent Auxiliary – supports hospital staff by serving the public.
  • City of SF Senior Centers – teaching a class, leading an activity, or kitchen aide.
  • Coming Home Connection – a companion for older adults, assist with errands & transportation.
  • Earth Care NM – onsite childcare during adult ESL classes, events & monthly Community Swap assistance
  • ECHO Commodities – help with paperwork or deliver food boxes to clients.
  • Food Depot – repackages, organizes, and distributes food bags to support distribution events.
  • Friends of the Library – sort donated books, run the bookshop, help with sales.
  • Genoveva Chavez Community Center – help at the front desk of the fitness center.
  • Gerard's House – support services for children who have lost a family member.
  • Our Lady of Guadalupe Soup Kitchen cooks and serves our neighbors' meals.
  • Interfaith Shelter – assist with cooking, organizing, and running the homeless shelter.
  • Keep Santa Fe Beautiful – office support, help with City clean-up events.
  • Kitchen Angels – cook, package, organize, or deliver meals to homebound Santa Feans.
  • Lensic– ticket-takers, ushers, assist patrons.
  • Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped – repair machines support the library.
  • Life Circle – adult day services start-up; assist with transportation and the center.
  • Literacy Volunteers of SF - teach adults English as a second language and basic literacy. 
  • Long-Term Care Ombudsman – advocate for residents of nursing homes & assisted living.
  • Many Mothers – support a family with a new baby, distribute diapers or office help.
  • NM Center for Therapeutic Riding - care for horses that work with disabled individuals.
  • Presbyterian Medical Center – supports hospital staff by serving the public.
  • Railyard Park Conservancy – supports the environment by maintaining the plants.
  • Randall Davey Audubon Center –maintain trails or work in the gift shop/ visitor center.
  • RSVP Senior Support – provide transportation, companionship, odd jobs, and tasks for seniors (who are not related to you) to enable them to live independently.
  • San Martin de Porres Food Bank – package and distribute food to those in need.
  • Santa Fe Animal Shelter – office support or direct animal care.
  • Santa Fe Botanical Garden – support the environment with native plant education.
  • Santa Fe Children's Museum – assist children with the exhibitions and work the gift shop.
  • Santa Fe Civic Housing Authority Properties – help students improve their reading after school.
  • Santa Fe Conservation Trust – help lead "Vamonos Walks" on paths in town.
  • Santa Fe Farmer's Market Institute – support our local farmers work in the office.
  • Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity – build houses, work with families, help in the ReStore.
  • Santa Fe National Cemetery – answer phones, return messages, greeters, remove flowers, clean headstones.
  • Santa Fe Public Library – help with shelves, programs, and package mail.
  • Santa Fe Public Schools – assist classroom teachers in working with students.
  • Santa Fe 50+ Senior Olympics – serve on the Advisory Council and help with events.
  • Scott's House– provides support to hospice patients.
  • Sociedad Colonial Espanola de Santa Fe – pass on traditional dances to children.
  • Spanish Colonial Arts Society – museum greeters, assist with events, grant writing.
  • St. Elizabeth Shelter – office assistance, meals, housekeeping, maintenance./repairs, landscaping.
  • St. John the Baptist Soup Kitchen – cooks, serves, and cleans meals for those in need.
  • STEM Santa Fe – mentoring youths to realize their potential and expand their opportunities.
  • Villa Therese Catholic Clinic – answer phones, file, assist with archiving medical records, admin. Tasks.
  • Vista Grande Public Library – assist staff in offering access to books and computers.
  • Wild Earth Gardens – edit, update, and improve the website.

Please get in touch with Mona Baca at mabaca@santafenm.gov  or (505) 955-4760 to learn more about any of these opportunities or to sign up. You may also visit our website at www.rsvpsantafe.org