Appalachian Senior Programs

Appalachian Senior Programs (ASP), sponsored by Appalachian State University, assists children and the senior population in a five-county area in northwestern North Carolina through the grant-funded Foster Grandparent program and Senior Companion program. Consisting of volunteers, ages fifty-five and older, ASP enhances the social-emotional and academic skills of children who need one-on-one assistance, and provides companionship and assistance for older adults who do not qualify for other services.

Our programs

Foster Grandparent Program

Foster Grandparent Program

Foster Grandparent volunteers assist children in need of academic assistance by providing an older adult to help the children build their academic skills, particularly in the area of reading. Foster Grandparents provide one-on-one assistance with academic skills as well as life and social skills and ultimately serve as a role model.

Learn about the Foster Grandparent Program

Senior Companion Program

Senior Companion Program

Senior Companion volunteers assist older peer adults with companionship, transportation, and activities of daily living. This assistance helps ensure they can age in place in their own homes. Volunteers can also assist with respite for caregivers.

Learn about the Senior Companion Program

Make a difference

When you join Appalachian Senior Programs, you have the opportunity to give back to your community, while also earning a small stipend. Through helping children with educational and social skills or providing companionship and assistance to an older peer adult, you can be an agent of change by supporting those who need assistance in your community. Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion volunteers provide much-needed services in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Watauga, and Wilkes counties.