become a grand-pal: how it works
Turn Your Time Into Purpose: Become a Grand-PAL
At Grand-PALs — Peers Anchored in Love, we believe companionship is one of the most powerful gifts you can give. Our Grand-PAL companions provide joyful, non-medical visits that create connection, laughter, and peace of mind for families. If you have a kind heart and a desire to make a difference, becoming a Grand-PAL could be the perfect fit.
1. Apply & Complete Background Clearances
Submit your Grand-PAL application and complete the required criminal background checks and clearances.
Grand-PALs ensures every companion meets our safety and trust standards before moving forward.
2. Interview with Our Team
Once your clearances are approved, you’ll meet with the Grand-PALs team for a interview. This helps us ensure your personality, compassion, and heart for service align with our mission.
3. Set Up Your Profile & Training
Approved applicants will:
- Create a Grand-PAL visitor profile on our website/app
- Attend Grand-PAL training sessions (online or in person)
- Receive your PAL-BAG - Game Bag filled with fun activities
- Set up your payment method
All Grand-PALs must have reliable personal transportation to and from visits, and be responsible for any travel costs associated with visits
Contact Us
Have a question or want to learn more about becoming a Grand Pal? Contact us today and we will be happy to provide you with more information.
The 3 Required Clearances
1. PA Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 151)
2. PA State Police Criminal Record Check (PATCH) (Free for volunteers)
2. PA State Police Criminal Record Check (PATCH) (Free for volunteers)
PA Child Abuse History Clearance (Free for volunteers)
- Link: https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home
- Tip: Create an "Individual Account" and select "Volunteer" as the purpose
2. PA State Police Criminal Record Check (PATCH) (Free for volunteers)
2. PA State Police Criminal Record Check (PATCH) (Free for volunteers)
2. PA State Police Criminal Record Check (PATCH) (Free for volunteers)
- Link: https://epatch.pa.gov/home
- Tip: Click on "New Record Check (Volunteers Only)".
3. FBI Criminal History Background Check (Act 114 - Fingerprinting):
2. PA State Police Criminal Record Check (PATCH) (Free for volunteers)
3. FBI Criminal History Background Check (Act 114 - Fingerprinting):
- Link: https://www.identogo.com/locations/pennsylvania
- Service Code for Volunteers: 1KG6ZJ
Grand-PAL Levels
At Grand-PALs, we believe great companions should be recognized, rewarded, and encouraged to grow. That’s why we created three Grand-PAL levels: Bronze-PAL, Silver-PAL, and Gold-PAL. Each level represents experience, commitment, and a deeper investment in our mission of bringing joy, connection, and compassion to seniors.
Bronze-PAL
The Bronze-PAL level is the trainee stage, where every new Grand-PAL begins their journey. Bronze-PALs earn $20 per hour for each PAL visit while building experience, learning the Grand-PAL approach, and bringing joy and companionship to seniors.
Silver-PAL
After completing 5 Grand visits, a Bronze-PAL is promoted to Silver-PAL status. Silver-PALs receive their official Silver-PAL shirt as a symbol of their progress and commitment. At this level, pay increases to $25 per hour for each visit.
Gold-PAL
After completing 10 Grand visits, a Silver-PAL advances to Gold-PAL status. Gold-PALs receive their official Gold-PAL shirt and earn $30 per hour for each visit.
Gold-PALs also receive a special Gold-PAL Game Bag, filled with new activities and games designed to make visits even more engaging and meaningful for seniors.
To celebrate this important milestone, every new Gold-PAL also receives a personal congratulatory phone call from the Grand-PALs Executive Team, recognizing their dedication and commitment to bringing joy and companionship to others.