When Edris moved to the Twin Cities for work less than two years ago, he arrived knowing no one. As he settled into a new city, he knew one thing: “I wanted to build meaningful friendships and find a sense of community.”
His decision to volunteer with Friends & Co was also deeply personal. Living far from his mother, who has early-onset dementia, Edris hoped that building a friendship with an older adult might be a way to honor her while finding some of the connection he was missing in his own life.
That hope became a reality when he met Jose, an older adult living in an assisted living community. What began with a first visit spent getting acquainted and enjoying the spring weather at a neighborhood coffee shop has grown into a genuine friendship, filled with conversation, laughter, and shared adventures.
The two have become regulars at local coffee shops and restaurants, where a game of chess often sits alongside coffee, pastries, or a good meal. They’ve spent afternoons at Backstory Coffee and La Cucaracha Restaurante, enjoyed the sunshine on a bench near the University of St. Thomas, and shared countless conversations over lunch. Sometimes their visits are as simple as running errands together or Edris dropping by with breakfast before heading to work.
And their circle of friendship has grown. Jack, another Friends & Co volunteer who spends his summers in Minnesota, joined Edris and Jose for outings, turning their duo into a lively trio. Jack’s nephew has joined them, too, bringing together four men ranging in age from their early 20s to their early 80s. Over Mexican food and games of chess, six decades of life experience meet around the same table, with friendship as the common ground.
For Edris, what began as a desire to make a difference in his new community has become something more personal: a friendship with Jose that has opened the door to other connections, across generations, and a sense of belonging in the city he now calls home.
What inspires you to volunteer?
Making an impact on my community.
What do you enjoy about Friends & Co?
They brought Jose into my life!
What is a memorable moment that reflects the connections you’ve made?
All the moments spent and laughter shared with Jose and Jack.
Would you like to volunteer with us at Friends & Co? Click here to learn more
