Friends & Co: Celebrates 50 Years of Alleviating Loneliness for Older Adults.

Minnesota, September 11, 2023 – Friends & Co, a nonprofit organization dedicated to alleviating loneliness and isolation among older adults, is gearing up to celebrate its remarkable 50th anniversary. Since its inception in 1972, this organization has been a lifeline of support, companionship, and community for countless older adults across Minnesota.

The celebration commences with an open house event slated for September 14th from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Friends & Co headquarters located at 2550 University Avenue West, St. Paul, MN. This event promises to be a poignant and enlightening experience, encapsulating the theme: Then | Now | How.

A Journey Rooted in Compassion: Then

Friends & Co embarked on its mission in the heart of Minnesota under the name Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly, with a small, compassionate initiative aimed at addressing the pervasive issue of loneliness among older adults. With a handful of dedicated staff and volunteers, the organization quickly gained traction and established itself as a pillar of the community.

Over the decades, Friends & Co not only persevered but thrived, adapting to evolving needs while upholding its core values of empathy, member-centric, volunteer-led, and community involvement.

Embracing the Present: Now

Today, Friends & Co stands as a testament to the power of enduring relationships and adaptability. With a dedicated team of over 1,180 volunteers, the organization has expanded its services to encompass a wide spectrum of services, from personalized companionship and drop-in chat lines to innovative outreach programs.

“We are immensely proud to have been a part of the Minnesota community for five decades. Our journey is a testament to the resilience and compassion of our volunteers and the trust of our beneficiaries,” said James Falvey, Executive Director of Friends & Co.

Pioneering the Way Forward: How

As Friends & Co looks toward the future, their dedication to innovation and community remains unwavering. The organization has recently launched a series of initiatives focused on fostering sustainable services, championing inclusivity, and leveraging technology to serve its members better.

The ‘How’ in the celebration theme signifies the organization’s commitment to constantly evolve and adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of addressing loneliness among older adults.

The Open House Celebration

The open house celebration on September 14th promises to be a memorable event. Attendees can tour the facility, witness interactive displays showcasing the organization’s journey, and engage with longstanding volunteers who have been instrumental in Friends & Co’s success.

“We want this event to be a heartfelt thank-you to our community for their unwavering support over the years. It’s a celebration of our shared journey,” remarked Carolyn Trevis, Board President.

Friends & Co extends an open invitation to all community members, old and new, to join in this special event and participate in their 50-year milestone.

For more information about Friends & Co and their anniversary celebration, please visit https://friendsco.org/event/friends-co-open-house/