Whether you join us to participate in our services for older adults, become a volunteer, a contributing member, or choose to do all, you will be joining an established, trusted, accepting, compassionate, connected community where everyone’s contributions matter and everyone is always welcome regardless of race, religion, age, orientation, gender, or beliefs.
Benefits for our older adult members:
As an older adult member, you will have access to all our programs. Whether you like to reach out yourself for a good phone chat, or you prefer the friendship of a regular caller, you have that choice. If you feel like taking the next step, we can pair you with a volunteer companion to visit with in person. Your preferences and choices are important to us, and we will do our best to ensure your opportunities for connection and community are meaningful and gratifying.
In addition, as a member of our community, you will have access to special social events, holiday celebrations, greeting cards, and our Among Friends newsletters, which are packed with personal stories, updates on our happenings, and more. Finally, you are welcome to reach out to us, anytime and let us know how you are doing. We love hearing from our members!
Questions about our services? Contact us @ 612-746-0737 or companions@friendsco.org
Join
- Each Phone/Visiting Companion will check-in and engage in friendly companionship
- All Volunteer Companions have successfully complete a background checks
Recommend
- Please recommend someone 70+ (for Visiting Companions) 62+ for Phone Companions. If you have questions, call 612-746-0737
- Each Phone Companion will call regularly for check-ins and engage in friendly conversation
- All Phone Companions successfully complete a background check
- We will let you know when the person you recommend is paired
- Prior to recommending someone, make sure they want talk on the phone
Benefits for our volunteer members:
As a valued volunteer member, you will be joined by others who share the same passion for creating connections and building community. Our team will provide all the training, resources, and support you need to develop meaningful connections and friendships. We provide weekly updates via our Among Volunteers E-Newsletters, which feature stories about our members and friends, as well as useful tips, inspirational articles, and videos. Have a question or concern? You will also be paired with an experienced volunteer leader who can provide additional support and advice as needed and are invited to share your feedback with us through volunteer surveys. Whether you choose to be a Coffee Talker, Phone or Visiting Companion, Skills-Based Volunteer, supporter, or Board member, we believe you will find value and meaning in your volunteer role and your membership in the Friends and Co community.
Open the door to life-changing connections and friendships.
Volunteers are critical to our mission to end loneliness and isolation among older adults. We envision a community in which all older adults are connected, valued, and loved. For 50 years, we have been fostering life-affirming connections and companionship that support healthy aging and well-being. As a volunteer, you will bring connection, friendship, and happiness into the life of another while adding friendship and purpose to your own. We invite you to learn about our volunteer opportunities and how you can make a difference.
Become a volunteer in four easy steps.
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Find the right opportunity for you
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Submit an application
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Complete a background check at our secure online system*
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Review the online training
*when applicable