February 2026 Minneapolis/St. Paul — Friends & Co (formerly Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly) is celebrating the five-year anniversary of Coffee Talk, a drop-in phone line that helps older adults stay connected and feel less alone.
Since launching in 2021, Coffee Talk has provided a simple, barrier-free way for older adults to connect with a friendly, trained volunteer for conversation, connection, and sometimes a good laugh! The Coffee Talk phone line is free and currently available Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 am – Noon CST. Anyone 62+ can dial in and connect with friendly voices – no registration or appointment required.
In its first five years, Coffee Talk has answered over 10,000 calls from older adults, logging 3,700 hours of conversation, one friendly voice at a time.
Coffee Talk is available statewide at 877-238-2282, or 612-746-0728 within the Twin Cities.
“Coffee Talk works because it’s simple: a real person, a listening ear, and no barriers,” said James Falvey, Executive Director of Friends & Co. “For many older adults, especially those experiencing isolation, this program offers consistency, dignity, and connection, one call at a time.”
The phone line is staffed by trained volunteers who understand the importance of connection and provide older adults with a consistent, welcoming presence on the call. Volunteers provide friendly conversation and can share information about additional Friends & Co programs and community resources when helpful.
To mark the five-year milestone, Friends & Co will offer members of the media a behind-the-scenes look at how Coffee Talk operates during the month of February.
Media are invited to attend an informal anniversary gathering on Wednesday, February 25, from Noon–1 p.m., featuring a meet-and-greet with staff, cake over the lunch hour, and light refreshments.
Since 1972, Friends & Co has worked to alleviate loneliness and isolation among older adults through meaningful relationships with volunteers. Coffee Talk is part of the organization’s expanded phone-based programming, helping Friends & Co reach older adults across Minnesota and meet the ongoing need for connection.
Learn more about Coffee Talk:
www.FriendsCo.org/Coffee-Talk
