Visiting Companions
Friendly visits that spark joy and connection.
Bring friendship into your life—one visit at a time.
Visiting Companions pairs older adults with background-checked, trained volunteers for meaningful, in-person visits. Based on location, you and your companion can create a schedule that works for you. Most companions visit 1–2 times per month.
How It Works
Here's what to expect when you sign up:
Welcome Call & Home Visit
We’ll start with a warm welcome call to arrange a visit, then pop by to answer your questions and discover what matters most to you in a new friendship.
Matching Process
We match based on friendship fit and travel distance that accommodates regular, meaningful visits.
Scheduled Visits
Your new companion calls to arrange a first visit. Together you decide on a regular schedule.
Volunteers and older adults are background-checked and volunteers are trained by Friends & Co staff. Older adult participants, like volunteers, must submit and pass a background check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? Click a question below to read the answer.
Who can sign up for Visiting Companions?
People 70+ years who live in the Twin Cities seven-county metro seeking a meaningful connection.
What happens after I sign up?
First, we will call you to introduce ourselves, answer your questions and make sure in-person visits feel right for you.
Second, we will visit you in-person to get to know you.
Next, we will look for a volunteer who is a good fit for you.
Then, we will call you to share about the volunteer, so you can decide if you would like to move forward with the match.
Finally, if you choose to move forward, the volunteer will call you to introduce themselves and to arrange your first visit.
How long does it take to be matched with a volunteer?
We do our best to make matches quickly, but some factors are outside our control.
Geographic proximity: When older adults and volunteers live near each other, matches often happen quickly. If they’re farther apart, wait times can be longer.
High demand: Many people are eager to join, which can also lengthen the time it takes to find the right match.
Who are the volunteers?
Our volunteers come from all ages and backgrounds, from college students to older adults, and all share the desire to be a friend to someone in the community. Each volunteer completes a background check and training before being matched, ensuring they are well-prepared to provide meaningful connection.
What do Visiting Companions do during visits?
Every friendship is different! Some friends meet in the community; others meet at home. Some companions chat over coffee, take walks, play cards, or simply enjoy quiet time together.
Visiting Companions do not provide transportation, run errands, handle medical or personal care, or perform household chores.
Still have questions?
Email us at companions@friendsco.org or call (612) 746-0737
Get Started
I am 70+ and live in the Twin Cities seven-county metro and want to be paired with a Visiting Companion.
I know someone 70+ who lives in the Twin Cities seven-county metro and would enjoy in-person visits.
Be a Visiting Companion
Let your presence brighten an older adult’s life. We’ll get you ready with training and support — you bring the friendship.