Volunteer Resources

Thank you for sharing your friendship

The warmth of your caring phone calls or visits will bring joy and encouragement to your new friend. Thank you for volunteering with us!

Getting Started

Tips for success:

Keep in mind your new friend may not answer the phone immediately the first time you call. It is OK to leave a message letting them know who you are and that you will call again.

Let them know you are associated with Friends & Co, formerly Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly.
Diminished hearing may be an issue, so you may need to speak more clearly, slowly, and louder.
If your friend has an e-mail, ask if they would enjoy staying in touch there as well.
Let them know you will contact them regularly, and find a time of day that suits you both. They will appreciate looking forward to hearing from you. If your friend is comfortable using technology, you can explore other platforms, such as Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, etc.
If you have questions or would like to discuss a concern, please reach out to your Team Leader.
If you ever have concerns about your friend’s treatment or well-being, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your Team Lead. In an emergency, always call 911.
Please practice good self-care and healthy boundaries.

Conversation Starters

Tips for caring conversations with your new friend.

Ask open-ended questions
Express interest in and curiosity about their life and history and be open to sharing your own
Listen attentively
Family history/Ethnic roots
Childhood stories
Memorable holidays and vacations
Best jobs, first jobs
Personal milestones/ Major life events
Longtime friends
Hobbies or pastimes
Personal fun facts
Favorite musicians, artists, writers, movies, TV shows
Favorite historical figure
Current events
Celebrity news
Favorite movie stars
Memorable gifts

Comprehensive list of resources

FAQS:

What if my new friend does not answer or does return my calls?

Make sure to let the phone ring multiple times. People with mobility issues may take longer to get to the phone.
Leave a message identifying yourself as a Phone Companion with Friends & Co, formerly Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly. Say that you will call again. If possible, leave the day, and approximate time you will call back.
Try calling at different times of the day and different days of the week.
If after several tries you are still unable to reach them, contact your Team Leader.

My friend said they are fine and don’t want me to call them. What should I do?

Share that you are calling as a friend and want to chat a little. Let them know it will be good for both of you to connect! Let them know you are happy they are doing well.
Let them know you would like to call back next week and check in.
Ask them if they would like to chat about something specific that interests them—hobbies, books, movies, etc.

Can I give my friend my phone number?

This is totally up to you. Because some people have difficulty understanding boundaries around phone contact, we recommend volunteers hold off providing contact information until they are sure they are comfortable with it.

Additional training opportunities

NAMI Minnesota: NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults with mental illnesses and their families.
Minnesota Gerontological Society Understanding Trauma in African American Communities video
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Loneliness Risks for Older Adults audio