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, that feature stories about our members and friends, as well as useful tips and 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 with us your feedback through volunteer surveys. Whether you choose to be a Coffee Talker, Phone or Visiting Companion, a Skills-Based Volunteer, supporter, or a 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
Volunteering Opportunities
Be a Coffee Talker
If you love chatting on the phone, and the idea of connecting with a variety of older adults inspires you, join our Coffee Talk team!
Coffee Talk offers older adults the opportunity to call in and connect with a friendly volunteer for a caring conversation. There are no applications or requirements to participate. Older adults dial and connect just as they would if calling a friend.
Sign up for a weekly four-hour shift to offer words of encouragement, a listening ear, and great conversation. Calls will be routed directly to your phone and can be answered from wherever you and your phone happen to be. Great training and support are provided.
Time Commitment: One four-hour shift weekly for a minimum of six months.
Current hours of operation: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am-Noon.
Be a Phone Companion
If you are a talker and connecting one-to-one with an older adult for ongoing meaningful phone friendship appeals to you, let us pair you with someone through Phone Companions.
These days, the phone may not be ringing as often as our older adult friends would like. Phone friendships come with the beautiful anticipation of an expected call, engaging conversation, and the joy of getting to know someone. You can be the warm, caring voice at the end of the line that ensures one older adult knows someone cares. Build a rich and rewarding connection, one call at a time.
Time commitment: To be determined by you and your new phone companion.
Be a Visiting Companion
Bring the joy of building a meaningful friendship into the life of an older adult facing loneliness and isolation. As Visiting Companions, you and your friend can enjoy each other’s company at home, out-and-about town, or wherever you choose based on the schedules and needs each of you brings to the relationship.
Required: All volunteers and older adults must be fully vaccinated to meet in person. Exceptions may be made with our approval.
Time commitment: Number and length of visits to be determined by you and your new Elder Friend, with phone calls, texts, emails, cards, or letters between visits.
Be a Skills-based/Admin
Are you more of a behind-the-scenes person? We often need volunteers with specific skills for time-limited projects. If you are interested in learning more, please email volunteer@friendsco.org
Be a Friends & Co Community Ambassador
As a Community Ambassador, you can help end loneliness and isolation for the older adults in your backyard. If you are someone who is active and connected in your community and want to share the amazing mission of Friends & Co with your neighbors, we invite you to join us. As a member of our extended team, we will set you up for success by providing you with all you need to spread the word where you can make a difference. Maybe it’s in Faith communities, with your neighbors, at community events, with local businesses, on social media, or wherever you feel your message will be helpful.
