FriendshipWorks

Friendshipworks signature friendly visiting program makes informal, long-lasting friendship matches between isolated elders and community volunteers, rewarding to both. Matches share experiences and favorite activities, and recognize one another's individuality and passions. Many call on Friendshipworks because they are without family and friends. With age, a lack of friendship can become an obstacle to independence. Friendshipworks volunteers also desire to give back through connection. Through informal friendship matches, Friendshipworks is breathing life into a lost tradition of neighbors helping neighbors.

Musicworks is a program that reduces isolation among frail and/or isolated elders through the shared experience of music. Participants interact with the music, singing, playing instruments, dancing, and of course, listening. Musicworks brings joy and connectivity into the lives of older adults. Musicworks has been a first step towards bringing the arts into all our programs and in fy 2023 was offered twice monthly in twelve spanish and english-speaking sites in boston.

Friendshipworks' medical escort program provides volunteers who escort elders to and from medical appointments. Volunteers provide emotional support and physical assistance to those whose age, health, or disability would prevent them from going to an appointment. In this fiscal year Friendshipworks provided 285 medical escort rides to 85 elders.