FriendshipWorks is seeking elders in North End who may need support getting to and from medical appointments, help with a project or simply to have a friendly visit. FriendshipWorks offers services free of charge to elders who may not have a support network to help care for them. FriendshipWorks connects elders with volunteers who are screened and trained to provide them with services to decrease elder isolation. Please note that FriendshipWorks does not provide transportation to medical appointments, but does offer volunteer escorts who give physical assistance upon arrival and departure at doctor’s offices or hospital visits.
“FriendshipWorks invites seniors in North End to contact us if they need a helping hand, assistance with a medical appointment, or a new friend,” said Janet Seckel-Cerrotti, Executive Director of FriendshipWorks. “We’ve been serving the community for 30 years and we are always looking to match our trained volunteers with elders.”
With over 62,000 elders living in Boston, more than 22,000 are currently living alone. Social isolation and loneliness among elders can be debilitating both emotionally and physically. FriendshipWorks’ experience in developing friendships and providing volunteer assistance for are keys to enhancing the quality of life for elders.
North End seniors and potential volunteers should contact FriendshipWorks at 617-482-1510.
About FriendshipWorks
FriendshipWorks (formerly MATCH-UP Interfaith Volunteers) is a network of trained volunteers that provide support and assistance to elders in Boston and Brookline. With 30 years of experience recruiting, training, and placing volunteers for this purpose, FriendshipWorks’ mission is to decrease the social isolation, enhance the quality of life, and preserve the dignity of elders. FriendshipWorks partners with congregations of all faiths to identify people who need assistance and find volunteers who share the organization’s goal of helping a neighbor in need. FriendshipWorks cooperates and shares referrals with area hospitals, long-term care facilities, health, government, and human service agencies. www.fw4elders.org
