Services · Social & Activities
Friendly Volunteer Program
Overview
Friendly in-person visits, phone calls, and one-on-one technology help that reduce isolation.
The Friendly Programs connect older adults with trained, vetted volunteers who provide companionship, social connection, and support through in-person visits, phone calls, and technology help. They make a real difference for people living at home who need meaningful interaction and ongoing connection.
How the Friendly Programs Help
We help older adults reduce isolation and build meaningful connections by matching them with trained volunteers for companionship, regular check-ins, and technology support.
Who It's For
- Adults 60 and older
- People who are homebound, isolated, or living alone
- Older adults experiencing loneliness or limited social contact
- People who want connection, not hands-on care
- Anyone who would like to use technology but needs help getting started
Why It Matters
- Social connection is critical to mental and emotional health
- Helps reduce the risk of depression and loneliness
- Supports aging in place with consistent human connection
- Gives families peace of mind
- Enhances overall quality of life
Vetted and trained — every volunteer is background-checked and trained before a match is made
Matched to you — we pair people by interests, personality, and schedule
Flexible — in-person visits, phone calls, or hands-on technology help
Supported — a program coordinator stays in touch and monitors the match
Friendly Visitor Program
A Friendly Visitor is a trained, vetted volunteer who comes to your home for conversation and company. This is not a task-based service — there are no chores and no personal care — it is time set aside for a relationship. We pair volunteers and participants by shared interests, hobbies, and personality so visits feel natural from the first one.
- Cost
- Free.
- How to get started
- A referral from staff, a family member, or you directly, followed by a short assessment.
Who This Service Is For
- Adults 60 and older
- People who are homebound, shut in, or living alone
- Anyone experiencing isolation or loneliness
- People who want companionship rather than hands-on care
What It Offers
- Brings regular in-person company
- Builds a meaningful relationship with a trusted volunteer
- Reduces loneliness and isolation
- Supports emotional well-being
- Helps you keep living independently at home
What to Expect
- What will the volunteer do?
- Visit for conversation and companionship — not to perform tasks.
- How often will visits happen?
- Visits are scheduled regularly, based on your volunteer's availability and your own preference.
Friendly Caller Program
A Friendly Caller is a volunteer who phones at a scheduled time for conversation and a caring check-in. The calls give people a steady point of contact, especially when getting out of the house is hard or a phone call simply feels easier than a visit. Over time, the same voice on the same day becomes something to count on.
- Cost
- Free. A donation is suggested, but it is never required.
- How to get started
- A referral from staff, a family member, or you directly, followed by a short assessment.
Who This Service Is For
- Adults 60 and older
- People experiencing isolation or limited social contact
- Anyone with limited mobility or transportation
- People who prefer talking by phone
What It Offers
- Provides consistent social connection by phone
- Builds a relationship with the same volunteer over time
- Reduces loneliness and isolation
- Offers emotional support and reassurance
- Works for people who cannot easily receive visitors
What to Expect
- How often will I receive a call?
- Calls happen at times you and your volunteer agree on.
- What do we talk about?
- Whatever you like. Conversations are friendly and supportive, often built around shared interests.
Friendly Techies
Friendly Techies are trained volunteers who sit down with you and your device — a smartphone, tablet, smart TV, or a lending iPad — and work at your pace. They help you get set up, learn the basics, and use technology to stay connected to family, friends, and Agency programs.
- Cost
- Free. A donation is suggested, but it is never required.
- How to get started
- A referral from you, a friend, a family member, or staff when help is needed, followed by a short assessment.
Who This Service Is For
- Adults 60 and older
- People unfamiliar with their device or with technology in general
- Anyone using our iPad lending program
- People who want to join virtual programs and video calls
What It Offers
- Helps you learn and use your device with confidence
- Supports joining virtual programs and services
- Strengthens connection with family, friends, and community
- Reduces the barriers to getting online
- Promotes independence through technology
What to Expect
- What kind of help will I receive?
- Basic device use, navigation, and getting into the apps and programs you want to use.
- Will I be able to join Agency programs?
- Yes. Volunteers help you connect to the virtual programs we offer.
- How often do visits happen?
- Visits are scheduled when you, a family member, or staff see that help is needed.
Request a Friendly Volunteer
Contact our office to request a Friendly volunteer or to learn more about the program. Referrals can come from staff, a family member, or you directly.
Call to request a volunteer(207) 764-3396Interested in Becoming a Friendly Volunteer?
We'd love to help you find an opportunity that's a great fit for
your interests, schedule, and skills.
Next steps
- Call us at (207) 764-3396, or ask a family member or a staff member to reach out for you.
- We meet with you to talk about your interests, your schedule, and the kind of connection you are looking for.
- We match you with a trained, background-checked volunteer and stay in touch as visits get going.
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Learn moreNot sure where to start?
Call us and we will help you understand this service, check whether you qualify, and walk you through the next step.
Call Us Today(207) 764-3396