woman with her friendly visitor volunteer

If you enjoy meeting new people and sharing conversation and stories, this program is for you!

Friendly Visitor Volunteering

As we age, our circle of family and friends can start to shrink due to aging and loss, or because of growing limitations in our ability to get out and about. Friendly Visitor volunteers provide one-on-one companionship to combat social isolation through regularly scheduled visits and activities.

OVERVIEW

Springwell Friendly Visitor Volunteers are matched with isolated older adults in Belmont, Brookline, Needham, Needham, Waltham, Watertown, Wellesley and Weston.  Visits are scheduled weekly from 1 to 2 hours, based on your availability, and occur in the older adult’s home.  Friendly Visitors listen, engage in conversation, and participate in a mutually agreed upon hobby or activity. Friendly Visitors do not help with bathing, managing money, or giving medications.

WHY VOLUNTEER WITH SPRINGWELL

Springwell has more than 30 years of experience working with volunteers. One thing we know for sure is that kindness matters. Because of Springwell Volunteers: People are less lonely. People are less anxious. People can get to important medical appointments. People feel heard. People are able to enjoy a healthy meal in a friendly environment. People know someone cares.

Each volunteer is screened to determine their interests, trained and carefully matched with a senior in the community. Program managers are always available to answer volunteers’ questions and handle any concerns that may arise.

Schedule

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

  • Must be 18 years of age
  • Must be patient and a good listener
  • Make a 1 year commitment
  • Be available once per week for 1-2 hours

I WANT TO VOLUNTEER

To become a Friendly Visitor, all prospective volunteers must be interviewed in person, have two favorable references, and successfully pass a Criminal Offender Record Inquiry (CORI). When you are ready to sign up, click on the “Volunteer Now!” button to fill out a short registration form. Once you have completed the form, we will schedule a phone call to discuss next steps.

More Info

What will you gain from the role?

  • The opportunity to make a lasting connection with someone
  • The satisfaction of making a real difference in someone’s life
  • A new friend

What skills and experience are needed?

  • A kind and friendly nature
  • Good communication skills
  • The ability to treat information confidentially
  • Patience and a good sense of humor!

What support will be provided?

  • Volunteer orientation and training in our Waltham Office
  • Support and guidance from our staff

When will you be needed?

This volunteer role involves a commitment to visit the person that you are matched with consistently every week for 1-2 hours.  You can volunteer days, evenings or weekends, whatever works best for both of you.