Advocates’ Friendship Project addresses the nationwide epidemic of loneliness at the local level. By pairing community volunteers with individuals served by Advocates, we reduce social isolation and improve quality of life for all involved.
Advocates staff members support thousands of individuals facing life’s challenges, including intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and mental illness. For many of these individuals, their only day-to-day contact is with people paid to support them. While this support is critical, these individuals also benefit from friendship and companionship.
Friendship Project recognizes this need, allowing relationships to flourish. Community members interested in forming friendships receive volunteer training and are paired thoughtfully with individuals supported by Advocates. The pairings take into account geography, frequency and type of contact desired, and the interests of both volunteers and supported individuals.
The opportunities for connection are endless and decided jointly between volunteer and supported individual. Some pairs communicate mainly by phone or text message. Others meet once a month, going bowling, taking a walk, or grabbing a cup of coffee. The time commitment is flexible, and a volunteer coordinator is always available to help pairs navigate logistical challenges or evolving friendships.
In 2023, the U.S. surgeon general warned that loneliness is a national crisis, and studies show that the health impact of loneliness is equivalent to smoking fifteen cigarettes a day. Participating in Friendship Project is a powerful way to improve your own wellbeing, contribute to your community, and have fun!
To learn more, call us at (508) 628-6801, email us at [email protected], or view the FAQs and links below.
Frequently Asked Questions
The requirements are:
- Age 18+
- Ability to pass a background check
- Have a valid ID
- Good interpersonal skills
- Strong communication and listening skills
- Strong observational skills
- Kind and caring heart
You and your participant will decide together. Activities may include things like:
- Engaging in conversation: in-person, virtually, or on the phone
- Going for walks
- Playing games or sharing hobbies
- Providing transportation to appointments or errands
- Helping with household tasks
- Attending recreational activities
While each person is responsible for the cost of their own activities, there may be stipends available to help defray expenses. Our volunteer coordinators would be happy to discuss the possibility of a stipend with you.
Yes! If you're interested in becoming involved but unsure whether a 1:1 match is the right fit for you, please contact our volunteer coordinators to discuss options.
Interested in Volunteering?
"I saw the ominous statistics about loneliness in an online group recently. I don't think our culture even remotely gets this. Friendship Project is such important work, and it has certainly helped me significantly."
-Friendship Project Participant
