Advocates’ Friendship Project was initially envisioned as a 1-to-1 volunteer initiative through which community members would be paired with individuals supported by Advocates for ongoing friendship and social connection. This model has proven exceptionally successful, with many pairs forming deep bonds that benefit both volunteer and participant. Witnessing the power of this social connection, we have more recently expanded Friendship Project to include additional opportunities for volunteerism.
Lee Whitman-Raymond is one such volunteer. Lee’s daughter, Becky, has been supported by Advocates since 2019. Nine months before COVID hit, Becky moved into an Advocates group residence. Determined to continue seeing her daughter, Lee moved her visits outdoors. As a musician, she did what felt natural to her – she brought her guitar and sat outside singing with Becky. Becky’s housemates quickly joined in the fun, and Lee’s visits became a much-anticipated house activity. The group settled into a groove of favorite songs, including Peter, Paul, and Mary’s Lemon Tree, Cyndi Lauper’s True Colors, and Michael Jackson’s You Are Not Alone.
A social worker and psychotherapist by training, Lee recognized the importance of these visits. Last year, with her own retirement on the horizon, Lee approached Advocates with an offer: she would volunteer to visit group homes like Becky’s to engage residents in the universal language of music. Aware of the tremendous power of social connection, Friendship Project eagerly accepted Lee’s offer.
As an official Friendship Project volunteer, Lee visits a new residence each month. Her approach to the visits is simple: “If you’re having fun, they will, too.” Reflecting on what makes her visits successful, she points to approaching each opportunity with enthusiasm, acceptance, and joy.
Advocates staff note the powerful impact of Lee’s visits. “When Lee shows up, the joy is infectious. Residents light up and truly engage. Making music with Lee definitely brings us all together,” says Maryellen Killeen, Friendship Project volunteer coordinator.
For her part, Lee encourages other community members to consider volunteering – looking ahead, she would love to expand her singalongs to include another musician. If you are interested in sharing your own special talent with the Advocates community, please contact us at [email protected].
