Our Services

Relationships and personal connections are vital at any stage of the life cycle. The friendly visitors program is designed to build relationships.  Our friendly visitors program trains responsible volunteers to spend a couple hours each week with an elderly or disabled person. The pair might go out for lunch, see a movie, shop, or just chat. JFS social workers train the volunteers and match them with clients based on similar needs and interests. The social worker provides ongoing support for the volunteer throughout the Friendly Visitor relationship, which is a minimum commitment of one year.

Bob and Sol: Bob is one of the most dependable Friendly Visitors. He visits Sol wherever he is, traveling to various facilities to brighten his day. Currently, Sol is living at a new nursing home, his third since being matched. Sol’s wife is living on the Alzheimer’s unit at a nearby assisted living facility. He recently fractured his hip and has been unable to continue his weekly visits with her. Bob’s visits have helped ease Sol’s loneliness and feelings of isolation. Sol has lived an interesting life and has a lot to share with Bob. He came from Germany as a young man and wrote a memoir detailing his escape from Nazi Germany. Sol also speaks several languages and taught music at Tanglewood. The friendship has proved beneficial for both. Bob has decided to extend his commitment as a friendly visitor for another year.