Ellen first came to FriendshipWorks through the Jesuit Volunteer Corp (JVC). In her application she expressed an interest in learning more about the needs of older adults, and FriendshipWorks' mission aligned perfectly. She came to Boston from California to volunteer for one year as a Friendly Visiting Coordinator, who matches an older adult with a volunteer for friendship and support. After pairing several in her assigned neighborhoods of Boston, Ellen decided she wanted to be matched herself, and asked coordinator Martha Cedeño Barnes to connect her with someone near where she lives.

At the same time, Musabwase Mugemana, who goes by “Moogie”, was seeking connection. A few years prior, Moogie was assaulted in front of her home. As she was being examined at the hospital, doctors found a brain tumor that required surgery immediately. For the next few years, Moogie became isolated. Due to the combined trauma of her attack and her unexpected brain surgery, she did not speak to anyone other than her own family. When FriendshipWorks paired Moogie and Ellen, things began to look up for Moogie — and Ellen as well.

“She came to save me,” Moogie says.

Ellen became Moogie’s primary source of socialization. Despite Moogie lacking connection for so long, she immediately felt comfortable with Ellen. Ellen helped Moogie ease back into getting out of the house — one weekly visit at a time. Her role in helping Moogie get past her trauma has allowed their connection to flourish into a deep friendship – more like family.

“I adopted her,” Moogie says of Ellen. “She is my other daughter now.”

When Ellen’s parents came to visit Boston from California, Ellen introduced Moogie to them and they all just clicked and had a wonderful time together, just like family.

On one visit, while Ellen helped Moogie go through her closet, Moogie tossed clothes to Ellen to try on. Ellen recalls, “It was great fun playing dress-up. She loves clothes and has a great fashion sense.” Moogie says, “I loved seeing Ellen model my clothes and letting her know how great she looked in them!”

Sometimes the two have a plan for their visits, other times they just decide what they feel like doing in the moment. On a recent visit, they went to Moogie’s plot in a community garden in Roslindale to weed and prepare it for growing vegetables and herbs. When they’re feeling adventurous, they like trying new things together, like painting with watercolors.

Moogie’s love for learning, paired with her bubbly and energetic personality, allows for a constant flow of conversation between the two — something Moogie was missing after her attack. She and Ellen have similar ways of thinking, and can relate to each other on a personal level. Ellen, who is in her early 20s, welcomes Moogie’s advice about practical things like how to cut vegetables, as well as her words of wisdom about love – especially as Ellen navigates the dating scene.

Thanks to Ellen, along with helpful sessions with her therapist, Moogie has made significant strides in rebuilding her confidence: she’s now able to make trips to the grocery store on her own, and attends yoga and exercise classes.

While Ellen certainly aided Moogie in opening up, it’s no question that Moogie has made an equally powerful impact on Ellen. There is a true mutuality in this blossoming friendship. In Moogie, Ellen found someone she could look up to as she navigates her young adult life. She says, “My connection with Moogie has 100% changed my life, and our relationship feels empowering to me.”

Though Ellen's one-year volunteer commitment is coming to an end, she’s about to start a new journey with FriendshipWorks as an official full time member of the staff in the role of Volunteer Coordinator. "I am excited that I am staying here in Boston and can continue to be a part of this important work. And of course, I am so happy that I will be able to continue to see my friend Moogie!"

Moogie just smiles and shares her sentiment by giving Ellen a big hug.