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FriendshipWorks FY25 Impact & Gratitude Report

Fiscal Year 2025 Impact & Gratitude Report

July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025

Be Informed

FY 2025 Impact & Gratitude Report

Kyle Robidoux with Quote from Impact & Gratitude Report

Dear Friend,

The desire to belong to a community is something that many of us share. For some, that means one or two close friends who provide comfort and connection. For others, it’s being part of a larger circle of neighbors, colleagues, or volunteers who look out for one another. Thanks to you, FriendshipWorks makes that sense of belonging possible for older adults across Greater Boston.

That belief in the power of community is also what drew me to FriendshipWorks eight years ago, when I joined the Board. At FriendshipWorks, we know that community—in all its forms—is essential to living a healthy, meaningful life, and is at the heart of everything we do.

In FY’25, because of your support, FriendshipWorks reached approximately 1,800 older adults, and engaged 600 volunteers in our five vital programs, all designed to foster social connection. These numbers reflect impact, but the true measure of our work is in the relationships that grow, the isolation that lifts, and the neighborhoods that become healthier and more connected.   

I am deeply grateful for our talented and caring staff; a team shaped over the years by Janet Seckel-Cerrotti’s leadership. Their dedication and the camaraderie shared in the office carries into the work of meeting older adults where they are, with warmth and trust. 

None of this is possible without you. I hope you will stay involved, be curious, and continue to play a vital role in the FriendshipWorks community. Together, we can ensure that friendship and belonging remain within everyone’s reach, while reducing isolation, strengthening neighborhoods, and helping older adults experience the joy and dignity they deserve. 

With respect and gratitude,

Kyle Robidoux, Executive Director


This report shows how your support brings companionship, care, and joy to older adults all over Greater Boston. To download a PDF of this report, click here.

Thank you for helping to reduce social isolation and sustain our critical programming. Here’s a glimpse of the positive impact you are making!

FriendshipWorks FY25 Program Impact by the Numbers

Friendly Visiting Volunteer Phillip Kong (L) and Program Participant David Wieher at the Red Sox home opener at Fenway Park.

From Curveballs to Meatballs – A Friendship That Hits Home

When Phillip Kong moved to Boston, he hoped to meet new people while giving back. Around the same time, David Wieher was looking for more connection and joined FriendshipWorks’ Friendly Visiting program. Because of you, they were matched — and a true friendship took root.

From cheering at the Red Sox home opener to swapping stories about their favorite sports over coffee, Phillip and David discovered how much joy and comfort come from simply spending time together. Recently, they ventured into cooking spaghetti and meatballs, something David admits he’d never have tried without Phillip by his side.

For Phillip, who is applying to medical school with hopes of working with older adults, time with David has been invaluable. Phillip says,“Most importantly, I’ve learned what true friendship means and how to be a good friend.” David chimes in jokingly, “and not to be a Red Sox fan.” 

Your support makes these moments possible — friendships filled with laughter, learning, and connection that make life brighter.

Click here to read more about Phillip and David.


Serena Heartz, FriendshipWorks Supporter

Why I Want to Leave a Legacy with FriendshipWorks 

“Imagine what a FriendshipWorks volunteer means to a nursing home resident who can no longer see, walk, or manage hearing devices — or to a housebound elder eager to share their funny stories with someone who listens and laughs along.

Now imagine the relief and gratitude their daughter feels, knowing someone else is there to brighten their day when she cannot.

I was that daughter. I have experienced the impact of FriendshipWorks’ connections — not just on older adults, but on their families too. FriendshipWorks creates ripples of care that stretch far beyond one visit or one friendship.

That is why I have chosen to include FriendshipWorks in my estate plans. It’s my way of ensuring that long after I’m gone, others will continue to find joy, laughter, and companionship through the gift of friendship.”

— Serena Heartz, FriendshipWorks Supporter

Including a gift to FriendshipWorks in your will is easy to do. Click here to learn more.


FriendshipWorks MusicWorks Program

The Power of Music. The Joy of Connection. 

Here’s what participants say about the impact of the FriendshipWorks MusicWorks program:

“It gives us so much joy, we get along so well, and this brings us back to life.” 

“Sometimes we’re having such a good time, we’ll go over an hour, which is really good. And we’re introduced to new music that people haven’t heard before, or from a different culture.” 

“The residents love it. They can’t wait for MusicWorks... And it keeps them out of their apartment and socializing.”   Resident Service Coordinator

These quotes are from a Program Evaluation by The Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging (CSDRA), Gerontology Institute, University of Massachusetts Boston.

The MusicWorks Program is provided in partnership with Goddard House Community Initiatives.


Thanks to all who supported our Elderbration & Walk to End Elder Isolation!

We appreciate your commitment to making Boston a model city where no one has to age alone.

Thank you to our Elderbration Sponsors:

FriendshipWorks 2025 Elderbration & Walk to End Elder Isolation Sponsors
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