FY 2026 Impact & Gratitude Report

Dear Friend,

What defines success and impact at FriendshipWorks? It’s a question I think about often.

I think about it when reflecting on my own performance, as I recently did with our Board of Directors at the end of my first year, and when reviewing our financial statements and making difficult budget decisions. I think about it when supporters share unsolicited praise for our staff – how passionate they are, how quickly they step in to help an older adult in need, or ensure a PetPals team or MusicWorks location is successful.

I think about it most when I call four or five volunteers and program participants each month. These conversations keep me connected to our mission and provide me with tremendous motivation. More importantly, they demonstrate examples of dedication, compassion, and a deep belief in community.

This Impact & Gratitude Report is filled with numbers and stories that help illustrate what success and impact look like at FriendshipWorks. Together, they tell a powerful story of connection, generosity, and community. I am incredibly grateful for our staff, Board of Directors, supporters, volunteers, and program participants for contributing to our success.

Every connection we make is possible because of you, the members of the FriendshipWorks community. Each volunteer and older adult match, program, and community location creates an opportunity for an older adult to feel seen, valued, and connected. Your generosity makes these meaningful relationships possible and strengthens our ability to reach more older adults and deepens the impact of FriendshipWorks.

With gratitude,

Kyle Robidoux, Executive Director

Here’s how our community brings companionship, care, and joy to older adults all over Greater Boston.

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

Friendly Visiting Volunteer Heather (L) with Program Participant Abeba

Turning Ordinary Visits into Memorable Adventures     

When Abeba moved to the Boston area during the coronavirus shutdown, she found herself isolated and unable to explore her new community. Then she met Friendly Visiting volunteer Heather through FriendshipWorks.

What began with a little uncertainty about what they might have in common quickly became a deep friendship. “We got right into chatting like we had known each other forever,” Heather recalls. Four years later, they’ve discovered that almost anything can become a fun adventure when they’re together— like sharing an Ethiopian coffee ceremony, spending time at the beach, creating terracotta mosaic planters, or even scooter-shopping.

“Now I’m her family too. I go with her everywhere,” Abeba says. “She gave me life.”

That feeling of friendship and family is mutual. Heather says Abeba is like a grandmother to her, someone she can be vulnerable with, someone whose presence has shaped how she moves through the world. Heather says, “My heart is full. I am so grateful for this connection.”

Thank you to our volunteers and program participants who personify our mission. And thank you to our donors for making these moments of laughter, learning, and connection possible.

Click here to read Heather and Abeba’s full story.

Supporter Success: Friendly Visiting Program Up 45% in Southwest Boston!

Thanks to a multi-year grant from Sailors’ Snug Harbor of Boston and the combined efforts of our Friendly Visiting Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, Community Ambassadors, and additional FriendshipWorks staff, we have seen a 45% increase in the number of Friendly Visiting matches and older adults in our Southwest Boston neighborhoods including Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, Hyde Park and Jamaica Plain (FY25 to FY26), far exceeding a proposed 10% year-to-year increase.

We were able to increase visibility and build trust by having a consistent presence and engaging with community members by:

• Attending community events

• Establishing key connections

• Raising awareness of mission and programming

• Recruiting and hiring Community Ambassadors

• Expanding our network of colleges and universities

Program participant Michael says, “It was worth the wait!” And volunteer Calvin told us,” I think you may have inadvertently or intentionally connected me with one of my best friends in the world. So thank you for that.”

We are grateful to Sailors’ Snug Harbor of Boston for their belief in our work. We are excited by the possibilities of what continued support like this can do!

Whether you were in the room, made a pledge, or donated to this campaign, THANK YOU! Your commitment has built incredible momentum toward healthy aging in Greater Boston.

As we look ahead, we’re excited about what’s possible.