All over Boston, hundreds of elders are connecting and thriving … because of your support!
This report is dedicated to all of you who have made an impact over the last 40 years! What beautiful connections you have helped us make!
Dear Friend,
As I reflect on FriendshipWorks’ journey over the past 40 years, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude. Your countless heartfelt cards, letters, and messages remind me of the profound impact we’ve made together. This year, you’ve helped us create meaningful connections for 1,800 older adults across Boston, Brookline, Newton, Somerville, and Cambridge — an incredible 12.5% increase from FY 2023.
Friendship and connection are timeless. The need for companionship, a shared laugh, or simply knowing someone cares, remains just as vital today as it was four decades ago. The stories of friendship formed then are strikingly similar to those we hear today. Though the world has evolved, the human heart’s desire for connection remains constant.
I am pleased to share this report where you will find stories and reflections that highlight the growth of our programs and the work we are doing to ensure that no one has to age alone.
Whether you’ve been with FriendshipWorks for one year or 40, please know that your time and contributions bring joy and comfort into the lives of older adults who need it most. Thank you for believing in the power of human connection and for being a vital part of our journey!
Yours in friendship,
Janet Seckel-Cerrotti, Executive Director
Impact & Gratitude Report Highlights
(To download a PDF of the full report, click here.)
Friendships in Bloom!
Thank you for helping FriendshipWorks’ Friendly Visiting program match older adults with caring volunteers for friendship and support. Using a highly personalized process to match volunteers with older adults by interests, cultures, activities, and more creates a strong foundation for deeper connection and long-lasting friendships.
The stories of friendship from years ago mirror those we hear today:
Friendly Visiting volunteer Ann was matched with her friend Mary in the 1990’s. They both enjoyed identifying the flowers they loved while visiting local parks and garden spaces. Ann recalls that, at 94, Mary was still incredibly active and had a real lust for life, always looking for ways to improve her life and learn new things. “She was such a resourceful person and such a go-getter,” says Ann. The two were featured in FriendshipWorks’ (then Match-Up Interfaith Volunteers) first video where Mary expressed how much she enjoyed learning about Ann’s life. “We’re the perfect match-up.”
Decades later in 2021, Friendly Visiting Volunteer Susan Balogh was matched with her friend Carol Wlodkoski. They too love to visit gardens and plant flowers while engaging in friendly conversations. “One thing I admire about Carol, she embodies being a life-long learner,” Susan says. “She is always one of my cheerleaders. I have learned that, no matter what age you are, pursuing things you love keeps us engaged and brings us delight.”
The two also have a passion for visiting bookstores, museums, and their favorite new coffee spot – a local Ukrainian bakery. Carol says, “I think we have a great rapport because we were both teachers and are full of information. I am very lucky that Susan was matched with me.”
This chart showcases the vital revenue streams that sustain FriendshipWorks' mission to reduce elder isolation in Greater Boston. We would like to acknowledge the generous donations from our individual supporters. And a special thank you to those who choose to leave a lasting legacy by including FriendshipWorks in their will.
To learn more about planned giving visit: fw4elders.org/legacy
