Mandi Mader has always been passionate about helping people. With over 25 years of experience in psychotherapy, she knows how to make a positive difference in others’ lives. And she made her decision to dedicate her career to building one-on-one relationships at FriendshipWorks.
Mandi arrived at FriendshipWorks in the early 80’s when it was still known as Match-Up Interfaith Volunteers. A college graduate still figuring out her career aspirations, she was drawn to FriendshipWorks’ mission: “For so many reasons in our society, a lot of people get isolated and lonely. Anything we all can do to lighten that a bit for folks is a wonderful thing to do.”
Match-Up was created under the aegis of Boston Aging Concerns - Young and Old United, but when the recession hit and the program was slated to close, Janet Seckel-Cerrotti – FriendshipWorks’ founder – recognized the need for it to become an independent organization. She employed Mandi to help her establish the organization as its own entity, and Mandi became one of FriendshipWorks’ first volunteer coordinators.
Mandi remembers how she loved going to work. She had the opportunity to develop deep connections with volunteers and participants and witness relationships blossoming. Mandi knew that this was why FriendshipWorks was thriving. She says, “If you watch the news and read the paper, you’re going to get down. But as Director of Volunteers, I had the opposite view. I saw so many people willing to give and to care and to go above and beyond. It renews your faith in people and the world.”
Mandi attributes FriendshipWorks’ longevity to its “rock solid” mission and the commitment of its staff and leadership. Above all, she credits Janet: “This just seemed to be the right fit and the calling for Janet. She’s the touchstone and the linchpin.”
Mandi’s four years at Match-Up inspired her to pursue a graduate degree and become a therapist. She had faith that the organization would persevere and expressed, “I left with a deep sense of gratitude that such a wonderful program would still be out there doing lots of good work. I wish every city had a Match-Up.”
