Thank you for your interest in FriendshipWorks. FriendshipWorks is at the forefront of alleviating social isolation by connecting older adults with volunteers for friendship and assistance. This free service is for adults who are 60 years of age or older (55+ with vision or hearing impairments). We love to share information, resources, and expertise in the hope that it will help others to learn, think, and do something to make a world where no one has to age alone.
FriendshipWorks is home to leading experts on the issue of social isolation among older adults, with more than four decades of direct service experience in Greater Boston. Our team brings a deep understanding of how social connection impacts health, dignity, and quality of life—insights grounded in both research and on-the-ground programming. If you're covering aging, loneliness, or community health, our staff and volunteers are available to provide expert commentary, compelling stories, and proven solutions. From academic insight to real-world impact, our subject matter experts can speak to the challenges and innovations in reducing elder isolation. We invite reporters and producers to connect with us for interviews, data, and human-interest stories that highlight the power of friendship and community-based care.
Please contact Marketing & Communications, Laura Willis at: lwillis@fw4elders.org to get started. After all, our mission is to connect!
- FriendshipWorks Information & Impact Sheet
- Contact us to receive additional materials such as a Media Kit or Topics & Story Ideas.
Media links
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FriendshipWorks, a leading nonprofit that works to reduce social isolation, enhance the quality of life, and preserve the dignity of older adults in Greater Boston, has announced the retirement of its Founder and Executive Director, Janet Seckel-Cerrotti, effective March 2025.
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Sarah Klein is a Friendly Visiting volunteer who was matched with her friend Carolyn during the pandemic. Sarah is also a writer and journalist and pitched her story about her cherished friendship with Carolyn when she saw publications seeking stories about closing the intergenerational age gap and the Business Insider accepted it. Congratulations, Sarah, and thank you for helping to spread the word about FriendshipWorks through your heartfelt story.
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WBZ reporter Katrina Kincade shares FriendshipWorks' mission by featuring the story of Carolyn Bascomb and her Friendly Visitor Sarah Klein who have become special friends. Janet Seckel-Cerrotti is also interviewed to explain why this formula of friendship is so powerful.
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Since the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory on the epidemic of social isolation and loneliness, several media outlets like Boston.com have sought the expertise and thought leadership of FriendshipWorks.
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Read this piece co-written by FriendshipWorks' Executive Director Janet Seckel-Cerrotti.
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Nine community-based organizations in Massachusetts receiving a total of $1.4 million from UnitedHealthcare to help fund critical programs to reduce social isolation and keep elders healthy and thriving in their communities.
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FriendshipWorks is one of 150 local nonprofits that will share in $30 million through Cummings Foundation’s major annual grants program. The Boston-based organization was selected from a total of 630 applicants during a competitive review process. It will receive $500,000 over 10 years. Read more about why this is important to FriendshipWorks mission of reducing social isolation in Greater Boston.
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FriendshipWorks' Executive Director, Janet Seckel-Cerrotti was interviewed by Paula Span of the New York Times which highlights the importance of having a medical escort to accompany older adults to and from their medical appointments and procedures.
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Host Nichole Davis interviews FriendshipWorks Executive Director Janet Seckel-Cerrotti on the role of FriendshipWorks in reducing elder isolation throughout Greater Boston.
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NBC 10 Boston featured FriendshipWorks as part of the solution to reducing elder isolation in Greater Boston following the release of the social documentary, All The Lonely People.
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FriendshipWorks Featured in the Boston Globe Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare supplement
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Comcast Newsmakers features the mission of FriendshipWorks in helping to reduce elder isolation by creating connections and community throughout Greater Boston.
Press Releases
FriendshipWorks Announces New Director of Development & Communications
FriendshipWorks Walk 2021 Media release
FriendshipWorks Collaborating to Continue Connecting Older Adults
FriendshipWorks & SCES Partnership press release
FriendshipWorks Continues Reaching Isolated Elders PR
FriendshipWorks Delivers Connection & Comfort to Older Adults This Season
FriendshipWorks 35th Anniversary Gala press release
