Dean Denniston has a long history with FriendshipWorks and his warm personality and commitment to the organization’s mission make an impact on every person he meets. His passion for the mission is deep rooted and began with his father, Dean Sr., in the late 90s.
Dean Sr. was a member of the Church of the Covenant, a hub of community activity and the operating center for Match-Up (now FriendshipWorks) for many years. He became a Match-Up volunteer and later, when he found himself needing some extra support, was a recipient of FriendshipWorks’ services. Dean Sr. often shared stories of his positive experiences with his son and spoke highly of founder Janet Seckel-Cerrotti.
Dean Jr. witnessed the effect FriendshipWorks had on his father which made a lasting impression on him. In the early 2000s, when Dean was chair of the Charities and Appeals Committee at King’s Chapel, he had the opportunity to choose a small organization to support. Janet presented to his committee, and her compelling passion and vision for FriendshipWorks struck a chord with him, “This small corps of people was doing something no one else was.” Dean learned that his friend Peter was stepping down from the FriendshipWorks Board, so he jumped at the opportunity to step in. This was just the beginning of his long and fruitful relationship with the organization.
Over the years, Dean served multiple terms on the FriendshipWorks Board, contributing his time, expertise, and passion and witnessed the organization’s evolution – adding programs like PetPals and eventually moving to a larger office space on Chauncy Street in downtown Boston. One of his favorite memories is when FriendshipWorks was responsible for spearheading the first conference for the “Far-Sighted Committee'', a milestone for the low-vision community that required considerable effort but yielded tremendous success. “It was really inspirational,” says Dean.
Dean felt a deep sense of community and connection with both fellow board members and the FriendshipWorks staff. He notes, “The culture of the organization was amazing. Everyone had a deep passion for the mission.” He recruited Kyle Robidoux to the board, who was President from 2020-2024, because of Kyle’s work with the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Dean also deeply admired Connie Packard, past board member and president, for her commitment to the organization, as well as Ruth Grabel, whom he knew from college and had also worked with at the Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
Dean says that personal connection is really at the heart of what makes FriendshipWorks so alive. He speaks fondly of his friendship with Executive Director, Janet Seckel-Cerrotti, saying, “It’s truly amazing that she’s been doing this for 40 years and still has the same passion and energy she had on day one. It’s her commitment that keeps me coming back.”
Today, FriendshipWorks is also there for Dean, recently being matched with a Friendly Visiting volunteer to go for walks and have conversation, especially during winter months when it is tricky for him to get out with his service dog Gus. Janet says that she is honored that two generations of the Denniston family have been deeply involved with FriendshipWorks. “I knew his dad and have known Dean for so long, it’s truly special that I have had a 40 year history with the Denniston family.”
Dean’s smiling face and sharp wit is well known at FriendshipWorks. His interest in community justice has never waned and he stays connected to the organization even though he has stepped down from the Board. Dean says, “I am always there when Janet asks me to help. I can’t say ‘no’ to her. I will always be a friend to FriendshipWorks.”
Pictured above: Dean Denniston at the 2024 Elderbration and Walk to End Elder Isolation.
Dean Denniston and his dog Gus at the 2022 Walk to End Elder Isolation.
