At FriendshipWorks, we're driven by a set of guiding principles that shape who we are, what we believe in, and how we operate.
Connectedness
We believe that we are all interconnected as human beings and that our collective well-being depends on meaningful connections. We recognize the importance of developing and nurturing strong, safe, and stable relationships, and the sense of belonging and joy they provide throughout our lives.
Joy & Comfort
We believe in the healing power and sense of comfort that comes from having a friend to share time with. Mutually supportive relationships can help us solve problems, boost our self-confidence, ease our grief, improve our moods, and enhance our wellbeing. Joy is the guiding force that enriches lives and fuels our mission. We understand that when we foster connections and create meaningful experiences, joy naturally emerges.
Mutuality
We believe that friendship is a two-way street, and that lasting connection provides mutual benefit to all involved. We strive to bring a spirit of mutuality and reciprocity to all we do, listening, giving, and receiving in equal measure. Our mission isn’t just a job we need to do, it is a way of enriching and valuing each other’s lives with mutual benefit.
Curiosity
Curiosity leads us to opportunities to connect with others and find a sense of belonging. Curiosity leads us down a path of exploration, pushing us to identify and question our own biases, growing our capacity for empathy, and opening ourselves to authentic connections.
Trust
Our nonprofit organization and its employees are guided by a steadfast commitment to honesty, accountability, dependability, integrity, and a profound shared sense of responsibility. Our actions are marked by a resolute commitment to transparency, cultivating an atmosphere of openness and fostering meaningful collaborations.
Empathy
We hold a deep reverence for people, particularly older adults, and we are dedicated to forging profound connections with them. We wholeheartedly respect their lived experiences, as well as the unique challenges they face in their communities. We strive to exhibit compassion, empathy, and patience in all our interactions.
Collaboration
We believe in the power of uniting people, organizations, and communities to achieve a greater goal. We seek out diverse perspectives and knowledge, knowing that together, we can develop better solutions. Our philosophy is simple: our communities are stronger, and our lives are enriched when we cultivate friendships with our neighbors.
