Many
of the more than 50,000 elderly and disabled people in Puget Sound area
nursing and retirement homes rarely have a visitor. Through Friend to
Friend you can reach out to a resident to enrich his or her life as well
as your own.
Friend to Friend volunteers sign on to make regular one-to-one visits
for at least a year. We match volunteers with residents who would benefit
from having a friend. Volunteers are asked to visit at least a couple
times a month at their convenience, at a nearby facility. Preferences
are taken into consideration.
Our volunteers forge deep bonds with the elderly people they befriend.
They visit regularly. They go out for walks, drives and meals. They share
old photographs, listen to music, have a cup of tea. Nursing home staff
can see the difference this makes as elderly residents grow more engaged
and look forward to upcoming visits.
Friend to Friend started in 1974 when Joe Rust, a retired Boeing employee,
saw how loneliness and isolation threatened the health and happiness of
hundreds of nursing home residents. Since the program began, we have matched
15,000 friends.
Maybe you’ll be next.
Contact Friend to Friend to find out about becoming a friend and other
ways you can support our visitation plan.
Please call, write or e-mail us if you would like to spend time visiting an elderly person or want more information about our program:
Friend to Friend
P.O. Box 98766
Seattle WA 98193
Phone: 206-246-5150
E-mail: msoderquist@thechurchcouncil.org
