Friendship Project^℠

Advocates’ Friendship Project addresses the nationwide epidemic of loneliness at the local level.  By pairing community volunteers with individuals served by Advocates, we reduce social isolation and improve quality of life for all involved.

Advocates staff members support thousands of individuals facing life’s challenges, including intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and mental illness. For many of these individuals, their only day-to-day contact is with people paid to support them. While this support is critical, these individuals also benefit from friendship and companionship.

Friendship Project recognizes this need, allowing relationships to flourish. Community members interested in forming friendships receive volunteer training and are paired thoughtfully with individuals supported by Advocates. The pairings take into account geography, frequency and type of contact desired, and the interests of both volunteers and supported individuals.

The opportunities for connection are endless and decided jointly between volunteer and supported individual. Some pairs communicate mainly by phone or text message. Others meet once a month, going bowling, taking a walk, or grabbing a cup of coffee. The time commitment is flexible, and a volunteer coordinator is always available to help pairs navigate logistical challenges or evolving friendships.

In 2023, the U.S. surgeon general warned that loneliness is a national crisis, and studies show that the health impact of loneliness is equivalent to smoking fifteen cigarettes a day. Participating in Friendship Project is a powerful way to improve your own wellbeing, contribute to your community, and have fun!