FriendshipWorks

105 Chauncy St Ste 801
Boston, MA 02111
Phone: 617/482-1510
Fax: 617/482-1461
Web address: http://www.fw4elders.org
Email: jseckel-cerrotti@fw4elders.org

Contact Person:

Janet R Seckel-Cerrotti

Organization Description:

The mission of FriendshipWorks (formerly Match-Up Interfaith Volunteers) is to reduce social isolation, enhance the quality of life, and preserve the dignity of older adults in greater Boston. To do this, we recruit and train volunteers of all faiths who provide friendship, advocacy, education, assistance and emotional support: we make long-term friendship matches to offer companionship, and offer short-term assistance through medical escorts and non-medical help (for example, organizing papers or shopping). We also develop and implement community educational projects on issues related to inclusion and access for all seniors. FriendshipWorks provides these services for English and Spanish speaking elders. We are a founding member of the National Volunteer Caregiving Network. Each year, over 400 FriendshipWorks volunteers provide 44,000 hours of unpaid care to 2,000 seniors in Boston.

Opportunities for Student Involvement:

HDS students play an important role in FriendshipWorks’ programs. All students get experience in direct service by doing medical escorts and one-time assistance for seniors. Over the last few years students have supported program development by: helping FriendshipWorks with our LGBTQ elder initiative; improving outreach to faith communities; and conducting research on caregiver relief and the needs of linguistically isolated seniors.

We seek a student who is interested in further developing FriendshipWorks nursing home outreach. The student would facilitate poetry and relaxation groups for seniors in local nursing homes and meet with residents one-on-one.

Commute/Transportation Information:

FriendshipWorks' main office is at 105 Chauncy St near Downtown Crossing. It is easily accessible by the Red, Orange, Green or Silver Lines.

Arts of Ministry Competencies Offered:

  • Administration and Program Development
  • Pastoral Care and Counseling
  • Public Leadership, Community Organizing, and Planning

Supervision:

Students receive individual supervision to explore theological and vocational issues raised by their work with the agency.

Additional Information:

  • Number of Students: 1
  • Total Compensation: $6000.00
  • Type of Compensation: Work Study

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