12/10/2025
Check out how Advocates, Inc. Friendship Project helped Callie find meaningful connections.
Callie felt isolated and lonely when she moved to the suburbs from the city to care for her mom.
She had been receiving services from Advocates when she heard about the organization’s Friendship Project.
What is the Friendship Project?
The program matches community members with people facing life challenges to create meaningful connections.
Participants connect:
🔹 In person
🔹By phone and text
🔹Attend virtual and community activities together
🔹Build authentic friendships
The pairings bring joy while reducing the negative health impacts of loneliness and social isolation.
While waiting to be matched with a volunteer, Callie started attending Friendship Project events and had an idea. She decided to volunteer while she waited for a match.
Friendship Project manager Maryellen Killeen knew just the friend for Callie. “The Friendship Project makes thoughtful pairings. I really feel like our match came along at a perfect time, for myself and my buddy,” Callie shares.
Callie was matched with the perfect friend. They attended Advocates events together, such as Woo Sox games and a game night at Natick Mall. They also enjoy doing crafts, going shopping, and running errands together.
The Friendship Project has given Callie the confidence to broaden her horizons. She has even been matched with a second friend.
Want to get involved in the Friendship Project? Visit: advocates.org/friendship-project-advocates-volunteer-program