Befrienders

                                             
                                                          807 N. Tracy Ave.
                                                     Bozeman, MT 59715-2813
                                              (406)522-8169  Fax: (406)522-8169

Over the past 14 years, Befrienders has enriched thousands of home-bound or institutionalized seniors (63 years +) in the Gallatin Valley. Befrienders offers in-home companionship activities which fulfill many objectives of the Older Americans Act (OAA). We are a volunteer-based organization that recruits, matches and trains volunteers (after background checks).

Volunteers meet weekly with seniors to build companionship activities. In 2009 the average number of senior-visitor pairs was 35 per month.  This number represents the 35 volunteers going out to see their senior – at least once per week. So we had an average of 70 people involved (seniors+volunteers).

Befrienders offers intergenerational companionship to seniors who have an established need for increased socialization due to physical isolation from their families and community.  We honor the contributions seniors have made to our community. Many studies conducted in recent years have shown that social interaction and a sense of community connection positively influence mental and physical well being among older adults. Such influences are helped known to prevent debilitating health problems. A 16-year track record supports Befrienders’ ability to address the needs of seniors.  We also strive to build intergenerational ties with our community at large we have strong ties to scouting programs and a teen youth group.

In 2009 Befrienders organized 2 main social gatherings in Bozeman for our seniors that included a spring ice cream social (50 attended plus a 12-person teen youth group), a summer “Sweet Sixteen” party to celebrate our seniors and volunteers and also the fact that this organization has been around for 16 years (20 attended) . This event was held at the Bozeman Lodge, which is one of the many assisted living facilities in Bozeman. In addition, each one of our seniors receives birthday and holiday greetings from us.  Befrienders is dedicated to consistently improving services to seniors and to building intergenerational bridges between seniors, volunteers and the community.