FriendshipWorks Seeks Volunteers in North End for Critical Medical Escort Program

For Immediate Release

Contact: Ann Murphy, 617-646-1031

amurphy@oneillandassoc.com

BOSTON, MA- FriendshipWorks, a network of trained volunteers that provide support and assistance to elders in Boston and Brookline, is seeking new volunteers in North End to participate in the Medical Escort program to accompany elders to medical appointments, providing companionship and other support along the way. With an estimated 62,000 elders living in Boston, more than 22,000 currently live alone, making it difficult to get to and from medical appointments. FriendshipWorks is seeking potential volunteers who may be retired and are looking for the opportunity to be helpful to elders in need.

“It has been an especially tough winter this year in Boston between the multiple storms and lack of MBTA services which has left many elders homebound and isolated,” said Janet Seckel-Cerrotti, FriendshipWorks executive director. “The Medical Escort Program is an essential piece of our organization”

“We are seeking volunteers who are retired and have the time and experience to navigate our elders to and from appointments, through hospital systems, offer support, and ultimately be a friend,” said Mark Byrne, Medical Escort coordinator. It would be most helpful to the Medical Escort program to have volunteers who may be retired and have daytime availably during the work week.” FriendshipWorks also has an office in Jamaica Plain that is focused on assisting Spanish-speaking elders called La Cadena de Amistad. The medical escort service is a critical program for this population and also needs Spanish-speaking volunteers, according to Lillyana Hebbert, Program Director of La Cadena de Amistad.

“The Medical Escort service for our Spanish-speaking elders plays a crucial role in their access to health care as language barriers may discourage them from seeking care. We are looking for Spanish-speaking volunteers who may serve as translators and advocates, as well as friends, during what can be a vulnerable and intimidating time,” said Hebbert.

FriendshipWorks encourages potential volunteers those in Boston and Brookline to consider participating in the program, which is flexible and requires simply a friendly, caring attitude with some weekday availability. To become a Medical Escort, apply online at www.fw4elders.org/volunteer.

If you have any questions or want more information please call 617-482-1510.

About FriendshipWorks

FriendshipWorks (formerly MATCH-UP Interfaith Volunteers) is a network of trained volunteers that provide support and assistance to elders in Boston and Brookline. With 30 years of experience recruiting, training, and placing volunteers for this purpose, FriendshipWorks’ mission is to decrease the social isolation, enhance the quality of life, and preserve the dignity of elders. FriendshipWorks partners with congregations of all faiths to identify people who need assistance and find volunteers who share the organization’s goal of helping a neighbor in need. FriendshipWorks cooperates and receives referrals with area hospitals, long-term care facilities, health, government, human service agencies, family, friends, and neighbors. www.fw4elders.org

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