"Nationally, 6 out of 10 residents in nursing homes never have a visitor."
More than 60,000 elderly and disabled people live in Assisted Living, Nursing and Retirement Homes around Puget Sound. Friend to Friend matches volunteers to visit one-to-one with these residents for the purpose of friendship. Friendship builds self-esteem and dignity and improves quality of life.

Description:
Each volunteer visits one resident a couple times a month at their convenience for one year. Call (206) 246-5150 for a packet. Complete the application with basic information and your preferences. Return it and you will be matched at a facility near your home where you will have an orientation (tour, background check, etc). Friend to Friend makes the contacts, provides visiting suggestions and follows up at a later date. Children and pets are welcome (in most facilities).

History:
Friend To Friend began in 1974. There were 10 nursing and retirement homes in Des Moines WA and a huge need for one-on-one visitors which continues to this day. Residents outlive spouses and friends, family members are spread across the globe and health issues make it necessary to have assistance with daily activities. It can be hard to make new friends when you cannot see, hear or walk well. Friend to Friend quickly spread to other areas around the county and country. At this time, Friend to Friend works with 300 'Homes' throughout the Puget Sound area. From this effort, other Friend to Friend programs have been established around the country.

Contact person: Marilyn Soderquist, Program Director, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (206) 824-1054

Address:

PO Box 98766 Des Moines, WA 98198-0766 This location is NOT handicap accessible

Web Site: http://www.friendtofriendamerica.org

Directions:

Volunteers are matched as close to their home as possible.   Nearest Bus Stop: Call Bus Information

Miscellaneous Information

Liability
	No
Does your organization welcome court-ordered community service volunteers?
	No
Does your organization have volunteer positions for youth 12-18?
	Yes