A solution: Friendly visiting programs are a proven way to alleviate this isolation and rebuild communities across generations. The SAGE Friendly Visitor program, founded in 1979 and the first of its kind in the U.S., matches volunteers from the community with LGBT older adults ("Friends at Home") to form relationships that are mutually rewarding and build community. All Friends at Home are SAGE clients and are seen by a social worker. When someone calls asking for SAGE's help (either the client, a friend, relative, neighbor or other service provider), a SAGE staff person or social worker visits the home for an initial assessment. Friendly Visitor referrals are made with the client's consent. SAGE then matches the client with a Friendly Visitor.

How It Works: Friendly Visitor volunteers are carefully screened and fully trained. Those who become Friendly Visitors have made a commitment to at least one year of involvement with the client. They visit once a week for an hour or two and make calls between visits. They also attend supportive and educational meetings every other month. If you are interested in learning more about the Friendly Visitor program, please fill out a volunteer application at this link. If you have questions about Friendly Visiting, you can email Program Manager Julie Ugoretz at JUgoretz@sageusa.org.