Friends & Co

06/05/2026

We need your help.
Be a Visiting Companion to an Older Adult

Bring the joy of meaningful friendship into the life of an older adult experiencing loneliness and isolation by becoming a Visiting Companion! In this volunteer role, you and your new friend can spend time together at their home, out in the community, or wherever you both choose.

Most Visiting Companions visit 1–2 times per month, creating a flexible and rewarding opportunity to connect.

We currently have older adults awaiting a Visiting Companion in the following communities in the seven-county metro: Arden Hills, Apple Valley, Blaine, Bloomington, Cottage Grove, Crystal, Edina, Hastings, Inver Grove Heights, Little Canada, Long Lake, Maplewood, Minneapolis, North Oaks, Plymouth, Richfield, Roseville, St. Louis Park, St. Paul, and White Bear Lake.

Requirements:
Volunteers must be 18 or older, pass a background check, and complete required training.

Time Commitment:
Visit frequency and length are flexible and determined by you and your companion. Volunteers connect 1–2 times per month with their companion, with optional phone calls, texts, or cards in between visits.

Have questions?
Contact Emma Lucchesi at [email protected] or 612-746-0746.

06/05/2026

For some LGBTQ+ older adults, aging means going back into the closet. Friends & Co is creating spaces where they don’t have to.
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Friends & Co is creating spaces where they don’t have to. Where is the place you go and feel like you belong? Where there’s an ease to it, where you […]

05/29/2026

What a way to kick off Pride! 🌈

We had an amazing time at Lavender Magazine’s Summer of Pride Kickoff—an evening full of energy, connection, and community.

From reconnecting with familiar faces to meeting new ones, it was a powerful reminder of what Pride is all about. 💜

Huge shoutout to Lavender Magazine for bringing everyone together and creating such a vibrant, welcoming space, and to Orchestra Hall for hosting us in such a beautiful and iconic venue.

We’re so grateful to be part of a community that shows up, celebrates loudly, and continues building connection for all.

Here’s to Pride, and to carrying this spirit forward all year long. ✨

05/28/2026

Great news, our Pride luncheon celebration event is officially FULL!

We're so excited by all of the interest. While all 120 seats have been claimed, you can still sign up below and you will be added to our waiting list. If a spot opens up, we'll be sure to reach out right away to let you know. https://www.tfaforms.com/5219852

Plus, don't miss out... we host a free "Let's Do Lunch" event every month. By signing up below, you'll also get on the list to hear all about those upcoming opportunities.

05/25/2026

New "Among Friends" newsletter is ready.
https://conta.cc/4mMng3I

05/18/2026

Calling all volunteers, we still have space on Tuesday 1-3 p.m. and Wednesday 5-7 p.m. at our Friends & Co offices on University Avenue for helping us get our Spring/Summer cards out to older adults. Sign up for a slot:

05/15/2026

We hope you will join us for this special screening of "Gen Silent" on June 11 6-8:30 p.m. hosted by AARP MN at 929 7th Street West, St. Paul, MN 55102

Gen Silent is a powerful documentary that explores the struggles of LGBTQ+ older adults. The film highlights how fear of anti-LGBTQ+ abuse causes many older adults to hide their identities, neglect their health, and face isolation, reflecting the lingering impact of a lifetime shaped by stigma and silence.

Following the screening, stay for a thoughtful panel discussion featuring LGBTQ+ community members, advocates, and aging-service professionals:

Rajean Moone, Faculty Director - LTC Administration, University of Minnesota
James Falvey, Executive Director, Friends & Co
Harry Hartigan, Community Advocate
Diane Graham-Raff, Community Advocate

Experience Gen Silent, a powerful documentary about LGBTQ+ older adults, followed by community panel discussion with advocates and aging professionals.

05/14/2026

Pat Cook Talks About Volunteering with Friends & Co (Formerly Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly Twin Cities)

05/13/2026

Calling volunteers, we still have some spots to help us get our summer cards counted and sorted that are going out to older adults across the state. Take a look and if you can help for, sign up. Thank you!

05/09/2026

We have three in-person volunteer opportunities coming up:
Card Counting Crew - Monday, May 18, 2-4 p.m.
Card Counting Crew - Tuesday, May 19, 1-3 p.m.
Envelope Stuffing Event - Wednesday, May 20, 5-7 p.m.
Join us and help older adults across Minnesota know they matter.
Sign up online for your space: