2021 Top-Rated Nonprofit

Befrienders

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Centers to Support the Independence of Specific Populations, Community Improvement & Capacity Building, Human Service Organizations, Human Services, Senior Centers, Seniors

Mission: Befrienders is a non-profit organization that provides companionship, support and advocacy for the aging population throughout the Gallatin Valley.

Community Stories

21 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

crissyjo Volunteer

Rating: 5

12/15/2024

I’m so glad Bozeman has such an amazing nonprofit to help address senior isolation around Bozeman! They are extremely caring to their seniors and volunteers, and care about making happy and long lasting matches. Additionally, they offer so many great extra activities each month for the befrienders community to take part in!

kiminmt Client Served

Rating: 1

11/21/2024

Befrienders is such an awesome organization! I am blind and they helped me find a friend within a couple of months. They also provide fun and educational activities and even help us get there! There are also volunteers to help us do any maintenance or other tasks we might need. They cover it all! Not to mention the complementary tickets they provide to community events. But best of all is the companionship. It's a much needed organization doing tremendous work! Kim

Lindajo123 Board Member

Rating: 5

11/20/2024

I am happy to be on the board of such an impactful organization. The connections that are made through Befrienders positively affect both volunteers and seniors and greatly improve their lives. Organizations like Befrienders make our community exceptional.

BefriendersBozeman General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

11/19/2024

As the current Program Coordinator with Befrienders, I’ve experienced firsthand how incredible this organization is. Not only enriches the lives of older adults we serve but has also impacted my well-being. Working with older adults has been a transformative experience, growing my professional and personal growth.

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is how unpredictable life can be—and how essential programs like Befrienders are in providing the social support that can change someone’s life in so many ways. Seniors come to us seeking companionship for a variety of reasons, but once they’re matched with a volunteer and begin to nurture a genuine friendship, the results are consistently uplifting.

The gratitude expressed by seniors and volunteers, whether in their voices, attitudes, or feedback, is heartwarming and inspiring. Seeing how these connections bring joy and meaning to their lives is a constant reminder of the importance of this mission.

For me, each new relationship is an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a difference. Being part of a program that creates meaningful connections and significantly improves the lives of others is a gift I treasure every day.

kylerernst

kylerernst Board Member

Rating: 5

11/19/2024

As a former volunteer and current board member, I ardently support Befrienders' presence in the Gallatin Valley. This organization fills a necessary gap in serving the seniors in our community — but it also benefits the hundreds of volunteers who desire a deeper connection. Befrienders is a win-win.

Bobbiezg Client Served

Rating: 5

11/19/2024

This is a testimonial from a Befrienders senior participant - Bobbie: I wanted to acknowledge all the good work Befrienders does for seniors; how responsive they are to any suggestions; and how great they are with matching us with a Befrienders volunteers. Thank you again for the great service you offer!

CherryBlossom1215 Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/12/2024

I have had nothing but great experiences through Befrienders! Having such a meaningful cause to contribute to has made me feel so much better. I was not expecting my volunteering to have such a positive impact on myself, in addition to those I see!

jacquielove Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/15/2023

Rose, my Befriender, and I have a great time! I have taught her to knit and she has taught me to make amazing eggplant Parmesan. We have become dear friends and have helped each other through many ups and downs.
I think our ED, Kristin is doing a great job coming up with fun things for Befrienders to do. Rose and I are going to a play soon, as we both enjoy the theatre.

Previous Stories

Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/26/2021

I have recently been matched with my second ‘friend’ through the Befrienders organization. My pal Rose is a feisty and funny woman from the Bronx who has family living nearby. She recently moved to Bozeman when her husband died of Covid this past spring. I’m teaching Rose to knit, and we love to talk about food and cooking and we tell each other family stories. While I feel that Befrienders helps an important population here to keep from dealing with loneliness, I have lived away from my own family for 39 years and Rose is like a mom to me. It’s a great Match!!

aunc445 Board Member

Rating: 5

08/31/2023

I have been involved as a Befriender Board member for over a year. It is exciting to watch Befrienders excel in it's outreach to Seniors. As a recently retired nurse of 49 years, I have been amazed at the effective interactions which facilitate physical and emotional health in this increasing population within our community. Recently I facilitated a reboot Trauma 12 week course through Love INC, and it's incredible to have trauma participants talk about their Befriender and the profound difference they are making in the lives of these individuals.
The monthly lunch with Befrienders has been a joy! The impact of the interconnections and social support cannot be underestimated!! And interactions during barbecues and even the Christmas celebrations are profound.

atorgerson Board Member

Rating: 5

08/29/2023

My involvement with Befrienders has been one of my proudest moments in the last 6+yrs. It is an integral part of our community; and with a strong and passionate Board who are committed to the mission statement of the organization.

1

Caryle M. Board Member

Rating: 5

10/29/2021

Befrienders has been a Bright Light in my life since its founding in 1993 (by my husband!).....so many stories of the value of friendship, and the benefit of having a one-on-one visitor to the physical and mental health of both the Senior and the Volunteer! Befrienders truly is "Spreading Smiles Across the Generations".

taylor_rukes16 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/29/2021

I look forward to this program every week! It is a great way to get involved and has helped me create very meaningful relationships with people in my community I wouldn't otherwise spend a lot of time with. I would definitely recommend it to anyone with an extra hour to share.

rjoleary Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/27/2021

This nonprofit matches volunteers with seniors in the community to help form friendships. It's a great way to create meaningful connections with people in your community that may not have the opportunity or ability to otherwise.

paullach Donor

Rating: 5

10/26/2021

Befrienders serves a critical population in our community and I'm proud to contribute annually to their good work!

jlkdavis1137 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/25/2021

I have just recently become acquainted with Befrienders in Bozeman, Montana. What a great idea. The staff is so enthusiastic and helpful. I'm sure that many people's lives, both young and old, will be made better by the help and care of these folks.
Bless them.

Sarah D.18 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/25/2021

Very enjoyable and brings lots of light to my days.

willmontana400 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/25/2021

Befrienders is a wonderful Bozeman Organization. My experience volunteering as a Befriender will truly stick with me. I appreciate the inter-generational bridges that the organization is helping build!

jlyon21 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/11/2021

I have had the privilege of interning with Befrienders. I have loved getting to witness how much of an impact this organization has had on the community and on the individuals involved. The companionship that Befrienders fosters is special and the board and staff are kind, thoughtful, and want the best for everyone involved. I love this organization and it has been an honor to be involved with them!

rclem406 Board Member

Rating: 5

10/06/2021

I am proud to be a board member supporting the mission of Befrienders. Also as a professional in the field of senior transitions, I have seen first hand the power of companionship through Befrienders programming. The board, staff, interns, and volunteers are so passionate about what they do and the impact they have on individuals.

1charlie12 Board Member

Rating: 5

10/04/2021

All the folks involved in Befrienders - seniors, volunteers, staff, board - are so committed to each other and their community. It is really special to see people so invested in each others' lives. Befrienders is a very special organization that deserves the notice and support of all Montanans.

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