Growing connection. Easing loneliness.

Lasting relationships. More ways to belong.

We are developing three connected programs to prevent and ease loneliness among older adults, starting in Baltimore.

Our planned programs

Programs are in development. Participation will depend on readiness, screening, staffing, and available funding.

In planning

01 · ZEKEINIM NEIGHBORS

A familiar face. A connection that continues.

Screened volunteers will be matched with older adults for regular calls, visits, and shared activities. Matches will be built around interests, preferences, and the kind of connection each person wants.

Whether someone lives independently, with family, or in a senior community, the aim is a dependable relationship that continues beyond one visit.

Older adults choose whether and how to participate. A planned paid coordinator will oversee matches, check in regularly, and help if a match needs to change.

In planning

02 · COMMUNITY GATHERINGS

A place at the table.

We hope to begin with two welcoming gatherings a year, bringing older adults, families, friends, and volunteers together through meals, speakers, music, and activities.

Come with someone you know or come on your own. Personal invitations, introductions, and someone to sit with will be part of helping people feel included.

Dates and details will be shared as plans take shape.

Planned · Funding and hiring needed

03 · PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT

Making room for professional support.

Our goal is to use fundraising to pay licensed mental health therapists to provide support for participating older adults.

Therapists will help design this program, including privacy, referrals, and how someone requests help. The service will be developed alongside our companionship and community programs.

Therapist services are planned and are not currently available. Launch will depend on funding, hiring, and appropriate program arrangements.

How we plan to care for the connection

Thoughtful preparation. Ongoing follow-up.

Our plans put choice, consistency, and support at the center of each relationship.

Screen volunteers before matching: application, interview, references, appropriate background checks, and training.
Let older adults choose whether to participate and what kind of connection they want.
Fund a paid coordinator to oversee matches, check in regularly, and help when a match is not working.
Give volunteers clear boundaries and a named person to contact with concerns.
Work with therapists to design privacy, referral, and access processes for professional support.
Budget for ongoing relationships and follow-up, alongside gatherings, activities, and care packages.

Something to share now

The Activity Room

Explore free large-print conversation prompts, games, and printable activities to enjoy together.

Explore activities

Help make this possible.

Future support would help fund volunteer preparation, coordination, gatherings, thoughtful gestures, and paid therapist time.

Support our mission