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OFA "Friendly Calls" Program

Maintaining relationships can be hard for older adults who live far from family, experience health issues, or lack transportation. The social isolation and loneliness that can result often leads to both mental and physical challenges.

The good news is YOU can help, by joining OFA’s “Friendly Calls” program.

Volunteers check in and chat with an older adult in Dutchess County at risk of loneliness or social isolation, once a week, for eight weeks. Each call lasts between 20 and 30 minutes. It’s easy to help. You can do it from home!

Register today for an upcoming OFA Friendly Calls Volunteer Orientation session, which take place at OFA headquarters at 114 Delafield St. in Poughkeepsie. We maintain a calendar of Friendly Calls orientations at dutchessny.gov/calendar. (opens in new window)

For prospective volunteers who are unable to travel, an alternative orientation procedure is available. Each session lasts about 40 minutes. "Friendly Calls" volunteers must be age 18 or older. 

To register for any orientation, if you have more questions about “Friendly Calls,” or to arrange an orientation for your civic organization, call 845-486-2555 or email Friendly Calls program manager Linda Edgar at ledgar@dutchessny.gov.

We regularly update our list of orientations. To be notified of future orientations, subscribe to OFA’s weekly “Aging News” emails by emailing ofa@dutchessny.gov

"Friendly Calls" in the News

In 2023, WCBS-TV in New York City met with a Friendly Calls participant and volunteer. Click here to watch on the WCBS-TV website.

In 2024, Spectrum News Hudson Valley reported on Donavon and Elijah, another Friendly Calls pairing. Click here to watch on YouTube.