Befrienders is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving the senior population of Gallatin Valley (and the Livingston area) through meaningful connections, support, and advocacy. We match community volunteers with older adults who are experiencing isolation or limited social interaction, building bridges of friendship across generations.
Our office is located on the second floor of the Bozeman Senior Center at 807 N. Tracy Avenue, Bozeman.
Our Programs
- Befriend-A-Senior: Volunteers commit to visiting a senior for at least one hour per week, building relationships that often last far beyond the initial year.
- Lend-A-Hand: Volunteers assist with one-time or recurring tasks like errands, minor help around the house, or attending appointments—offering practical support with a personal touch.
These intergenerational connections lead to lasting friendships, cultural exchange, and improved well-being for everyone involved.
OUR VISION
Befrienders envisions a community in which older adults are valued for their previous and current contributions to society and continue to be socially active and independent.
OUR MISSION
The mission of Befrienders is to connect community volunteers to older adults for companionship, support and advocacy.
OUR VALUES
Befrienders’ values are at the heart of everything we do. Our Board of Directors, staff, and interns use our values to guide all decisions and actions and are committed to creating an organization that represents and inspires these values in our community. Our values are:
- Compassion
- Dignity
- Friendship
- Independence
- Commitment
HISTORY OF BEFRIENDERS
Befrienders began in February 1993 after an 84-year-old woman tapped on Pete Merrill’s car window in a grocery store parking lot.
Sadie began, “Young man,…” which immediately got Pete’s attention as he was almost 60 at the time.
She offered Pete 35 cents in return for a ride home. Pete not only drove her home, and cleared ice from her sidewalks but was asked to come back and visit over cookies and ginger ale.
Pete, a retired investment banker, recognized a need for older residents to maintain a social connection with the larger community. Starting with 106 names from the ‘Meals on Wheels’ recipient list, he learned that there is a population of senior citizens in Bozeman with few opportunities for social interaction. Together with key individuals at Montana State University and other active community members, Pete founded Befrienders so that people of different generations could form and nurture a mutually enriching relationship.
Today, Befrienders matches Montana State University-Bozeman students and community volunteers age 18 and older with senior citizens age 65 and older, or people with special circumstances or needs, who want to increase their social interaction. Not all of the seniors are homebound; they just prefer to have a trusted friend along when going out whether for assistance or companionship.
