When Chloe moved to Bozeman, she was drawn to the Befrienders program right away. She had always felt a special bond with older adults—volunteering in senior living homes through high school and college, and knew she wanted to build a meaningful friendship here.
Anna, 91, is originally from Switzerland. She’s lived an incredibly active life filled with skiing, hiking, traveling, and horses. For decades, she stayed deeply connected to her community and wellness. But recently, after being told she could no longer drive due to her eyesight, that independence was stripped away—along with her ability to get out, socialize, and feel part of the world she loves.
Before meeting Chloe, Anna shared how lonely things had become. Even seeing something beautiful, like an eagle perched in a cottonwood, felt heavy when there was no one to share it with. She wished for something as simple as sitting at Bridger Bowl in the sun with a beer, just to feel connected again.
And then came Chloe.
They bonded instantly. Both had road-tripped solo across the U.S., both loved nature and adventure, and both were looking for genuine connection. Since being matched, they’ve shared dinners, wine, outings around town, and Chloe made Anna’s one wish come true. She brought her to Bridger Bowl to soak in the sunshine, the laughter, the energy of a place that had always made her feel alive.
Their friendship has only grown. Together, they’ve gone to the rodeo, dined on sushi in town, hiked local trails, and shared countless meaningful conversations. Whether it’s a big outing or simply being together, Chloe’s presence has brought joy back into Anna’s daily life.
Anna says, “It’s things like this that help me get out of bed in the morning. It drives me. It keeps me healthy, because I’m happy.”
This is the power of Befrienders.
