Every person is unique, and so is our matching process! Some older adults apply on their own, while others are signed up by family members, caregivers, or community support. We also have volunteers who are seniors themselves! Matching depends on timing, availability, and finding the right connection. Our process ebbs and flows—some times of the year bring more volunteers, while others bring more seniors. The sooner we receive an application, the sooner we can start working on a match. Don’t hesitate—applying now helps ensure the best fit and minimizes wait time!
- Application
Fill out our senior application online or print and mail it to Befrienders, 807 N Tracy Avenue, Bozeman, MT 59715. - Interview
Each senior is personally interviewed at their place of residency or the Bozeman Senior Center. Information gathered during this interview will be used to find a match. - Matching Process
There is no firm timeframe to predict how long any individual matching process will take. It is important to remember that seniors are matched with volunteers based on their interests, hobbies, personalities, needs, geographic locations, and myriad other considerations. One senior may be matched within a week or two of joining Befrienders, while other seniors may have to wait longer for a match we believe will be successful. - First Meeting
When meeting your volunteer for the first time, a Befrienders staff person will join you, typically at your home but can meet somewhere else if preferred. Our staff will be there to make the introduction, provide contact information to one another, and ensure you feel your Befriender is a good match for you.
