MATCH-UP Interfaith Volunteers' mission is to reduce isolation and help elders and disabled adults remain independent by providing friendly visitors, medical escorts, one-time assistance and educational programs. To fulfill this mission, MATCH-UP recruits volunteers to visit isolated elders and to accompany people to and from their doctor's appointments.

Description:
MATCH-UP’s programs fall into three broad categories and include a total of six components. Programs that offer opportunities to provide or receive general friendly visiting and/or concrete assistance are complemented by interest-specific programs. We offer specific opportunities for those with a passion for pets or exercise.

Friendly Visitors make an eight-month commitment to spend about an hour per week with their match. Many relationships last much longer than eight months, offering the opportunities for shared interests and activities that come with enduring friendships.

Medical Escorts accompany elders and disabled adults to and from medical appointments (car not necessary).

One-Time Assistants help with occasional needs like gift shopping, packing for a move, or visiting a relative who is ill.

Pet Pals visit elders in nursing homes, together with their own dog.

Strong For Life volunteers exercise with elders in their homes using the Strong For Life video program.

Office volunteers lend a hand with mailings, phone calls, public relations, and fundraising.

History:
Since 1984, MATCH-UP has provided crucial support to elders and individuals with disabilities in the Greater Boston area. We have "matched" hundreds of volunteers with older or disabled people and have seen firsthand the difference ongoing companionship and support can make for both our care recipients and our volunteers. Our goal with each "match" is to build a relationship in which both parties grow and learn from each other--and often become best friends. MATCH-UP also has developed a series of free health communications workshops for elders and their caregivers, called "What's Up Doc," which we bring by invitation to a variety of community sites.

Contact people:

Lois Lord Waller, Program Director, (phone), (email) Ellen Kirchheimer, Pet Pals Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Address:

105 Chauncy St. Suite 801 Boston, MA 02111 (See a map)

Directions:

MATCH-UP is located in Boston near Chinatown and Downtown Crossing, convenient to the several MBTA and bus lines. We are located one block from the Chinatown Orange Line. We are located 2 blocks from the Boylston Station on the Green Line.. . . (more)   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Chinatown--Orange Line or Boylston--Green Line,   Walk distance (in minutes): 5   Nearest Bus Stop: Silver Line Bus/Chinatown, 5 minute walk For maps or information, please see http://www.mbta.com