Get involved in helping a senior in our community. You have the power to enrich a senior’s life!
Become a Befriender Volunteer!
- Would you like to make a difference in a senior’s life?
- Are you at least 18 years of age?
- Do you have one hour a week to spare?
- Can you make a 12-month commitment?
If so, we have the volunteer experience for you!
Befriender Volunteer Application Process
- Application
Fill out our volunteer application online or print it off and mail it to Befrienders at 807 N Tracy Avenue, Bozeman, MT 59715. - Background Check
A suggested donation of $20 is asked to help cover the cost of each volunteer’s background check. - References
After a successful background check is conducted, Befrienders will contact the two references provided on your application. - Interview & Training
Each new volunteer is required to attend an interview & training, which takes approximately one hour. Each volunteer has the option to meet via Zoom, atbCold Smoke Coffee off 19th Ave, or at the Befrienders’ office, located on the second floor of the Bozeman Senior Center at 807 N. Tracy in Bozeman. We will either call the volunteer or email the volunteer with location and day/time options via Calendly. - Matching Process
Volunteers are matched with seniors based on myriad factors, such as their mutual interests, personalities, hobbies, geographic locations, and a host of other considerations. We also review all seniors with the volunteer at their interview and training. We highlight the seniors we believe would be compatible with them based on their volunteer application, however the volunteer is sometimes drawn to a particular senior because of their interests or background we are unaware of. - First Meeting
When meeting your Senior for the first time, typically in the home of the Senior, a Befrienders’ staff person will accompany you, make the initial introduction, provide contact information for one another, and ensure your next meeting is scheduled prior to leaving. Thereafter, staff will contact you to follow up to ensure that the match has begun successfully and is proceeding smoothly. But also note that we welcome you to contact us at any time about any issues regarding your match, and we strongly encourage you to communicate with us about any concerns, large or small!
