FriendshipWorks (originally MATCH-UP Interfaith Volunteers) was founded as a model program in 1984 with a three-year initial grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. This grant funded a network of religious congregations and social service agencies with a mission to decrease the isolation of elders and disabled adults and prevent unnecessary institutionalization and enhance their quality of life.
1988 - A volunteer assists a woman getting off the Elder Bus with her groceries.
The original MATCH-UP Interfaith Volunteers caregiver coalition was supported by congregations, religious organizations, and senior service providers across Boston and Brookline. Many continue to lend their support today.
Throughout its history, FriendshipWorks’ mission has remained constant as its services have expanded to meet growing needs. In 1987, we were a founding member of the National Federation of Interfaith Caregivers. It has since served as a replicable model for 1300 similar programs across the United States.
In 1991, FriendshipWorks separated from its founding agency and became an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. After two office moves, FriendshipWorks settled into its present 105 Chauncy Street office in 2003.
FriendshipWorks has won numerous awards over the years. In 1999, Gov. Paul Cellucci proclaimed November 21 as MATCH-UP Interfaith Volunteers Recognition Day. In 2005, Mayor Thomas Menino and the Boston Commission on Elderly Affairs awarded us the Edward L. Cooper Award for Outstanding Neighborhood Based Senior Service Agency.
On May 19, 2009, FriendshipWorks celebrated its 25th year of service to elders and adults with disabilities in Boston and Brookline with a symposium on elder isolation, held at Northeastern University.
Since its inception, FriendshipWorks has assisted over 17,000 Boston-area elders and disabled adults, providing almost half a million hours of donated care. This represents a value of more than $7,586,480 worth of care.
Timeline
1984 - Robert Wood Johnson Foundation gives seed money to Back Bay Boston Aging Concerns for their friendly visiting program called MATCH-UP Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers
1984 – Partnership starts with two Boston Housing Authority Buildings—residents invited to weekly coffee hours
1984 – First Advisory Committee formed from participating congregations and organizations
1984-1987 – Fordham University Third Age Center studies MATCH-UP and the other 24 programs piloted by RWJ – finds it is a very cost effective and successful model
1987 – MATCH-UP takes over transportation programs from Boston Aging Concerns
1987 — Founding member of the National Federation of Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers – goal is to develop other interfaith volunteer caregiver programs throughout the country (name changed to Faith in Action National Network)
1989 – United Way funding of $45,00 to Boston Aging Concerns keeps MATCH-UP services in community.
1991 – Boston Aging Concerns makes decision to cut MATCH-UP from its budget
1991 – Advisory Committee looks for funding and keep MATCH-UP going on its own
1991 – Rebekah Richardson offers free housing at Hale House
1991- Boston Foundation gives supporting grant to help MATCH-UP become a stand-alone agency
1991 – Advisory Committee members stay on as Board members and recruit others to be first MATCH-UP Board. Sr. Madeline Gallagher elected 1st Board President and bylaws created.
1991 – Elder Bus services ended
1992 - Date of incorporation
1994 – First Elders in the Arts benefit held in celebration of MATCH-UP’s 10th Anniversary
1998 – Grant from Tufts Health Plan to start MATCH-UP’s Access community education program: What’s Up Doc.
1999 – MATCH-UP celebrates 15th year and receives recognition from Gov. Cellucci and Mayor Menino
2001 – Partnership between Sherrill House and MATCH-UP starts Jamaica Plain Chapter focusing on bilingual community
2002 – MassAging Certificate of Merit for collaboration with Sherrill House
2003 – Partnership between Animal Rescue League and MATCH-UP starts PetPals nursing home visitation program
2003 – Robert Wood Johnson grants funding to start Strong For Life exercise program.
2004 – MATCH-UP chosen out of 1,000 Faith in Action programs to attend U.S. Congress Tricaucus meeting on minority services
2005 – MATCH-UP Celebrates 20 years of service
2005 - First Jamaica Plain Elder Care Network meeting
2005 - MATCH-UP receives Boston’s Edward L. Cooper Award for outstanding work with neighborhood based senior services
2007 – Photojournalism exhibit displayed throughout Boston and at National Hall in Washington D.C.
2007 - Recognition of services from Sen. John Kerry
2007 – 1st AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer joins MATCH-UP 2008 – MATCH-UP highlighted in Promise to Mary, a book by Dr. Paul Jellinek about Faith in Action programs
2008 – MATCH-UP receives Beverly Foundation’s STAR Search Award for its senior transportation service.
2008- MATCH-UP awarded Commonwealth Corps grant; adds 3 Commonwealth Corps Members in Jamaica Plain
2009– MATCH-UP celebrates its 25th Anniversary with a symposium and celebration at Northeastern University.
2010- MATCH-UP Interfaith Volunteers becomes FriendshipWorks.