About Us
Who
We Are
Friendships for Life New York (FFLNY) believes that no one shall grow old alone and without the social connections that make life worth living. That is why FFLNY enters the lives of elderly New Yorkers affected by loneliness and isolation. Inviting people of all walks of life, we aim to build long-lasting friendships with isolated older adults for the remainder of their lifetime.
Our
Mission
Friendships for Life New York’s mission is to build strong, vibrant, life-long friendships between older adults and caring volunteers. Our programs alleviate loneliness and isolation through in-person visits, phone companionship, birthday celebrations and advocacy.
Our
Motto
Our name and motto, “Friendships for Life,” expresses our belief that in addition to basic life necessities, everyone has a strong need for love, beauty, dignity and the social interactions that make life worth living.
Our Wonderful
Board Members
Enoch Chu
Geraldine Richards
Yogi Wess
Les Powell
Jérôme Michaux
Suzanne Chapdelaine
Our
History
"We believe
in the
power of
friendship
to transform lives."
CONTACT
PERSON
Volunteer Staff
Jérôme Michaux
Friendships for Life New York (FFLNY), formerly known as Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly (LBFE) New York, has been serving homebound elderly New Yorkers in a spirit of friendship since 2016.
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In its inception, the organization was inspired by French nobleman Armand Marquiset who founded Little Brothers of the Poor in France in 1946. The reason Armand entered the lives of lonely and isolated elderly in France is “Because above all, people need love.”
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The first US chapter of LBFE started in Chicago in 1959, followed by Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Cincinnati, Boston, Minneapolis, San Francisco, and the New York City expansion site.
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In November 2016, Jérôme Michaux started the grassroots efforts of establishing an LBFE expansion site in New York. Our first holiday visiting event took place in Brooklyn, when a team of 7 volunteers delivered 20 Thanksgiving care packages with flowers and hand-written cards to 20 homebound elders affected by social isolation.
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In the span of 8 years, thanks to the support and generosity of hundreds of volunteers, donors and community partners, we have conducted over 5,000 in-person friendly visits and 10,000 phone calls to 300 elderly New Yorkers in need of social connections and advocacy. Our friendly visiting programs and annual Thanksgiving meal delivery are now offered in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and the Bronx.
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In December 2024, recognizing the growing needs of isolated elderly New Yorkers living alone, our founding Board of Directors established Friendships for Life New York (FFLNY). This change enables us to become an independent nonprofit organization and pursue opportunities for growth.
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With the power of friendship and a community of caring volunteers, Friendships for Life aims to provide a lasting solution to the issue of elder loneliness and isolation.
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Our brand was designed by Richard Harris. The flower icon symbolizes that all people have social, emotional and spiritual needs that are just as important as their physical needs.
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Our name and motto holds the promise that one of life’s greatest gifts is found in lifelong friendships.
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Based in New York, a place with rich history and diversity, FFLNY offers a space where intergenerational and multicultural friendships can take root, blossom and last a lifetime.
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Our commitment to serve and honor the older members of our community is rooted in Christian values and a faith-inspired vision that everyone is worthy of love, dignity, and friendship.
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While our work is guided by these principles, we welcome people of all backgrounds and beliefs to join us in our mission to alleviate social isolation with the power of friendship and make New York a kinder place to grow older.​​​​​​​