"He has such a great outlook during harder times. It brightens my day and is a good reminder that we can all find joy during difficult times."  
     –Friendly Caller volunteer about her conversation partner

COAAA’s Friendly Caller Program matches a volunteer with an individual who receives services through the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging for weekly or biweekly friendly chats. Sometimes an older adult or person with a disability would like additional social interaction, and this program is designed to connect them with a community volunteer for six months of friendly calls.

The Friendly Caller Program offers volunteers the opportunity to:

• Provide social support and help reduce isolation for their conversation partner
• Give back in a short period of time
• Create their own volunteer schedule
• Connect with someone with different life experiences
• Leverage their empathy and active listening skills
• Volunteer remotely
• Brighten someone’s day

The goal of the friendly calls is to provide social conversation through brief phone calls. These calls are expected to last around 15 minutes once per week or once every other week. 

Volunteers are required to attend a virtual orientation and training session prior to being matched with a conversation partner. This training will include conversation starters, communication tips, how to forward concerns, and more so that a volunteer is equipped with the tools they'll need for success. 

A one-time background check at COAAA is required before being paired with a consumer. There is no cost to the volunteer. 

Interested in getting started? Complete the online volunteer application. 

Need more information or have questions? Contact Frances Krumholtz, COAAA Volunteer and Engagement Coordinator, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 614-645-3646.