Reconnecting With History
In an era dominated by fleeting digital interactions, the heartening effort by Friends & Co stands out. This nonprofit is digging back into its roots and asking folks to share tales of the deep bonds formed over the past fifty years under its former guise, Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly Twin Cities. The mission? To celebrate companionships that transcended mere volunteer service.
Memories that Echo Through Generations
Walk through the doors of history, back to the time when the Twin Cities served as a crucible for Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson, who once cooked for Little Brothers. His legacy, alongside countless others, weaves through the fabric of shared meals and holiday gatherings.
Remember Mary D.'s brush with Wilson? It’s these stories that color our past. Decades later, Friends & Co is opening the floodgates to these cherished memories. Whether you volunteered under a church's guidance like Kevin Filter, or spent afternoons chatting with a new friend like Carolyn Trevis, the organization wants your stories.
“She was and remains one of my role models for how to live life,” Trevis said, recalling Esther, one of her companions.
A Name Change, A Continuing Story
Back in 2022, the nonprofit donned a new name—Friends & Co—as it sought a more inclusive identity. Amber Carlson, who spearheads philanthropy at the organization, underscores that while the name has evolved, the essence of friendship remains unchanged.
It wasn’t just personal connections that gained a fresh coat of paint. The outfit's visual identity was helmed by Franke+Fiorella, earning national accolades through a GDUSA American Graphic Design Award. But no award parallels the prize of rekindled memories.
Keeping the Friendship Flame Alive
Fast forward to today, Friends & Co still runs programs like Visiting Companions and Coffee Talk. It’s not just an organization; it’s a lifeline for many elders who crave connection in the solitude of aging. They’re looking back not with nostalgia, but with a celebration of ongoing friendships.
Invitation to Share
Till November 30, Minnesotans who were part of the Little Brothers family are invited to submit their stories. They can jot down memories, long or short, maybe dust off those old photographs, and be part of something larger. It's not about reliving the past but acknowledging the ongoing impact of those friendships.
The essence of these tales will find a home on the Friends & Co website, immortalizing the history of an organization that has been a beacon for those walking alone.
“These aren't simply relationships ... They're friendships where both people have something valuable to share,” Amber Carlson reflects.
Looking Forward
It’s not just about remembering—it’s about looking forward. How these friendships shape the future is just as vital as the tales of past Thanksgivings. Filter's annual donations or Trevis's afternoons with Esther illustrate how the seeds of community planted years ago continue to grow today.
With all this swirling, it’s a stark reminder that while economies ebb and wane, relationships built on genuine care never depreciate. As Friends & Co rallies for submissions, they invite a realm beyond just memory—this is a celebration of trust and connection. They might not trade on Wall Street, but they surely excel on the stock exchange of humanity.
