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Coffee talk is a commitment free, drop-in chat line when a friendly voice is needed the most. It is now expanding to Cook County!
As we age, leave jobs, kids move away, spouses die, health deteriorates, we often become isolated, lonely.
But there is hope.
Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly MN is a volunteer led organization committed to relieving isolation and loneliness among older adults. Cindy Imsdahl-Ceo, “We offer an opportunity for all people to join together in friendship and celebration of life.”
Cindy, who lives up the Gunflint Trail, is helping to bring Coffee Talk to Cook County.
Coffee Talk is a drop-in phone line that instantly connects older adult callers with caring “coffee talkers” looking forward to chatting. Callers can share what’s on their minds through engaging conversation, words of encouragement, and an understanding ear. Callers are welcome to phone as often as they’d like, and privacy is a priority. There are no applications, appointments, or commitments to make. Last year, Coffee Talkers had about 12,000 telephone conversations with Minnesota and Northern Wisconsin elders.
Calls can be as short as a few minutes or as long as half an hour. Although elders can be referred to other services when needed, coffee talk is primarily a place to chat, exchange stories or thoughts, and connect to another person.
Volunteers typically answer four to six calls per hour.
If you would like to talk to Cindy, call Coffee Talk at 877-238-2282. The call is free, and coffee is optional.
A good phone chat works wonders! Coffee Talk is available Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to Noon. Coffee Talk will be reaching out to all Cook County elders to let them know about this program through postcards, flyers, posters, newspaper articles, and radio station WTIP.
The Coffee Talk mission is to bring, “A community in which all older adults are connected, valued and loved. Our network of volunteers is an integral part of our vision, bringing friendship to older adults across Minnesota through social interaction and more.
“Bring connection, friendship, and happiness into the life of another while adding friendship and purpose to your own.”
Volunteer
Open the door to life-changing connections and friendships! Bring connection, friendship, and happiness into the life of another while adding friendship and purpose to your own.
Coffee talker: If you love chatting on the phone, and the idea of connecting with a variety of older adults inspires you, join our Coffee Talk team! Calls will be routed directly to your phone and can be answered from wherever you and your phone happen to be. Weekly four-hour shift are available.s
Phone companion: If you are a talker and connecting one-to-one with an older adult for ongoing meaningful phone friendship appeals to you, let us pair you with someone through Elder Friends Phone Companions. Build a rich and rewarding connection, one call at a time.
Who are Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly? This organization was founded by French nobleman, Armand Marquiset, in 1946 (as Little Brothers of the Poor) to serve isolated and lonely older persons who had lost their families in the war. “The greatest poverty,” he often said, “is the poverty of love.” His powerful example attracted many followers in France and quickly spread across the globe. The Twin Cities Chapter of Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly first opened its doors on March 15, 1972. Today, we continue the mission that is shared by member organizations in nine countries throughout the world and seven chapters in the U.S.
The Importance of solid social connections: Did you know…
• Social connection leads to a 50 percent increased chance of longevity.
• Strengthens the immune system.
• Helps people recover from illness faster.
• Eases depression.
• The benefits of social connection should never be overlooked.
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