Some questions you may have about BeFriender Ministry:

If my family member has a BeFriender,
does that mean I am not meeting his or her needs?
Not at all. A BeFriender cannot take the place of
family or friends in someone's life. For many,
though, a BeFriender is a supportive visitor
beyond the family.

How often will a BeFriender visit?
The frequency is determined by the person visited
and the BeFriender. A visit typically takes
place every week or two and lasts about an hour.

What if I cannot think of anything to say?
The BeFriender does not come to you to gain information.
Rather, he or she will listen and respond, trying to support
you at this time in your life, without giving advice
or making judgments. And BeFrienders are comfortable
with silence.

BeFriender Ministry is not a ministry of "doing,"
but of "being" - being present and listening quietly.

BeFriender program team leaders are trained and will support
BeFriender in offering care, nonjudgmental presence and
active listening. BeFriender have received training on
topics such as: Grief and loss . . . Spiritualiy . . .
Listening . . . Confidentiality . . . Communication.

BeFrienders also participate in regular small group meetings
with the supervsion of the BeFriender leadership team.
The meetings provide accountability and growth and assist
BeFrienders in their ability to listen, to be nonjudmental
and to put aside their own prejudices or desire to
give advice.
If BeFriender relationships are discussed,
fictitious names are used and identifying details
are eliminated in order to honor confidentiality.