Peter and Gordon’s Weekly Bond

Friendly Visiting (formerly In Good Company) connects dedicated volunteers with individuals in need of emotional, spiritual, and social support. For Peter and Gordon, a year-long connection has blossomed into a meaningful relationship filled with joy, learning, and mutual respect.

Louisa Loucareas is Fontbonne’s Associate Manager of Community Engagement. She matches Fontbonne volunteers with participants and understands how vital connection is to health and wellbeing. “People are social creatures, but our family structures are more fractured than ever, and we have less community than we used to,” she explains. “Even with strong social networks, health issues can derail everything.”

Gordon’s story is a perfect example. Once a husband and father with a stable job, Gordon now lives alone in subsidized housing. Headaches and health issues from working with harsh solvents led to depression and, eventually, substance abuse. He entered rehab a decade ago and has been sober ever since. Though Gordon struggles with agoraphobia, he’s finding ways to navigate the world. His love for antique cookbooks and science fiction keeps him engaged, but when his case worker noticed he was isolating, she suggested Friendly Visiting. After Louisa met with Gordon to learn more about him, she introduced him to Peter.

Research suggests many health and social benefits are associated with volunteering, including improved quality of life, and enhanced perceived psychological wellbeing and happiness.

“It was a good fit right from the start,” Gordon says. “We’re never at a loss for conversation— there wasn’t a single hiccup.”

Peter, a volunteer for over six years, is no stranger to building meaningful relationships.

“When I meet a new participant, it’s about building trust and confidence,” he explains. “Everyone has a story, and listening—really listening—dignifies them.”

Now, the two meet weekly, discussing everything from history to science fiction to Gordon’s elaborate cooking experiments. In the year since they were first introduced, Gordon says his world has expanded. “Before, I didn’t leave my neighbourhood much. Now, I’ll go across town for a book or special ingredient. I do it during off-peak hours, but still—it’s more than I was doing before.”

Peter finds just as much value in their time together. “This isn’t just altruism,” he admits. “We’ve found this rhythm where we’re both learning from each other. I enjoy these conversations. It’s invigorating.”

Louisa also emphasizes the importance of supporting volunteers. “All Fontbonne programs foster belonging—not just for participants, but for volunteers, too. We bring Friendly Visiting volunteers together at least four times a year to share food, listen to speakers, or simply talk about their experiences. It helps them feel connected and supported.”

Peter knows firsthand how crucial this support is. “I used to visit with someone who couldn’t communicate,” he recalls. “I felt useless, but another volunteer reminded me that just being there mattered. Those meetings help so much—they give you perspective and confidence.”

Gordon also appreciates the care that went into matching him with Peter. “Louisa has a real talent for bringing people together,” he says. “Peter respects my time, and I respect his. It’s an equal exchange. He doesn’t come to solve my problems—he just listens; and that’s enough.”

Rooted in the Sisters of St. Joseph’s legacy, Fontbonne fosters community and well-being through inclusive programs for the most socially isolated.

Louisa sums it up best: “If you don’t have social connections, you don’t have anything.”