Friendly Visits and Weekly Calls for Homebound Seniors From Berks Encore

Berks Encore's Friendly Visitor Program matches homebound seniors with adult volunteers who call or visit for about one hour a week.

To join as a senior adult, you must live in Berks County and be over the age of 50. You also have to show a desire to take part, follow the program's policies, agree to a one-year commitment, communicate with your volunteer every week, complete the screening procedure, and stay in regular contact with the Friendly Visitor Coordinator so the visits go well.

Volunteers are thoroughly screened and must pass a Criminal Background Check before they are matched with a senior in the area. Location, interests, hobbies and pets are all considered before the first visit is scheduled. In 2024, 19 volunteers gave their time to brighten the lives of 19 clients.

To join, call (610) 374-3195 ext. 225, or fill out the online Friendly Visitor Program Senior Adult Application. The application asks for your contact details, date of birth, emergency contact, household members, why you want to take part, and whether you can visit in person or by phone at least once a week. There is also an interest survey about the best times for you to meet, the languages you speak, activities you enjoy and books or topics you like, all used to match you with a compatible volunteer.

Berks Encore's main office is at 40 North 9th Street, Reading PA 19601, and the main phone number is (610) 374-3195.

The page does not say whether the program costs anything, so ask when you call. It also does not say how long it takes to be matched with a volunteer.

Source: berksencore.org/aging-services-in-berks-county-pa, read September 18, 2026.

The details

Who it’s for
Senior Adult Eligibility Requirements: Reside in Berks County Over the age of 50 Demonstrate a desire to participate in the program and be willing to follow Berks Encore Friendly Visitor Program policies and procedures Agree to a one-year commitment to the program Be willing to communicate with the Friendly Visitor volunteer on a weekly basis Complete the screening procedure Be willing to communicate regularly with t
Read the rest

he Friendly Visitor Coordinator to ensure successful visits

Area: Berks CountySeniors, Adults
CostNot stated on their site.
How to apply
Are you a homebound senior interested in making a friend? Please contact ( 610) 374-3195 ext. 225 to join this program.
Where40 North 9th Street, Reading, PA 19601Get directions →More in Reading
CheckedChecked September 18, 2026

In Berks Encore’s words

Through Berks Encore’s Friendly Visitors Program, we connect homebound seniors with adult volunteers who agree to call or visit for about one hour per week. Volunteers are thoroughly screened and must pass a Criminal Background Check before being matched with a senior in the area. Location, interests, hobbies, and pets are all considered before the first visit is scheduled.

Organization

Berks Encore

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About this listing

This listing summarizes publicly available information from berksencore.org/aging-services-in-berks-county-pa. Last recorded review: September 18, 2026. Contact the provider to confirm eligibility, hours and availability before you go. If something here is wrong, tell us.

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