As winter nears and holidays approach, some Wrangell residents may feel more isolated, prompting a renewed push to grow the Friends and Neighbors program.

Alice Rooney, who developed and coordinates the program with nurse Chris Bue, aims to build on the steady gains since its spring relaunch after a hiatus during the COVID years.

“Most of the matches we made back in March are still together,” Rooney said. “That’s encouraging and we would like to see more like that.”

The program pairs volunteers, called “friends,” with residents who would benefit from regular visits, labeled “neighbors.” Rooney conducts interviews to identify shared interests and backgrounds, then makes matches.

She attends the initial meetings to introduce the pairs and help ease conversation. In some cases, participants already knew each other and the program has simply formalized their relationship.

To recruit more participants, Rooney hosted an information session Oct. 18 at the Irene Ingle Public Library.

“It was successful,” she said. “We signed up four new volunteers/friends. And I think we’ll be adding some new neighbors soon.”

The program requires volunteers commit three to nine hours a month for at least six months. Rooney emphasizes the program is a social resource, not a health care service: Volunteers do not provide personal care, handle finances or perform heavy chores.

Most visits occur at home, though the program offers an insurance waiver if pairs choose to go on an outing.

“We’re trying to help people who are isolated and shut in,” Rooney said. “That is a need we should address in this community.”

Awareness remains a hurdle, she added, noting several more potential neighbors have been identified but may not know about the program. Rooney hopes outreach will draw more volunteers and participants as daylight shortens and social calendars thin.

She said friendships tend to deepen when pairs share hobbies, family histories or local ties, and when expectations are clear from the start. She also stays in touch with pairs after matches to troubleshoot logistics or suggest activities that fit each person’s comfort level.

“I think the best slogan for this program is: Enriching lives in Wrangell one match at a time,” she said.

Those interested in becoming a Friend, or who know someone who would be a good Neighbor, can contact Rooney at 907-305-0007 or rooney@aptalaska.net.