March 2, 2026

Become A Buddy Family in Mpls

Many Minneapolis (and beyond) families continue to be in great need. One area of need is to be a “buddy family“. “Buddy Families” are single families or groups of families/individuals who essentially “adopt” a family in need. The volunteers would first have a short training and then be matched with a family in need. Volunteer families communicate weekly with their buddy families. This is most often done through messaging assisted by Google Translate (since many families are Spanish speaking). Volunteers are encouraged to use messaging to get to know their family as well as the needs the family has. The volunteer family will bring their buddy family groceries, personal care, and other items about once per week. The buddy family may share other needs with the volunteer family – rent support, rides, medical care, legal advice, etc. The volunteer family is asked to relay these requests back to the coordinators (as with any needs or questions the volunteers can’t answer). If you have any interest in supporting a buddy family, we will train and support you along the way! We do not have enough help to meet the needs coming our way, and it’s not too late to join this effort.

Please contact, Dr. Allison Richards, Director at Mount Olivet Counseling Center, at allisonsarahrichards@gmail.com or 612.396.9195 if you’d like to learn more about becoming a buddy family.