Addressing Loneliness & Isolation In Individuals With I/DD & Mental Health Challenges: A Look At The Friendship Project From Advocates

This OPEN MINDS Executive Roundtable was delivered on August 7, 2025, by Jeff Keilson, Senior Vice President of Strategic Planning, and Pam McKillop, Director of Community Outreach Initiatives at Advocates. They presented their Friendship Project program and discussed the development and structure of the project—including funding, staffing, partnerships, and implementation—and share project outcomes.

Executive attendees learned:

Why building social connections is critical for people with disabilities

How community members can volunteer to make a meaningful difference

How to launch a Friendship Project in their own organization

https://vimeo.com/1108413449?share=copy . . .