The Porchlight Friends’ Mission

Our mission is to cure loneliness and isolation amongst the older population in our community. Porchlight Friends offers support and assistance to older adults to help them age in place, safely and independently, in whatever space they call home. These services include in-person interactions, assistance with daily tasks, connection to family, friends and community services, along with easy access to transportation for doctor appointments and errands in town.

Our Story

After working for more than 15 years in senior services in the Pikes Peak region, founder, Kelly Peterschmidt, saw a growing need in the community: older adults wanting to remain independent at home, families struggling to provide the support their loved ones need, and community members looking for meaningful ways to give back.

In 2023, Kelly founded Porchlight Friends to bring these groups together. Through trained staff and volunteer companions, we provide companionship, transportation, and in-home support that reduces loneliness, supports independence, provides caregiver respite, and gives families peace of mind.

Our Purpose

Porchlight Friends exists to support healthy, self-directed aging. We do this by assisting older adults to overcome the physical, cognitive, and technological barriers that create gaps in human connection, gaps in the exchange of important information, and gaps in the ability of the right resources to act at the right time. We provide assistance to those living independently at home, and to those who are supporting older adults, by providing caring companionship and caregiver support.

How We Do It

Porchlight Friends uses a unique combination of in-person services and modern technology to support the needs of older adults and their family members throughout the aging journey. This enables ongoing connection with family and friends, no matter where they are in the world. It also enables support and collaboration with community-based and healthcare resources that have a role to play in healthy aging.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Porchlight Friends recognizes diversity and inclusion as core values required to effectively serve our mission to promote the wellbeing, support, and community needs of older adults. Porchlight Friends does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, gender identity, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, board of directors, selection of volunteers, participating nonprofits and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, board, participants, partners, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.