The Porchlight Friends Story

Porchlight Friends is a nonprofit organization that was born out of the needs of three groups: older adults wanting to remain independent at home, families that struggle to support them, and people looking for ways to connect with and support their communities. Porchlight Friends tackles all three of those components by utilizing community volunteers to support the needs of the older population and their family members.

Kelly’s Mission

The heart of Porchlight Friends is founder Kelly Peterschmidt’s experience and commitment to supporting at-risk populations in their homes. For over 13 years she has built and helped grow volunteer companionship programs supporting vulnerable populations in the Pikes Peak region. Other than her family, Kelly’s calling in life is to support her clients and companions by bringing them together to share life experiences; experiences that create a lifelong bond that’s as beneficial to the companion as it is to the client.

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.