Our Impact

Our nation faces an epidemic of loneliness and social isolation, with severe health consequences that include depression, early cognitive decline, and premature death. DOROT has the answer: CONNECTION AND COMMUNITY. Research shows our programs have the power both to prevent and heal social isolation’s harmful effects.

Our work connects people and fosters meaningful relationships across generational lines.
DOROT changes lives.

A group of three teens and one older man stand next to each other on a new york city street

What We Do

Since 1976, DOROT has been a leader in combating social isolation and empowering older adults to age well. We foster connection, engage volunteers, and offer a sense of belonging to people of all ages. Our innovative programs encourage older adults to build relationships, both with their peers and across generations, and they can participate in person, online, and by phone.

Last year, we served nearly 8,000 older adults—33% more than in the previous year. Nearly 7,000 volunteers devoted almost 50,000 hours to fostering meaningful connections with older adults and supporting the DOROT community—almost 10% more interaction between volunteers and older adults than the previous year.

We’re a Model for Others

A leader in healthy aging and volunteerism, DOROT serves as a model for others:

We created program models for New York State and New York City based on our successful Friendly Visiting and Caring Calls initiatives.
Our intergenerational programs won the prestigious Eisner Prize for Intergenerational Excellence and are recognized as programs of distinction by Generations United.
DOROT is recognized as meeting the highest standard for effective volunteer engagement, among 11 percent of nonprofits nationwide earning this distinction.

Learn More about Social Isolation and Loneliness

The former U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, declared the epidemic of loneliness and isolation a public health threat, one to which older adults are especially susceptible. Read the former Surgeon General’s Advisory on Isolation and Loneliness.

92% of Older Adults

An overwhelming majority of our participants say that DOROT programs have positively impacted their lives.

85% of Older Adults

Older adults involved in our programs see DOROT as a place they can turn to if they need support.

90% of Teens and Older Adults

Participants report benefiting from the intergenerational bonds fostered by our online program GENuine Connections.

Impact Focus: Intergenerational Programs

97%

of middle- and high-school students

Both 97% of students and 88% of older adults say they “bridged the gap in years” through our intergenerational programs.

89%

of College Interns

Our college interns report having positively changed the way they talk to and about older adults as a result of their time at DOROT.

91%

Of Older Adults

Older adults in our online GENuine Connections program say they feel valued by teens they connect with.

Support Our Work

You Make DOROT Possible!

Cost should never be a barrier to accessing caring relationships and community connection. DOROT offers our programs and services to everyone free of charge.

Support our Work