Friendly Visitors is a Tri-City service that matches older, homebound adults with community companions. Started in 1985, this program has helped thousands of people find life long friends. Our experienced “friend-maker,” Bernie Thien, has developed a keen sense for putting the right people together. From a tentative first visit, he has watched friendships blossom that have led to both volunteer and Visitor developing a deep appreciation of the joys and challenges of aging. In addition, many of the Visitors provide a much needed respite for weary caregivers who desperately need a few hours during the day to recharge their batteries. All volunteers go through a background check and a comprehensive training session.

Here are the Tri-City seniors in the program who are currently looking for a friend. If you would like to talk to Bernie in more detail or sign up to visit one of the men below you can email him or call 510-574-2097.

ROBERT, 82, Fremont - Born and raised in Hawaii. He has limited mobility, uses a cane, walker and power chair. He worked as painting contractor for over 40 years. Enjoys sports, especially boxing (fought as an amateur boxer). Has traveled extensively in U.S., lived in Hawaii, Los Angeles, Alaska, Texas and California. He enjoys playing card games – Poker, Hearts, Spades, Pinochle and especially Cribbage. He is very talkative and friendly.

HERMAN, 75, Newark - Born and raised in Texas. Due to a stroke in 1991, he has limited mobility and uses a walker. Played football in high school and also excelled at bowling all his life. Herman is a very friendly guy and would enjoy having someone to share conversations, short walks, coffee, lunch and trips to the bowling alley. His wife Carolyn, who is his caregiver, could also use a break when a visitor comes to see him.

NATHANIEL, 76, Union City - Born and raised in Louisiana. He is a Katrina flood victim who came here to live with his family. Nathaniel is a double knee amputee and his mobility is limited to a wheelchair and scooter. Since he is unable to leave the house much, he would really appreciate a new friend for socializing, watching TV, playing cards, and wheel chair rides. The family is usually away at work, so Nathaniel is home alone most of the time.

JAMES, 73, Fremont - He has had multiple strokes that have affected his sight and thought/speech processes. James was a true “outdoorsman” – hunting, fishing, horseback riding, trap and skeet shooting. Also traveled extensively – Europe, Africa, Panama, Mexico, Canada. Needs a very special patient person for socialization, conversation, walks, lunch and coffee outings. His wife Elaine is his sole caregiver.

JESUS, 74, Newark - Born and raised in the Philippines, came to U.S. in 1971. He has Parkinson’s disease and is confined to a wheelchair. College degree in accounting with 20 plus years working in that field. Enjoyed fishing in both ocean and streams. Jesus needs a special, patient person to be his friend. Speaks both Tagalog and English. His wife Delia is his sole caregiver.

TERRY, 72, Fremont - Born and raised in Ohio. Alert, talkative, pleasant, and eager for a new friend. Enjoys the outdoors, uses a walker. Worked 30 years installing mainframe computers for various industries. Has traveled extensively in Europe, French Morocco, Belgian Congo, and 40 states. Served as boy scout leader for 30 years. Terry has led a full life and has some great stories to tell.

LEWIS, 96, Fremont - Lewis is alert, friendly, and conversational. He is quite adept at many skills – electronics, keyboard and organ. He worked for 50 years in advertising. His wife of many years passed away in 2005 and he misses her very much. Lewis has many stories and adventures to talk about and would like to share them with a new friend.

JOSE, 63, Union City - Speaks English and Spanish. He was born and raised in Canal Zone. Worked 30 years as journeyman carpenter and layout expert. Due to diabetes his mobility is limited to using a cane, walker and power chair. Jose is interested in finding a new friend for socialization, brief walks and outings for lunch, shopping and the park.

ZUYI, 80, Union City - Born and raised in mainland China. He has a University degree and taught agriculture and chemistry classes for over 30 years. Very interested in locating a Mandarin speaking gentleman with whom he can converse and go walking. Health is stable with arthritis and poor vision. He is friendly, but sometimes forgetful.

MANNY, 63, Fremont - Born and raised in the Philippines. He has a college degree in medical technology, and worked for 30 years in Seattle and San Francisco hospitals. Manny was afflicted in April with stroke that affected the left side of his body, causing limited speech ability as well a general paralysis to left side. His wife, Ofelia and her family are looking for a patient volunteer who could come to the house and engage in “conversation” with Manny. He currently speaks by nodding, and his regular speech is slowly returning.