This page was updated April 2026.
Wellesley Friendly Aid and Friendship Circle
On Mondays from October through May Wellesley Friendly Aid hosts Friendship Circle, a program for senior women of all income levels. Participants enjoy a wide variety of activities including speakers such as Massachusetts Representative Alice Peisch; presentations by local quilters, garden clubs and the Wellesley Historical Society curator; craft activities; and holiday festivities. Wellesley Service League provides transportation and wonderful lunches to participants.
Contact the Friendly Aid office at office@wellesleyfriendlyaid.org or 781-235-3960 to learn more.
On a mission
Wellesley Friendly Aid Association volunteers know the truth about this affluent town—although its residents have a reputation for wanting for nothing, many of their less advantaged neighbors face a different reality, including those living in public or affordable housing.
The charitable organization works to improve the well-being and quality of life for the town’s residents of all incomes and ages who have a variety of unmet needs. “Neighbors helping neighbors” is the group’s mission. What this looks like in practice is that a someone who needs a knee scooter but finds that their insurance doesn’t cover mobility devices can contact Friendly Aid. Thanks to the medical equipment loan program, help will probably arrive at their doorstep within hours. Kids whose family can’t swing the same enrichment programs as their peers—like summer camp—can attain that dream.
Programs for low income families
- scholarships for children to attend camp (71 were provided in 2023)
- coaching for WHS juniors to assist with the college application process
- grocery gift cards for holiday meals at Thanksgiving
- financial aid in critical situations
- helping to complete applications for fuel assistance and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits
Programs available to residents, regardless of income
- lending medical equipment free of charge
- hosting a social group for senior women
- funds the cost of books and provides meeting space for ESL programs
Wellesley Friendly Aid assists almost 400 residents yearly through its programs.
Friendly Aid runs on donations. Almost all financial support comes from Wellesley residents, businesses and other organizations.
Friendly Aid runs on volunteers, almost all of whom are Wellesley residents.
Please make a donation directly through Wellesley Friendly Aid
