Advocates celebrates $75,000 grant from The MolinaCares Accord to expand the Friendship Project. * Jun 2, 2026 Updated 5 hrs ago Molina Healthcare ("Molina"), in collaboration with The MolinaCares Accord ("MolinaCares"), awarded a $75,000 grant to Advocates,a human services nonprofit, to support the expansion of its Friendship Project. The program combats loneliness and social isolation among adults living with mental health challenges and disabilities. Research shows that individuals with serious mental illness experience loneliness at a rate 2.3 times greater than the general population, contributing to poorer health outcomes and increased emergency healthcare utilization. The Friendship Project connects adults with trained volunteers who provide companionship, emotional support, and practical assistance through regular visits, phone calls, outings, and other connections. Funding will support efforts to increase volunteer recruitment and community partnerships, as well as program coordination. "Loneliness and social isolation can have a profound impact on both mental and physical health," said Jeff Keilson, senior vice president of innovation and partnerships of Advocates. "We are deeply grateful to Molina and MolinaCares for investing in programs that create meaningful human connection and improve quality of life for people in our communities." Studies show perceived emotional support reduces the risk of common mental health disorders and severe mental health crises. The Friendship Project also provides a physical and mental respite for 24/7 caregivers who often experience stress from the demands of around-the-clock care. "Molina and MolinaCares are proud to support a program that addresses mental health, a key factor in overall wellness," said Bill Graham, plan president of Molina Healthcare. "This grant reflects a commitment to evidence-based solutions for traditionally underserved populations." About Advocates. Advocates partners with people navigating life challenges to support growth, learning, and connections to the community. Advocates, which serves more than 40,000 children, teens, adults, and families annually, provides a full continuum of culturally responsive services for individuals facing mental health challenges, developmental disabilities, autism, brain injuries, and other life challenges throughout Eastern and Central Massachusetts and in Rhode Island. About The MolinaCares Accord. Established by Molina Healthcare, Inc., The MolinaCares Accord oversees a community investment platform created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations by funding meaningful, measurable, and innovative programs and solutions that improve health, life, and living in local communities. The MolinaCares Accord funds such measures through The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) established in 2020 by Molina Healthcare, Inc. About Molina Healthcare. Senior Whole Health, LLC, dba Molina Healthcare provides government-funded, quality health care under the Senior Care Options (SCO) and One Care programs serving dual eligibles enrolled in Medicare and MassHealth. Senior Whole Health is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Molina Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 company that provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and through state insurance marketplaces. For more information, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.