When Denise Routly walks into a senior’s home, she’s not just there to tidy up or offer a ride—she’s there to be a friend.

“What touches me most is seeing how homebound people start to live through me,” Routly said. “When I was pregnant, they lit up whenever we talked about my baby. It was like they were experiencing life all over again.” 

That spark of connection defines Porchlight Friends. The nonprofit pairs trained companions with older adults in El Paso County, offering practical help with housework, laundry, food preparation and transportation, and something just as vital: presence. Whether it’s swapping stories, sharing an outing or simply sitting together, seniors are able to stay independent at home while families gain support and peace of mind. 

 “When you meet with seniors and get to know them, they’re really amazing,” said Porchlight Friends Founder and Executive Director Kelly Peterschmidt, 60. 

She has worked with seniors since 2005, running a medical home care agency, coordinating hospice volunteers and creating a companionship program before launching Porchlight Friends in 2023.

The nonprofit has 35 volunteers who serve as companions for seniors. There are three additional part-time staff members—one of them Routly.

“Ever since I became a mom of two, I decided I wanted to do something more meaningful,” she said, referring to her clients as friends and her work as service. 

Peterschmidt gets acquainted with all volunteers and staff members, interviewing them in person. Online training and a background check follow. 

FROM VOLUNTEERS TO FRIENDS

Loneliness is a growing concern among older adults: nearly 25% of adults age 60 and older report feeling isolated, according to the CDC. In El Paso County, that translates to roughly 40,000 people. 

Porchlight Friends aims to change that. Seniors receive services one to five days a week, with two-hour visits from companions. 

When welcoming a new volunteer or client, Peterschmidt focuses on pairing compatible personalities.

“One of my first friends was a woman named Shelby, who was in memory care with terminal Alzheimer’s. I accompanied her until she passed,” Routly said. “Seeing her last moments—the times when she remembered her husband and broke through again—will stay with me forever.” 

Other visits are more lighthearted.

Nearly 25% of adults age 60 and older report feeling isolated. In El Paso County, that translates to roughly 40,000 people. 

“Most of our clients aren’t driving anymore,” Peterschmidt said, so they embrace “joy rides.” Garden of the Gods is a popular destination.

“People get curious when they see us shopping with our companions,” Routly said. 

Referrals often follow.

TECH THAT CONNECTS

Each senior gets an iPad with the secure Porchlight Health app, designed by Peterschmidt’s family. The app acts like a virtual porch, allowing video calls and photo sharing. Volunteers provide tech support to help seniors stay connected.

Services are available through affordable monthly subscriptions, and Porchlight Friends partners with CareLinx under several Medicare Advantage plans. Donations also make companionship accessible for lower-income seniors through the Friends Fund scholarship program.

“We want to reach every older adult in need of our services, whether they can afford them or not,” Peterschmidt said. “We receive donations to supplement lower-income seniors.”  

One scholarship supported a woman who lost her husband of 55 years, then faced surgery. Her companion not only ran errands and helped coordinate healthcare but also accompanied her to the hospital and cared for her afterward—free of charge. 

Porchlight Friends invites you to reach out if their services sound like a good fit for you or a loved one.

To learn more or donate:

PorchlightFriends.org
719-204-3604

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