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BeFriender Ministry A Listening Presence BeFriender Ministry When someone feeling alone and isolated experiences a caring connection when a woman with an aging parent suffering from dementia can share her story with a listening presence when a patient with a lifethreatening illness can talk about his fears to a caring ear when an abused woman finds comfort in safely telling her story to a nonjudgmental listener that is the power ofBeFriender Ministry. BeFriender Ministry is a national ecumenical nonprofit organization that provides leadership training and ongoing support for a listening ministry of care and support in churches hospitals senior living communities including all levels of care or other organizations. Since the early 1980s BeFrienders have been providing skilled pastoral care throughout the nation. Mari Taffe BeFrienderBasilica of St.