The Richmonder 25: Mollie Reinhart fosters connection through compassion

Nine years ago, Mollie Reinhart had the simple goal to make a positive difference in the City of Richmond.

At the time, she was not sure what that impact would look like in practice, but a single world — “compassion” — guided every step that followed.

Little did she know she would soon touch the lives of thousands across the Richmond community, creating a feeling of belonging and connection for those of all different backgrounds. 

Reinhart began the Befriend movement after a meaningful interaction of her own.

In Dec. 2017, she was volunteering with the City’s Office of Community Wealth Building when she was presented with the opportunity to help a woman living in Creighton Court give her son a magical Christmas. 

The office received a letter from a mother named Ciji who had just lost her job, asking for assistance in getting gifts for her son. Together, Reinhart and Ciji went to Walmart, where they picked out presents together. 

This shared moment moved Reinhart, a mother of three herself, in a way that changed her life going forward.

Although they hailed from different areas of the city and different backgrounds, they still easily recognized several commonalities that bonded them — such as a love for their sons. 

Soon after, Reinhart founded the nonprofit Befriend, which has continually expanded its reach since December 2017. To this day, Reinhart and Ciji remain great friends.

The mission of the organization revolves around the idea of connection through compassion, forging new relationships, and fostering a sense of unity.

Over the years, Reinhart has hosted a wide range of events with Befriend. She also prioritizes accessibility when planning the nonprofit’s free-of-cost activities, holding them in all areas of the city.

“When people come, we try to make them feel as welcome as possible and part of our group,” Reinhart said. “Compassion for others is really trying to cultivate the sense that we're all more alike than different.”

Befriend events — organized about four times a month — include cleanups at Jefferson Park, sunset walks, farmer’s market trips and visits to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, among others. 

Often prompted with a guiding question and encouraged to chat with someone they do not already know, attendees find a point of connection with those they are surrounded by, no matter the event.

“When I'm talking to (people) and really listening to their story, I literally see their shoulders relax. It's almost like layers come off, and they can really be themselves,” Reinhart said. “Everybody matters, we want to hear your story.” 

Befriend is not limited by age, gender, socioeconomic status, or any specific identity. “Everyone belongs with us,” Reinhart emphasized. 

Reinhart’s joyful and welcoming spirit has touched attendees at Befriend events since its founding nine years ago.

“I just love how genuine Mollie is,” said Befriend member Katherine Wintsch. “This is so important to her, and you can just feel it. It's very contagious — the goodness feels contagious to me.”

Two years ago, Jenn Croft attended her first Befriend walk after moving to Richmond from New York. She found Befriend with the hope of creating meaningful connections with people from all walks of life. 

Croft then met 86-year-old Steve Bieler, with whom she has now built an untraditional, yet extremely special, friendship.

“It's so amazing that we can have an 86-year-old guy who is so involved in our group, and for us to have that connection, that would have never happened if I didn't join Befriend,” Croft said.

When they met, Croft and Bieler quickly bonded over their shared New York roots and love of animals. Now, they often meet outside of Befriend events, getting together for coffee or simply chatting over the phone. 

“Befriend works just like it would be intended to,” Bieler said. “Anybody's welcome, you come and feel welcome right away. It's a great variety of people, but it never feels awkward.”

Befriend events draw a wide range of attendees — some who are just becoming familiar with the movement, and some who have participated in events since its founding. 

Tee Hollowell joined Befriend in 2020, and the connections he has made over the last six years have left a lasting impact on his life.

“The thing I love most about the Befriend group is the compassion behind it. That's the idea — to reach curious people and have them come out and share their stories and build a bond with others.”

Befriend member Kobe Lynch echoed Hollowell’s sentiment, emphasizing the welcoming culture he feels at all of the events he attends.

“The group of people that gathers is always kindhearted, and the vibe is welcoming,” Lynch said. “You find out how much you have in common with people from all different backgrounds.”

Moving forward, the nonprofit's footprint continues to grow. Befriend now has touchpoints in 26 different states, and Reinhart hopes the movement will eventually expand globally.

“We can have all these connecting dots, all these like-minded people just shining their light,” Reinhart said. “We can all connect the lights eventually, and then the light is brighter than the darkness.

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