About Chad Francour
At 37 years old, I am a dedicated community advocate with a passion for making meaningful connections. Born and raised in Marinette, Wisconsin, I come from a well-known family deeply rooted in the community. My upbringing instilled values of generosity, service, and a deep appreciation for people. These values and my life experiences have shaped my mission to create a business that brings people together through companionship and the simple joy of sharing a meal.
At just sixteen years old, I experienced a life-altering event—a severe traumatic brain injury. The road to recovery was long and challenging, filled with personal obstacles and profound realizations about the importance of support systems. My journey reinforced a core belief: human connection is essential to healing and well-being. This perspective continues to shape my life and work today.
Determined to turn my experiences into something positive, I pursued higher education at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Human Development. My studies deepened my understanding of the human experience, especially in areas like mental health, aging, and the social needs of vulnerable populations. During this time, I volunteered as a hospice worker—an experience that left a lasting impact. Spending time with individuals nearing the end of their lives, I witnessed firsthand the profound effects of loneliness but also the incredible power of companionship. I realized that a simple visit, a shared conversation, or a warm meal could bring comfort and dignity to those who needed it most.
Throughout my career, I have worked in various fields, but a common thread has always been helping others. Whether supporting individuals through community services, advocacy work, or personal outreach, my passion has always been making a difference. Over time, I recognized a glaring gap in the support systems available for elderly individuals, those living alone, and others at risk of social isolation. While organizations existed to provide food or medical assistance, few programs truly focused on companionship and emotional support—something as critical to a person’s overall well-being.
With the encouragement of my family, peers, and mentors, I took a leap of faith and founded Meals with a Friend—a business with a simple yet powerful mission: to bring people together over meals, fostering real human connections in the process. My vision is to pair volunteers with individuals in need of companionship, creating an experience that nourishes both the body and the soul.
Through Meals with a Friend, I hope to change how communities view social care. I believe that no one should feel forgotten, no one should have to eat alone if they don’t want to, and everyone deserves moments of joy and connection. By combining a love for food, meaningful conversations, and the kindness of volunteers, I am working to create a stronger, more connected community—one meal at a time.
As Meals with a Friend grows, I remain committed to expanding its reach and impact, ensuring more people receive the warmth & companionship they deserve. I invite volunteers, community partners, and supporters to join in this mission, believing that together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of many.
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