Impact Stories

Meet some of our core members and learn about their journey to greater independence and how receiving services through Friendship Ark has impacted them and their families. Click on the titles for the full story.

Paul's Story

Learn about Paul's recipe for success from his parents, his staff and from Paul himself, for acquiring skills to gain independence as he moved from his parents' home to a Friendship Ark 24-hour home and now into one of intermediate homes. We think Paul has the recipe for living the dream and it all starts with a smile and the courage to try something new.

Paul's parents said: "Paul loves being independent. We see this as a chance for continued personal growth, positive relationships with roommates, and furthering his skill sets. Transition is not easy whether you have a disability or not, but Friendship Ark has been so supportive to Paul and to the families on this new endeavor that made this move go as smoothly as it could."

Catie's Story

Read about how our core member Catie transitioned from a more restrictive living situation to an environment where she is able to blossom into the young woman we know today - a hoot! 
Catie's dad shared that they, "haven't regretted the choice for one minute and he really can't imagine Catie being anywhere else but Friendship Ark!"

Fletcher House's Story

Friendship Ark's first ever intermediate services house, the Fletcher House, was a milestone in the services we provide. Acting as a midway point between 24-hour in-person supervision and hourly Supported Community Living services, we have been able to closely support those that are ready for another step towards independence. This project gave this group of core members, "A Chance to Fly." Read about how some of our core members transitioned from 24/7 supervision to living together with intermittent staff assistance. Our Fletcher House has now grown to four core members!

Nathan's Story

Read our 2020 Impact Story about core member Nathan as he transitioned from Connecticut, to Ames, to Day Hab, to where he is now: living full time in one of our 24/7 sites supported by staff, family, and friends! 

Nathan's parents said, "We are so happy that Nathan has such a caring environment. It means the world to us that he is as happy as he can be."

Tay's Story

Tay's story was highlighted in the 2019 Year End Appeal, focusing on "Ability." Read about how Tay was supported by friends, family, and Friendship Ark to overcome a significant obstacle at his sister's wedding.

Tay's family wrote, "Thank you for helping us work through the limitations Tay puts on himself to show him and others the blessings and beauty of life and love."

Bill's Story

Our first ever Impact Story, published in 2018, highlights our core member Bill, as he transitioned from living with his mother to living in a group home when he was 58 years old. Bill has now lived with Friendship Ark for 5 years, and we have had the pleasure of serving him! Bill's sister wrote, "You, and the entire Friendship Ark organization, were a literal answer to my prayers! He is happy and so well looked after. I am so grateful." Read more about how serving Bill has helped not only him, but his family transition to a new way of life.