OTTAWA FRIENDSHIP HOUSE

                Mission

It is the mission of Ottawa Friendship House to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities through informed choice and empowerment, continued education, recreation, paid work training, living supports, community integration, and community employment.

        

Philosophy

The Philosophy of Ottawa Friendship House is that persons with developmental disabilities may be helped to achieve their maximum vocational, educational, social and personal growth potential through a coordinated program which incorporates services that are appropriate for their own choices and needs.

History

In the early 1950's, Echo School began providing day programming for children with developmental disabilities. By 1966, these people grew into adulthood, and the organization became Ottawa Friendship House, to provide services for adults.   The agency began its programs in a borrowed building on Ottawa's South Side, and moved to our present location 1.5 miles south of Ottawa in 1978.   We are located on a 22 acre site, and currently have approximately 100 persons in all programs.  We operate with a staff of 30.  Friendship House today provides programs for adults 18 years of age and up, in Sheltered Employment, Developmental Training, Community Employment and Residential (See PROGRAMS).

The Organization

Ottawa Friendship House is a non-profit corporation (501-c-3), and is under the jurisdiction of a volunteer Board of Directors. Funding is from a variety of sources, including:     * Illinois Department of Human Services     * LaSalle County 708 Board     * United Way of Eastern LaSalle County     * Private donations and bequests Friendship House maintains working relationships with many community organizations and services in order to facilitate access to all services that may be required by people in our programs.

******************************************************************************************************** At Ottawa Friendship House, we respect the dignity and worth of all people. We promote growth and independence through traning, assistance, support, and individual choice. We advocate for community inclusion and self-improvement.      No individual is denied entry into Ottawa Friendship House on grounds of race, gender, religion, or national origin.  The agency complies with the ADA, and is an equal opportunity employer.

HOME                     PROGRAMS