Ottawa Friendship House would like to wish you and your family a blessed holiday.

Dear friends of Ottawa Friendship House,

I hope this letter finds you well. For nearly 57 years, Ottawa Friendship House has been a beacon of hope and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community. It is with immense pride and gratitude that we share with you the remarkable journey of our organization and one of our cherished residents, Cory.

Ottawa Friendship House has provided exceptional care and unwavering support to individuals with developmental disabilities. We've been a home for countless individuals, offering them the warmth and care of a family environment where they can develop their abilities and life skills. Whether it's cooking, painting, hiking, gardening, or baking, we believe in nurturing their passions and interests. Our residents participate in a wide range of activities, from exercise and puzzles to community engagement and exciting field trips. Furthermore, we've been fortunate to witness over fifty individuals secure and maintain meaningful employment in Ottawa and surrounding communities, thanks to the dedication of our job coaches.

At Ottawa Friendship House, we celebrate every accomplishment and event in our residents' lives, be it a birthday, a new job, a holiday, or a personal achievement. We take pride in applauding each step of their journey throughout the year.

Today, we'd like to introduce you to Cory, one of our beloved residents. Cory resides in one of our eight residential homes in Ottawa and Streator. His home, a beautiful six-bedroom house in Ottawa, is a wonderful example of our family-style forever homes, where he shares his life with seven other residents. Recently, Cory celebrated his remarkable tenth year of employment at the Ottawa Goodwill Industries store, and he was honored at a significant event held in Rockford. His role at Goodwill involves greeting guests, organizing clothing, and maintaining department shelves. Cory is rightfully proud of his accomplishments and the beautiful room he's decorated himself, with his TV perfectly positioned for his video games and sports.

Cory's impact extends beyond his workplace and home. He's been an integral part of local football coaching, inspiring many young athletes over the years. In 2023, Cory's dream came true when he was invited to be an announcer at a local high school football game. He still talks about his thrilling debut as an announcer, calling the play-by-play game live. Cory is a proud member of the Ottawa community, and he wants to share with everyone reading this letter that he's never been happier or more fulfilled in his life.

Ottawa Friendship House is committed to supporting hundreds of individuals with developmental disabilities in transforming their lives, focusing on their desires and dreams. However, funding from the State alone cannot meet the exceptional quality of care we provide around the clock. That's why we rely on the generosity of wonderful individuals and businesses like you to bridge our funding gap and ensure Ottawa Friendship House remains a leader in the industry.

If you'd like to make a difference and donate to our wonderful organization this holiday season, please make a donation above. Your contribution this year will go towards the renovation of several bathrooms, making them wheelchair accessible and ADA compliant, ensuring that our residents continue to receive the highest level of care.

Your support means the world to us, and we are deeply grateful for your commitment to Ottawa Friendship House and the individuals we serve. Together, we can continue to make a positive impact on the lives of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Thank you for your generosity and warm wishes for a joyful holiday season.

Sincerely,

Tony Barrett Executive Director

Ottawa Friendship House

1718 N. 2525^th Rd, Ottawa, IL

tonybarrett@ottawafrienship.com