Friendship Haven

03/16/2026

"What can we do to help Friendship Haven?"
We hear this a lot. There are so many ways, big and small, but today, we wanted to share the easiest way you can make a positive impact: Leave a Google review like Kenzie here!
Leave a review by visiting https://g.page/r/CcWe9cYT-RmJEAE/review

03/15/2026

Today's of the Friendship Haven Times is a note from our Director of Development, Jen Lane:

Community is more than a place - it’s a feeling. It’s the comfort of being known, the strength of shared purpose, and the joy that comes from walking alongside one another through life. At Friendship Haven, community is at the heart of everything we do, and it’s what makes us truly Better Together.

Each day, our community comes to life through countless moments of connection: neighbors gathering for conversation and laughter, staff offering compassionate care, families staying engaged, and supporters stepping forward to help ensure Friendship Haven remains a place of warmth, dignity, and belonging. No single person creates this environment alone. It is built collectively, one relationship and one act of generosity at a time. Better Together.

One of the most meaningful ways people strengthen our community is through the gift of time. Volunteers enrich life at Friendship Haven by sharing their presence whether that’s assisting with activities, lending a listening ear, helping with events, or simply showing up consistently. Time given freely creates connections that matter and reminds us that we are seen and valued.

Others contribute through their talent, sharing skills, passions, and creativity that enhance daily life and special experiences alike. From music and art to organizational skills and leadership, these gifts add depth and vibrancy to our community. When people offer what they do best, everyone benefits.

And, of course, the gift of treasure plays a vital role in sustaining and strengthening Friendship Haven. Financial support helps ensure access to exceptional care, meaningful programs, welcoming spaces, and assistance for those who need it most. Philanthropy allows us to respond to needs today while planning thoughtfully for the future so Friendship Haven remains a place of care and connection for generations to come.

What makes these gifts so powerful is not just what they accomplish individually, but how they come together.

Time, talent, and treasure intersect in meaningful ways, creating a community that is stronger than any single contribution alone. Together they support our mission and reflect a shared commitment to one another. Better Together.

At Friendship Haven, we believe everyone has a role to play. Whether you live here, love someone who does, work here, volunteer, or give in support of our mission, you are part of this community. And because of that, we are better—better supported, better connected, and better prepared to care for one another.

Better Together.

To sign up to receive the , please click here: https://www.friendshiphaven.org/news-event

03/14/2026

We love having Mackenzie on our team!

Friendship Haven announced that Mackenzie Rios has joined the team as social service coordinator. A 2015 graduate of Fort Dodge Senior High School, she earned her Certified Nurse Aide certification in 2018 and began her career at Friendship Haven that same year. In 2024, she was promoted to Arbor La...

03/14/2026

Guess what's back (back back)
Back again?

Food Truck Fridays are back at Friendship Haven starting Friday, March 27 with Steak'd & Caked! This is the first time these folks will be visiting us. They specialize in Philly Cheesesteaks and Funnel Cakes.

So mark your calendars and start working up an appetite. Food Truck Fridays are back!

03/13/2026

Every Day is a Gift: Cherish Life & Play!

This clip is from a recent episode of The Golden Hour. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on future episodes!

🔗 Follow Friendship Haven:
Website: https://www.friendshiphaven.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FriendshipHavenFortDodge
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/friendship-havenfd
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/

03/12/2026

Did you know Friendship Haven has a YouTube channel?

It’s where you can find episodes of our podcast, Golden Hour, which was just renewed! The podcast features conversations with our resident experts about life, aging, and the moments that shape us.

Golden Hour is made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors:
Fort Dodge Ford Toyota
Fort Dodge CDJR

You can watch and subscribe here:
https://youtube.com/?si=3yNVSbqWVfMRDhyF

Take a look, share an episode, and let us know what you think.

Friendship Haven is a nonprofit continuing care community. Our community is a special place to participate, share, and grow. Pursue your passions, stimulate your mind, join a club, or volunteer. Be prepared to have fun with friendly neighbors. We offer a continuum of care for Fort Dodge and surround...

03/11/2026

Once again, Friendship Haven is proud to be hosting A Journey Through Parkinson's Disease - an educational series consisting of three, 1-hour sessions held from 5 pm to 6 pm on Monday, April 6, 13, and 20 at our Schmoker Building. There is a no fee.

If interested, please register online by March 28 at https://go.iastate.edu/ELVX8V .

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Kz4SDRKEM/

The educational series consists of three, 1-hour sessions held on Mondays in April. A team of Human Sciences specialists will teach the classes, which include interactive lessons, discussions, and activities. Sessions are scheduled for April 6, 13, 20 from 5 pm to 6 pm at Schmoker Building at Friendship Haven in Fort Dodge. There is a no fee for the program.

Need to register online by March 28 @ https://go.iastate.edu/ELVX8V .

03/11/2026

Our residents recently enjoyed an afternoon of music, dancing, and a trip down memory lane at Senior Prom.

We were grateful to welcome our next-door neighbors from the Iowa Central Community College Digital Arts & Photography Program, who joined us to put their classroom skills to work in a real-life, dynamic setting. The St. Edmond Catholic School Student Council also stopped by to make sure everyone was grooving on the dance floor, with music provided by DJ Dean Vinchattle.

It was a memorable celebration filled with smiles, great music, and plenty of dancing.

We’ll be sharing more soon, but here’s a sneak peek.

03/10/2026

We’re proud to host the first Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance Leading Ladies event of 2026 right here at Friendship Haven.

Join women from around the area on March 31 from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. in the Friendship Haven Tompkins Celebration Center for lunch and a conversation with our very own President and CEO, Julie Thorson - also known around here as our Head Coach. Julie will share insights on navigating tough conversations with confidence and clarity.

We’re looking forward to hosting this group again for another fantastic event!

Register here:
https://ow.ly/lZ4O50Yc0z0

03/09/2026

Today's of the Friendship Haven Times is a note from our "Head Coach" CEO/President, Julie Thorson.

We all know there’s a certain power and a special kind of energy that comes from being around other people. As we grow older, isolation can quietly become a heavy influence on our well‑being. That’s why the sense of community on our campus matters so much. It’s more than comforting; it’s meaningful.

Living in a connected, supportive environment offers more than psychological benefits. It brings emotional strength, physical motivation, and a sense of belonging that can be hard to replicate on your own.

We all want to maintain our independence as we age. That desire never goes away. What’s interesting about life at Friendship Haven is that while some people assume moving here means becoming more dependent, the reality is often the opposite. When the “have‑tos” of daily life are lifted, the “want‑tos” finally have room to grow. You gain time, energy, and freedom to pursue life with passion and purpose.

I may not have formal data to prove it, I’ve witnessed something powerful over the years: the support and connection people experience here truly add life to their years. I’ve witnessed growth, acceptance, and renewed enthusiasm, I’ve seen people flourish simply because people are close enough to reach out, check in, and lift each other up.

Think about it. Moments of loneliness are easier to overcome when all it takes is opening your door, walking down the hall, and seeing a friendly face who asks how you’re doing. That small interaction can brighten a day, spark motivation, and remind someone they matter. There’s genuine healing in that kind of connection.

This is why I believe, without hesitation, that we are Better Together. Of course, this lifestyle isn’t for everyone. But I can tell you this: most people who move to Friendship Haven say within just a few weeks that they wish they had done it sooner.

As you read the first 2026 issue of the Friendship Haven Times, you’ll notice that our theme for the year is “Better Together.” This edition focuses on community and the simple truth that being around others creates a space where we all thrive.

I hope these stories inspire you, warm your heart, and remind you of the beauty of connection. And if you or a loved one is considering a move to Friendship Haven, I’m confident this issue will offer a meaningful glimpse into why life here can be so fulfilling.

To sign up to receive the , please click here: https://www.friendshiphaven.org/news-event

03/08/2026

We love having Heather on our team!
cc: Friendship Haven Community Wellness

Friendship Haven announced that Heather Ochs-DeCoursey has joined the team as wellness coordinator. In this role, she brings a lifelong passion for fitness, health, and nutrition to the Friendship Haven campus. She graduated from Iowa State University in Ames with a degree in animal ecology. Before....

03/07/2026

Learn about Effects, Treatments for Parkinson’s Disease

Growing older is the greatest risk factor for acquiring Parkinson’s disease and many people live with symptoms for several years before being diagnosed. Often people in early stages of Parkinson’s disease assume their symptoms are part of normal aging or are due to other health problems they may have, such as arthritis. However, early Parkinson’s disease symptoms may not be that apparent and may even come and go. Frequently it is the spouse or other relatives who first notice slight problems with a loved one’s movements.

To learn about Parkinson’s disease, its effects, and possible treatments, register now to participate in “A Journey Through Parkinson’s Disease” an educational series from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Webster County Extension, along with Iowa State’s Department of Kinesiology, and Human Sciences Extension and Outreach are sponsoring the series in Fort Dodge at Friendship Haven beginning April 6, 2026.

The educational series consists of three, 1-hour sessions held on Mondays in April. A team of Human Sciences specialists will teach the classes, which include interactive lessons, discussions, and activities. Sessions are scheduled for April 6, 13, 20 from 5 pm to 6 pm at Schmoker Building at Friendship Haven in Fort Dodge. There is a no fee for the program. Need to register online by March 28 at https://go.iastate.edu/ELVX8V .

“You will learn about the signs of Parkinson’s disease and how to seek medical care, as well as the cause of the disease and how specific treatments work. You will also learn about alternative therapies and in-home activities that can delay the progression of Parkinson’sdisease, which is very important for continuing to live a full and happy life,” said Holly VanHeel, Human Sciences Specialist.