Groundbreaking Ceremony for Friendship House Cottages Marks New Milestone for Independent Living

Fayetteville, NC – The morning of July 10, 2024, was a significant day for the Friendship House Fayetteville (FHF) community as the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Friendship House Cottages took place. This event marks the launch of the Cottages project, a program by Employment Source, a ServiceSource Affiliate, designed to provide the next step toward independent living for individuals with disabilities participating in the FHF integrated housing program.

“We are committed to providing critical supports that foster community connections and resilience,” said Employment Source Executive Director Jason Amorose during the ceremony. “With support from our rehabilitation staff, Friendship House residents gain sustainable employment and essential life skills.”

Amorose highlighted the importance of recognizing the unique journey of each individual. “We understand that some residents may not be ready for full independence by the end of their Friendship House stay. The Cottages offer longer-term housing support, allowing residents to continue learning in a familiar environment as they grow their skills and independence.”

Michael Brown, a resident of Friendship House, shared his personal experience, stating that the Friendship House program has had a “tremendous impact on my life, transforming me in numerous ways.”

The ServiceSource Foundation is actively supporting this initiative by matching donations up to $80,000, doubling the impact of contributions made to Employment Source for the construction of the cottages. Donations can be made at https://www.servicesource.org/support-servicesource/donate-now/.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by several notable figures, including ServiceSource Board Members Weyher Dawson and Dr. Brandt Wood, ServiceSource Foundation Trustee Dr. Franklin Clark, ServiceSource President and CEO Bruce Patterson, ServiceSource Executive Vice President Andy Rind, and County Commissioner Glenn Adams. Their presence underscored the strong support for Employment Source and its mission to empower individuals with disabilities.

Kres Thomas, FayToday News