Ottawa Friendship House

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Ottawa Friendship House Our vision is to be the premier trusted service provider for adults with intellectual disabilities. Changing Disabilities into Abilities

Robert, Jeff, and Steve had a blast at Fright Fest with Leeann! 🎢
10/18/2026

Robert, Jeff, and Steve had a blast at Fright Fest with Leeann! 🎢

Just a tiny sneak peek of what you’ll find at our Craft Fair Friday, October 23! The fair starts at 11, and our resident...
10/17/2026

Just a tiny sneak peek of what you’ll find at our Craft Fair Friday, October 23!

The fair starts at 11, and our residents are beyond excited to share their talents with you! Every dollar they make goes directly into their pockets, so please come out and support them!

And for all you sweet treat lovers, our staff Emily will be there by popular demand! 🍪 You know her goodies from our Concert for a Cause bake sale, so you already know you don’t want to miss out on those!

We can’t wait to see everyone! 🩵
Friendship House Campus
1718 N 2525th Rd, Ottawa

Our Mangold House crew had a great night celebrating Cheri. 🎂
10/17/2026

Our Mangold House crew had a great night celebrating Cheri. 🎂

Being “the boss” isn’t always easy, and lately, it’s felt really heavy. But when I’m surrounded by our amazing group of ...
10/16/2026

Being “the boss” isn’t always easy, and lately, it’s felt really heavy. But when I’m surrounded by our amazing group of residents, I’m reminded why I started at Friendship and why I’ve stayed. At the end of the day, it’s always been about them. ♥️

I’m so thankful for our residents and all of our staff. Even on the hard days, there’s so much good in what we do. Thank you all for making me feel so loved today. It means more than you know! 🫶

Happy Birthday Cheri! 🎉
10/16/2026

Happy Birthday Cheri! 🎉

Today was bittersweet as we said goodbye to a dear friend. We will miss you Stan, but we know your future is bright ☀️ ....
10/14/2026

Today was bittersweet as we said goodbye to a dear friend. We will miss you Stan, but we know your future is bright ☀️ . Come back to visit us anytime.

Check out these amazing images captured by House of Reverie by Paquette Photography at Ottawa Fall Fest & Parade ❤️
10/11/2026

Check out these amazing images captured by House of Reverie by Paquette Photography at Ottawa Fall Fest & Parade ❤️

Sometimes support is as simple as slowing down and walking alongside someone. ❤️This picture says it all — patience, kin...
10/04/2026

Sometimes support is as simple as slowing down and walking alongside someone. ❤️

This picture says it all — patience, kindness, and being there. So grateful for our amazing staff! ❤️

09/30/2026

👻🌽 ONE WEEK AWAY! 🌽👻
We’re officially counting down to the Not So Scary Corn Maze at Kane Family Farms with Ottawa Friendship House! 🎃🧡
Join us Wednesday, October 7th from 10 AM–2 PM for a fun, sensory-friendly fall day featuring our haunted corn maze, petting zoo, accessible hayrack rides, U-pick pumpkins, concessions, games & more!
🎟️ $12 per person
🧡 50% of proceeds will benefit Ottawa Friendship House!
Come enjoy all the fall fun with just the right amount of spooky! 👻🍂🎃 We can’t wait to see you!
ONE MORE WEEK! 🧡🖤 🎃

Friendship House is mourning the loss of our founding mother, Jane McCormick. While we are deeply saddened, we are also ...
09/29/2026

Friendship House is mourning the loss of our founding mother, Jane McCormick. While we are deeply saddened, we are also incredibly grateful for her strength, persistence and vision.

In the 1950s, Jane looked at her son, Bob, and knew he deserved more. At a time when children with intellectual and developmental disabilities were often pushed aside or institutionalized, Jane refused to accept that as his future. She found other parents who shared her belief that their children deserved opportunity, education and a place in their community.

In 1953, Jane, Pat and Theresa Greathouse, along with other families, the UAW, the Ottawa Jaycees and members of the Ottawa community, helped create Echo School — Every Child Hope and Opportunity.

What began with a handful of parents coming together to create a better future for their children became the foundation for something much bigger.

Jane’s vision didn’t stop when those children grew up. She believed they deserved more than a school. They deserved meaningful work, friendships, independence, a home and a community where they belonged.

That vision became Ottawa Friendship House.

More than 60 years later, we see Jane’s vision come to life every single day. In our homes. In our workplaces. In our day programs. In the friendships made and the choices our residents make for themselves. In the countless people who have been given opportunities simply because someone believed they deserved them.

Jane didn’t just help start an organization. She helped change what was possible for people with disabilities in our community.

Thank you, Jane, for seeing what was possible and for giving all of us the opportunity to see it, too.

It is the honor of a lifetime to continue what you started.

Obituary and service announcement to follow in coming weeks.

Address

1718 N 2525th Road
Ottawa, IL
61350

Telephone

+18154340737

Website

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