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Our MissionFriendship House Newberg, in cooperation with George Fox University, works alongside young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to provide intentional, transitional living. At its core, this faith-based community is rooted in table fellowship expressed through a daily rhythm of eating, praying and celebrating together.
About Friendship HouseNow in its twelfth, year, a sustainable housing model called Friendship House was created in Holland, Michigan, on the campus of Western Theological Seminary. There, persons with an intellectual/developmental disability live in community with seminarians, not as persons needing caretakers, but as persons growing in independent living skills, holding down jobs and participating meaningfully in the larger community.
The living experience is nothing short of life-changing for the friends, their parents and the students. As one student remarked, “Living in Friendship House will break down any prejudices, any preconceived notions that you have about persons with disabilities." Students live in intentional Christian community with Friends. Life is ordered around the community building blocks Jean Vanier articulated (founder of L’Arche communities), “Eat Together, Pray Together, Celebrate Together!” Celebration happens because Friendship House is a place of deep belonging in which each person, regardless of ability, is seen and recognized as a gift.
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A Place To BelongFriendship House is a housing option for George Fox students and friends with intellectual disabilities to do life together. A collaboration between George Fox, Mark 2 and Friendship House has brought into being Friendship House Newberg where--everybody belongs, everybody serves.
Our Values
A Place To Belong
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Working alongside persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (friends),their families and institutions to secure safe, affordable community-oriented housing.
Better Together
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Friendship House
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More Than Just A NameThe name of this endeavor—Friendship House—says it all. As Amy Julia Becker, author of A Good and Perfect Gift, commented after visiting Friendship House; “it is not “Social-Justice House” or “Pity for the Other House” or “Helping Those in Need House.” Rather, the name suggests relationships of reciprocity rather than of power. Seminarians and friend-residents forge relationships of mutual self-giving that transform and encourage everyone involved. Friend-residents report great gains in independent living skills, self-esteem, and social skills. Students report a newfound depth of theological insight coupled with a greater ability to serve the pastoral needs of congregations and agencies.”
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