01/13/2026
We love seeing history repeat. Jake and Matt, sitting in the same spot, 20 years later.
Ottawa Friendship House
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- Ottawa, IL
- Ottawa Friendship House
Our vision is to be the premier trusted service provider for adults with intellectual disabilities. Changing Disabilities into Abilities
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1718 N 2525th Road
Ottawa, IL
61350
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Our Story
Friendship House was conceived out of a mothers love for her son who was born with a developmental disability. Mrs. McCormick, knowing there were no programs for Bob in the early 1950's, worked tirelessly to support Bob with his education, growth, and independence. Mrs. McCormick knew Bob's potential and proved the experts wrong, as Bob learned and grew daily. Knowing the importance of a structured program filled with loving and dedicated teachers, Mrs. McCormick reached out to other families needing support for loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In 1953, Jane McCormick partnered with other families to form a group called the Mother's Club for Exceptional Children.
In 1955 The Mother's Club grew and started offering structured courses for children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These courses focused on supporting the individual and family as they strived to advance the potential of every student. Known as Echo School, the children and young adults were challenged and skills continued to improve. Because of this program, more independence and self-reliance was achieved daily.
In 1966 as the children grew and developed, they reached adulthood and needed to have a purpose and meaning in their lives. Friendship House was launched with the goal of ensuring the young men and women with intellectual and developmental disabilities were an integral part of the community. This enabled them to be productive citizens and fully integrate into the community. Mrs. McCormick was a trailblazer and new that Bob's success was dependent on giving him a loving stable environment rich in educational programming and the opportunity to reach his fullest potential.
Friendship house thrived on the continued growth of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and opened a semi-independent living program for individuals to live on their own with support from staff. Bob was not only one of the first students in Echo School, but also one of the first to live in a residential home located in Ottawa Illinois. This semi-independent program was a true success for individuals who wished for independence but needed some oversight from the staff at Friendship House.
