Menno & Mildred Stoltzfus (front)

2009 Volunteers of the Year 

Parents of Marcia, Marian & Milt

Their journey with disabilities began on August 16, 1956 when their daughter Marcia was born. Marcia was diagnosed with profound mental retardation. On October 1, 1957 Marian was born, also with the diagnosis of mental retardation. In 1962, Marcia & Marian were placed in a state center near Ebensburg, PA (Cambria County) which was 200 miles from where Menno & Mildred lived.

For six years, a monthly weekend trip was made to Cambria County to visit the girls.  In 1968, the family moved to the Johnstown area.

Marcia died May 2, 1994 at the age of 37.  Marian moved from Ebensburg to a Friendship home in 2000. Menno & Mildred moved back to Lancaster County in 2001.

Since then they have been involved at FC in many roles. Although Menno (Shorty) is employed by FC part-time in maintenance, their volunteer roles have included...

For many years they collected ham loaf orders from the Johnstown, PA area where they lived and developed close friendships and ties.  They would drive those ham loaves and BBQ’s out their for distribution. They raised significant money for Friendship through this fundraiser

Their contribution to the Fest is always appreciated.  They pack boxed dinners for over 1,200 chicken BBQ and help to prepare pepper cabbage and brownies for the event. Mildred contributes baked good for many of our fundraising events.  She and Menno also help to transport company vehicles. 

In all seasons you will find Menno performing grounds work as part of his duties as maintenance staff. He also volunteers with other odd jobs throughout the year.

We appreciate their dedication and support of Friendship Community through their hours of volunteer service and also through the story they hold and share.  Thank you!

Hempfield Church of the Brethren

 2009 Church of the Year

Representing the church: Pastor John & Peggy Layman, Betty Jean Haverstick, Betty Cox, Jean & Richard Caldwell, Gladys & Roger Ulmer,  Ella Lehman, Marian Sweigart

Hempfield Church of the Brethren has been a long time partner with Friendship Community for providing opportunities for people with mental disabilities.

In the 1980’s, the Hempfield Church of the Brethren hosted a weekly activity night called “Special Friends Night.”   This experience led several of its members to become involved with some other local congregations who were also beginning to develop programs to meet the needs of people with mental disabilities.

In 1987, these churches joined with Friendship Community staff to form what is now known as WORDD, which stands for Worship Opportunities Reaching the Developmentally Disabled.  Over time WORDD became a program of Friendship Community.

For many years “Special Friends Night” continued to offer activities to many from Friendship and the community.  Although this activity night is no longer held, it became a relationship builder between the church and Friendship Community.

Since 1991 the monthly WORDD worship service known as Expressions of Love & Praise have been hosted by the Hempfield Church of the Brethren. WORDD socials are held at the church three times a year.  WORDD also sponsors a summer day-camp for a week that is held at the church.

The church graciously donates the use of its facilities and equipment for these activities, never asking for reimbursement, but actually budgeting funds to help with the programs and costs.

The Hempfield Church of the Brethren has also chosen to offer direct financial support to the ministry of Friendship Community as a part of its annual budget.

Along with the use of facilities and financial support, another huge impact that the Hempfield Church of the Brethren has had on Friendship Community is its suppliers of volunteers.

The WORDD events that are held at the church are often staffed by volunteers from Hempfield.  These volunteers also have helped Friendship in many ways – including at the Fest and other volunteer tasks.

We are very grateful for this relationship and for the ministry of the Hempfield Church of the Brethren.