This award honors the legacy of Mahlon Gochnauer, a founding Board Member, who served on the Friendship Community’s Board for over 20 years. Mahlon and his wife, Doris, had a son with disabilities, named Michael.

Nominees for the Gochnauer award must serve as a Direct Support Professional, who exemplifies and encourages spiritual growth, advocates for community inclusion, and enables Individuals to Impact the World with Their Capabilities.

The Gochnauer Award for the Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Year goes to Jillian Olszewski.  Jillian is reliable, motivated, a problem solver, compassionate, and empathetic. She began her career as a part time DSP at one of our Ephrata homes and soon accepted the role of Manager Assistant.  Although she excelled in this position, after a few months, she realized that in this role, she missed the interactions with the Individuals she had had before. She stepped down to become a full time DSP and she shines in that role just as she did as Manager Assistant.

Jillian is compassionate and empathetic and has a strong desire to meet the Individuals needs and to help them achieve their goals at home as well as in the community.  Recently one of the Individuals decided that she no longer cared to attend the current church. Jillian helped, not only this Individual, but all of them find a new church to their liking. Jillian involves the Individuals in decision making, whether it is on a community outing or an at home activity. One of her many talents is styling hair, painting fingernails and applying make-up. The ladies love the extra pampering, and she makes them feel special.

Jillian always has an ear to lend when one of the ladies is feeling down or just needs to talk. She selflessly gives of her time and goes the extra mile for the benefit of the Individuals. This is evident by the big smiles and happy dispositions. The Ephrata home is truly blessed to have Jillian as a Team Member.

This award was presented on January 22, 2024, by Sherri Colton, Director of Advancement, during Activity Night. Jillian was cheered by the many Individuals and Team Members in attendance – especially the three ladies that she directly supports every day!

Congratulations to Jillian for receiving the 2023 Gochnauer Award!

This annual award honors Charles and Laura Haverstick’s 3 deceased sons Charlie, David & Glenn, all of whom had disabilities and were served by Friendship Community. The Haverstick Award recipient is nominated by current Team Members. Recipients are Individuals supported by Friendship Community who have shown tremendous growth in the following areas:

• Giving back to the community
• Overcoming significant obstacles
• Surpassing previous capabilities

The Haverstick Award for Individual of the Year goes to Todd Hambleton. Todd moved into the Friendship Community Leola home in February 2019. Prior to moving into our home, he recently had cochlear implant surgery, due to his profound deafness, in one of his ears. His speech was limited, and he mostly read lips signed, or used one or two words to communicate. He was shy is social settings and did not want to participate in social activities.

During the past 5 years, Todd has had a team of staff helping him with his communication skills. Speech therapists, communication specialists, Leola staff, and his parents. With Todd’s eagerness to learn, patience, perseverance and practicing daily, he has moved mountains. Todd is now speaking in full sentences, articulating his words and vastly widened his vocabulary.

Todd received his 2nd cochlear implant last May and he is running leaps and bounds. His is asking to participate in social events and activities and meeting new friends. Todd has volunteered for many organizations throughout his life, including his home church’s food bank, Brethren Village, and Meals on Wheels. We are all so proud of Todd’s great accomplishments and cannot wait to see what his future holds.

This award was presented on January 22, 2024, by Lisa Black, Residential Manager, during Activity Night. Todd’s family, Team Members and housemates were in attendance that evening to support him as he won this momentous achievement.

Congratulations to Todd for receiving the 2023 Haverstick Award!