Broad support existed for creating a L'Arche-like program in Story County. For a two-year period, the Johanns met with staff from various county human service agencies in an effort to use an existing residential provider to service this high-need population under the L'Arche model.

None of the providers was able to take on this project. However, they did support the idea of establishing a new agency and some were eager to assist with its formation. In May of 1999, the founding board of directors incorporated Friendship Ark, Inc. The Internal Revenue Service confirmed Friendship Ark Inc.'s not-for-profit status in November 1999 and fundraising efforts were soon underway.

By the spring of 2001, an executive director and four full-time assistants had been hired and three core members were living together in Friendship Ark Homes' first home. The Friendship Ark Homes office had moved to a new location at 130 South Sheldon and the board was already beginning to plan for the second group home. That summer, we were two thirds of the way to our goal of raising $300,000.

In May 2002, our rental property began serving a second group of core members and an anonymous donation of land was made, paving the way for a third group home.

Construction of the third home was completed in the spring of 2004. It is currently serving five core members. The home was also donated anonymously.

Our fourth home was purchased in the summer of 2006 and serves four core members.