Ceremonial Groundbreaking for New Not-for-Profit Campus Held
On September 8th, 2025, we were joined by the Ames Regional Economic Alliance, The Arc of Story County, and Overflow Thrift Store as we held a ceremonial groundbreaking for the new not-for-profit campus we will be partnering with the two other agencies in. The project will convert the former JAX Outdoors buildings at 4803 and 4723 Lincoln Way into spaces reimagined to fit each agency's needs. Phase II of our project also includes a rec space which will be available to the community. Special thanks to Dan Culhane, President and CEO of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance and Lisa Heddens, Story County Supervisor, Arc of Story County Board Member and core member parent, for their inspirational words as we embark on this journey.
Friendship Ark Announces ARK-itects Capital Campaign
At Friendship Ark, our past and future core members are the reason we continue to grow and be innovative and work to build bridges of inclusion. Why do we call our clients core members? Because they are the CORE of our organization. All of our decisions are made with their needs in mind. We’re not just building walls—we’re building a future filled with dignity, belonging, and opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities. Through our ARK-itects Capital Campaign, we invite you to help construct a new office and rec space that will sustain our mission today and expand our impact for tomorrow. Together, we’re the ARK-itects of hope for building a future where everyone feels like they belong.
View our CAPITAL CAMPAIGN BROCHURE for more information.
Friendship Ark Awarded Three-Year CARF Accreditation
This summer Friendship Ark was awarded a Three-Year Accreditation from CARF International for all of our programs. This accreditation decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be given to an organization and shows our organization's substantial conformance to the CARF standards. An organization receiving a Three-Year Accreditation has gone through a rigorous peer-review process. It has demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit its commitment to offering programs and services that are measurable, accountable, and of the highest quality.
The outcome report from our survey praised Friendship Ark as a respected, innovative and community-driven provider, which is a direct reflection of the passion, care and commitment our staff bring every day. We were recognized as a leader in the field and a provider of choice for adults with disabilities in Story County and beyond.
CARF International is an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services whose mission is to promote the quality, value and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process and continuous improvement services that center on enhancing the lives of persons served. Founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, and now known as CARF International, the accrediting body establishes consumer-focused standards to help organizations measure and improve the quality of their programs and services.