Who We Are
For nearly 75 years, Friendship Haven has provided community and care to aging adults through five home options offering maintenance-free living, comfort, and security. Residents thrive in an active, supportive environment promoting overall well-being. Our 60-acre campus features beautiful scenery, walking paths, a pool, exercise room, excellent dining, daily activities, and comprehensive health care. As a member of LeadingAge Iowa and LeadingAge, we are dedicated to advancing possibilities for aging through innovative services and policies.
Board of Directors
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Matt Johnson
Board Chair
Friendship Haven, Inc. -
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Tim Burns
Board Secretary
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Sharon Hotz
Board Chair
Friendship Haven Memorial Foundation -
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Troy Anderson
Board
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Matt Bemrich
Board
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John Engler
Board
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Pastor Luke Fillmore
Board
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Lindsay Heffernan
Board
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Michele Johnson
Board
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Ricki Osborn Stubbs
Board
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Bob Singer
Board
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Linda Whaley
Board
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Operations Team
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Julie Thorson
President/CEO
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Kalleen Engels
Chief Operations & Financial Officer
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Mindy Derrig
Financial Operations Director
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Melissa Nanninga
Human Resources Director
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Erin Hoversten-Majewski
Simpson Health Center Administrator
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Cari Conrad
Assisted & Independent Living Director
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Mitch McCarville
Campus Support Director
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Mission
Offering innovative and responsive service for aging adults.
Vision
People living full lives with faith, passion, and purpose.
Values
Respect, Encourage, Celebrate, Learn.
A rich history of purpose, belief, and success
In the early 1920s, efforts to create a “senior home” in Fort Dodge drew local support but lacked funding. In 1946, incentives of 25 acres and $75,000 sparked grass roots fundraising, construction and the opening of what would ultimately become Friendship Haven.
Rev. Dr. Clarence Wesley Tompkins, a motivational and dynamic leader, served as Friendship Haven’s executive director for 25 years. “Dream No Little Dreams” has been a guiding vision of Friendship Haven since its humble beginnings in a cow pasture more than 60 years ago. Land from the Fort Dodge Betterment Foundation, a lead gift from Mrs. O.M. Oleson, a brilliant leader, Rev. Dr. Clarence Tompkins, and tremendous community support made the dream for a senior home in Northwest Iowa a reality.
“Dream no little dreams”
Rev. Dr. Clarence Wesley Tompkins,
Friendship Haven’s first Executive Director
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