Upcoming Events

A Journey Through Parkinson's Disease
Apr
1

A Journey Through Parkinson's Disease

A Journey Through Parkinson’s Disease

Learn about Effects, Treatments for Parkinson’s Disease

Growing older is the greatest risk factor for acquiring Parkinson’s disease and many people live with symptoms for several years before being diagnosed. Often people in early stages of Parkinson’s disease assume their symptoms are part of normal aging or are due to other health problems they may have, such as arthritis. However, early Parkinson’s disease symptoms may not be that apparent and may even come and go. Frequently it is the spouse or other relatives who first notice slight problems with a loved one’s movements.

To learn about Parkinson’s disease, its effects, and possible treatments, register now to participate in “A Journey Through Parkinson’s Disease” an educational series from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Webster County Extension, along with Iowa State’s Department of Kinesiology, and Human Sciences Extension and Outreach are sponsoring the series in Fort Dodge at Friendship Haven beginning April 1, 2025.

The educational series consists of three, 1-hour sessions held on Tuesdays in April. A team of Human Sciences specialists will teach the classes, which include interactive lessons, discussions, and activities. Sessions are scheduled for April 1, 8, and 15 from 5 pm to 6 pm at Schmoker Building at Friendship Haven in Fort Dodge. There is a no fee for the program. For more information or to register contact Kourtney Lenz, Wellness at 515-573-6270 or email at kourtney.lenz@friendshiphaven.org or online at: https://go.iastate.edu/U5SFH8.

“You will learn about the signs of Parkinson’s disease and how to seek medical care, as well as the cause of the disease and how specific treatments work. You will also learn about alternative therapies and in-home activities that can delay the progression of Parkinson’s disease, which is very important for continuing to live a full and happy life,” said Holly VanHeel, Human Sciences Specialist.

View Event →
SHC Family Zoom Meeting
Apr
8

SHC Family Zoom Meeting

Our Simpson Health Center Administrator, Erin Hoversten-Majewski, will hold a family Zoom meeting on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 from 4-5 pm. She’ll be letting you know what’s happening and answering any questions you may have.

Interested in joining? Here are the details:

  • Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89271890915?pwd=s260vMynXCCnEpWNcKu9v4NaN3dhJj.1

  • Meeting ID: 892 7189 0915

  • Passcode: 133978

  • Dial by your location

    • +1 305 224 1968 US

    • +1 309 205 3325 US

    • +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

    • +1 646 931 3860 US

    • +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

    • +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

    • +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

    • +1 360 209 5623 US

    • +1 386 347 5053 US

    • +1 507 473 4847 US

    • +1 564 217 2000 US

    • +1 669 444 9171 US

    • +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

    • +1 689 278 1000 US

    • +1 719 359 4580 US

    • +1 253 205 0468 US

    • +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

View Event →
Continuing the Conversation Lunch
Apr
15

Continuing the Conversation Lunch

In the second event of our series, take the next step in planning for the future by bringing your parent(s) to an engaging lunch where you can explore options together.

Enjoy a wonderful meal, meaningful conversations, and helpful guidance in a warm and welcoming setting.

This free event has limited seating, so be sure to RSVP by calling (515) 573-6000 soon. RSVP deadline is April 7.

Tompkins Celebration Center * 420 Kenyon Road, FD

View Event →
SHC Family Zoom Meeting
Aug
5

SHC Family Zoom Meeting

Our Simpson Health Center Administrator, Erin Hoversten-Majewski, will hold a family Zoom meeting on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 from 4-5 pm. She’ll be letting you know what’s happening and answering any questions you may have.

Interested in joining? Here are the details:

  • Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86918116766?pwd=majfb5r7dHaMoauTeePna6NNcGud68.1

  • Meeting ID: 869 1811 6766

  • Passcode: 172347

  • Dial by your location

    • +1 646 931 3860 US

    • +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

    • +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

    • +1 305 224 1968 US

    • +1 309 205 3325 US

    • +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

    • +1 360 209 5623 US

    • +1 386 347 5053 US

    • +1 507 473 4847 US

    • +1 564 217 2000 US

    • +1 669 444 9171 US

    • +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

    • +1 689 278 1000 US

    • +1 719 359 4580 US

    • +1 253 205 0468 US

    • +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

    • +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

View Event →
SHC Family Zoom Meeting
Dec
2

SHC Family Zoom Meeting

Our Simpson Health Center Administrator, Erin Hoversten-Majewski, will hold a family Zoom meeting on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 from 4-5 pm. She’ll be letting you know what’s happening and answering any questions you may have.

Interested in joining? Here are the details:

  • Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84257605881?pwd=aKan3HfnqLt2S6beuUIMfkjhhFJJ76.1

  • Meeting ID: 842 5760 5881

  • Passcode: 896060

  • Dial by your location

    • +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

    • +1 646 931 3860 US

    • +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

    • +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

    • +1 305 224 1968 US

    • +1 309 205 3325 US

    • +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

    • +1 360 209 5623 US

    • +1 386 347 5053 US

    • +1 507 473 4847 US

    • +1 564 217 2000 US

    • +1 669 444 9171 US

    • +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

    • +1 689 278 1000 US

    • +1 719 359 4580 US

    • +1 253 205 0468 US

    • +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

View Event →

Sweet Gatherings Pie & Coffee
Mar
26

Sweet Gatherings Pie & Coffee

Sweet Gatherings Pie & Coffee

Friendship Haven residents are invited to join us for an afternoon of great conversation, delicious pie, and hot coffee! This exclusive event is designed for you to share the Friendship Haven experience with someone special.

📅 Wednesday, March 26
🕑 2:00 PM
📍 Tompkins Celebration Center in Friendship Haven

There’s just one catch - you must bring a guest to attend!

To make inviting easy, residents received two postcard invitations to send to guests. Simply fill them out and return them to Sue or the campus mailbox by Tuesday, March 11, and we’ll take care of mailing them for you!

RSVPs for residents and their guest(s) are due by Monday, March 24.

We look forward to sharing this special afternoon with you and your guests!

View Event →
Compassionate Conversations Dinner
Mar
18

Compassionate Conversations Dinner

You're invited to a special dinner event where we’ll navigate one of life’s more delicate conversations - talking with a parent or loved one about senior living.

Over a delicious meal prepared by Head Chef Ira Shivers, you’ll hear from experts on their insights, strategies, and heartfelt advice to help you approach this conversation with compassion.

This free event has limited seating, so be sure to RSVP by calling (515) 573-6000 soon. RSVP deadline is March 10.

Kenyon Place Dining Room * 712 Kenyon Road, FD

View Event →
Parkinson's Disease Support Group
Mar
5

Parkinson's Disease Support Group

The first week of every month, a Iowa Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association support group is held right here at Friendship Haven. It will be held from 11:30am - 12:30pm at the Schmoker Building (where Rock Steady Boxing is held).

If you're interested in participating, you can register online at apdaparkinson.org/ia.

If you have any questions, please reach out to either Program Manager Susan Callison at (515) 782-4386 or Support Group Leader Kourtney Lenz at (515) 573-6270.

Strength in optimism. Hope in progress.

View Event →
Pop-Up Hot Chocolate Bar
Feb
21

Pop-Up Hot Chocolate Bar

🥶Brr... it's cold!🥶

Team members: Warm up with a hot chocolate on Friday, February 21. You'll find all that you need for a pipin' hot cup of cocoa at the Pocket Door Lounge from 9 am - 3 pm.

View Event →
February Town Hall
Feb
10

February Town Hall

Every month, we hold a Town Hall for residents to hear from our leadership team about what's happening at Friendship Haven and ask questions. We also invite someone from our community to speak about what they do.

Today’s agenda includes the Beacon of Hope Director, Brian Bidleman.

View Event →
Parkinson's Disease Support Group
Feb
5

Parkinson's Disease Support Group

The first week of every month, a Iowa Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association support group is held right here at Friendship Haven. It will be held from 11:30am - 12:30pm at the Schmoker Building (where Rock Steady Boxing is held).

If you're interested in participating, you can register online at apdaparkinson.org/ia.

If you have any questions, please reach out to either Program Manager Susan Callison at (515) 782-4386 or Support Group Leader Kourtney Lenz at (515) 573-6270.

Strength in optimism. Hope in progress.

View Event →
Pop-Up Photo Party
Feb
4

Pop-Up Photo Party

Pop-Up Photo Party

Join students from Cooper Elementary and the Iowa Central Photography Class from 1-3pm in the River Ridge Dining Room for a fun-filled photo event!

View Event →
SHC Family Zoom Meeting
Jan
28

SHC Family Zoom Meeting

Our Simpson Health Center Administrator, Erin Hoversten-Majewski, will hold a family Zoom meeting on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 from 4-5 pm. She’ll be letting you know what’s happening and answering any questions you may have.

Interested in joining? Here are the details:

  • Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81128320550?pwd=Kztka2A1P7EoqlsagDR0F8w0K4ezFX.1

  • Meeting ID: 811 2832 0550

  • Passcode: 840177

  • Dial by your location

    • +1 646 931 3860 US

    • +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

    • +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

    • +1 305 224 1968 US

    • +1 309 205 3325 US

    • +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

    • +1 689 278 1000 US

    • +1 719 359 4580 US

    • +1 253 205 0468 US

    • +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

    • +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

    • +1 360 209 5623 US

    • +1 386 347 5053 US

    • +1 507 473 4847 US

    • +1 564 217 2000 US

    • +1 669 444 9171 US

    • +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

View Event →
A Journey Through Parkinson's Disease
Jan
22

A Journey Through Parkinson's Disease

A Journey Through Parkinson’s Disease

Learn about Effects, Treatments for Parkinson’s Disease

Growing older is the greatest risk factor for acquiring Parkinson’s disease and many people live with symptoms for several years before being diagnosed. Often people in early stages of Parkinson’s disease assume their symptoms are part of normal aging or are due to other health problems they may have, such as arthritis. However, early Parkinson’s disease symptoms may not be that apparent and may even come and go. Frequently it is the spouse or other relatives who first notice slight problems with a loved one’s movements.

To learn about Parkinson’s disease, its effects, and possible treatments, register now to participate in “A Journey Through Parkinson’s Disease” an educational series from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Webster County Extension, along with Iowa State’s Department of Kinesiology, and Human Sciences Extension and Outreach are sponsoring the series in Fort Dodge at Friendship Haven beginning January 8, 2025.

The educational series consists of three, 1-hour sessions held on Wednesdays in January. A team of Human Sciences specialists will teach the classes, which include interactive lessons, discussions, and activities. Sessions are scheduled for January 8,15,and 22 from 3 pm to 4 pm at Schmoker Building at Friendship Haven in Fort Dodge. There is a no fee for the program. For more information or to register contact Kourtney Lenz, Wellness at 515-573-6270 or email at kourtney.lenz@friendshiphaven.org .

“You will learn about the signs of Parkinson’s disease and how to seek medical care, as well as the cause of the disease and how specific treatments work. You will also learn about alternative therapies and in-home activities that can delay the progression of Parkinson’s disease, which is very important for continuing to live a full and happy life,” said Holly VanHeel, Human Sciences Specialist.

View Event →
Catered Living at River Ridge Open House
Jan
19

Catered Living at River Ridge Open House

Catered Living at River Ridge offers confident independence, allowing you to enjoy life on your terms while knowing that the award-winning team at Friendship Haven is always available when needed. With a focus on community, Catered Living at River Ridge ensures your comfort, convenience, and peace of mind.

Visit us for an Open House on Sunday, January 19 from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm and discover for yourself the joys that Catered Living at River Ridge has to offer!

RSVP here!

View Event →
A Journey Through Parkinson's Disease
Jan
15

A Journey Through Parkinson's Disease

A Journey Through Parkinson’s Disease

Learn about Effects, Treatments for Parkinson’s Disease

Growing older is the greatest risk factor for acquiring Parkinson’s disease and many people live with symptoms for several years before being diagnosed. Often people in early stages of Parkinson’s disease assume their symptoms are part of normal aging or are due to other health problems they may have, such as arthritis. However, early Parkinson’s disease symptoms may not be that apparent and may even come and go. Frequently it is the spouse or other relatives who first notice slight problems with a loved one’s movements.

To learn about Parkinson’s disease, its effects, and possible treatments, register now to participate in “A Journey Through Parkinson’s Disease” an educational series from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Webster County Extension, along with Iowa State’s Department of Kinesiology, and Human Sciences Extension and Outreach are sponsoring the series in Fort Dodge at Friendship Haven beginning January 8, 2025.

The educational series consists of three, 1-hour sessions held on Wednesdays in January. A team of Human Sciences specialists will teach the classes, which include interactive lessons, discussions, and activities. Sessions are scheduled for January 8,15,and 22 from 3 pm to 4 pm at Schmoker Building at Friendship Haven in Fort Dodge. There is a no fee for the program. For more information or to register contact Kourtney Lenz, Wellness at 515-573-6270 or email at kourtney.lenz@friendshiphaven.org .

“You will learn about the signs of Parkinson’s disease and how to seek medical care, as well as the cause of the disease and how specific treatments work. You will also learn about alternative therapies and in-home activities that can delay the progression of Parkinson’s disease, which is very important for continuing to live a full and happy life,” said Holly VanHeel, Human Sciences Specialist.

View Event →
January Town Hall
Jan
13

January Town Hall

Every month, we hold a Town Hall for residents to hear from our leadership team about what's happening at Friendship Haven and ask questions. We also invite someone from our community to speak about what they do.

Today’s agenda includes Board Chair Matt Johnson and CEO/President/Head Coach Julie Thorson!

View Event →
Nurses' Open House
Dec
30

Nurses' Open House

You: Looking for a career with faith, passion, and purpose.
Us: Looking for you!

We're hiring for a variety of nursing positions*.
Come check us out on Monday, December 30th from 2-5 pm at our Nurses’ Open House.

Friendship Haven: The place you go to work.™

View Event →