IN 2022 WE HONORED

200 Years

It Started With A Home

2022 marked the 200th Anniversary of Friends Association. Since the first child walked through the doors of our very first home on Noble Street in the City of Philadelphia in October of 1822, we have been hard at work ensuring the safety of a home for families in all their diverse shapes, and sizes, creeds, and colors.  Because we know that thriving, healthy families are at the core of thriving, healthy communities. 

Adapting To Meet The Needs Of Our Community

Explore our timeline to learn how our four pillars of service developed over more than two centuries.

Interact With History

For the past 200 years, people like you have come together to provide our neighbors with what all of us truly want- a place to call home. Hear and see the story of Friends Association through interviews, historical photos, and historical documents.

Tell Your Story

Embracing the stories of our neighbors and sharing in the creation of new stories is a big part of what we do at Friends.  Through our stories we share passions, fear, sadness, joys, and we find common ground with others.  Our stories connect us.  We want to hear your story.  Whether you received services, served as staff, served on the board, as a volunteer, or are one of our many generous supporters, we believe every story is worth reading and sharing. Share your story of connection with Friends Association here:

FRIENDS

Family Reunion

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A Celebration of History

On June 12th, we celebrated a Friends Family Reunion at the Chester County History Center to commemorate our 200th Anniversary. We were excited to see so many of our friends and supporters, including West Chester Mayor Lillian Baptiste, Senator Carolyn Comitta and Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz and Josh Maxwell. It was a wonderful afternoon as we listened to stories and relived memories from those involved with the Friends Association over the years.

We are grateful for our event’s sponsors and donors including Malvern Bank, Barbara Diorio and David Swintek, Univest Financial, Franny & Franny Abbott, Citizens Bank, Manito Abstract Company, A. Marinelli & Sons, Jim and Dee MacFadden, and S&T Bank.  We reached this impressive milestone to be one of the oldest and continually operating nonprofits in the country because of longtime dedication from our sponsors, board members, staff, supporters, and friends who believe in our mission.

200th Anniversary Celebration

Donors, sponsors, staff, board members, community leaders, and neighbor attendees.

PROUD OF OUR HISTORY BUT FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE.

As we celebrate the anniversary of this extraordinary institution, we also hope and dream that there will come a time when our services are no longer needed. Until that day, when we can truly celebrate, we hope that you will be a vital piece of the story of Friends Association by supporting our work and our community.

OUR PRIORITIES

Promoting Change

Promoting Change

Preventing Homelessness

Priorities-Emergency-Housing

Providing Emergency Housing

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Partnering With Families For Stability