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TheSouthShoreMagazine.com TheSouthShoreMagazine.com "It's a beautiful thing," explains Andrea. "Friendship Home provides all the necessary assistance, including help with the application and interview process and on-the-job training and coaching until each participant can work independently." With Friendship Home's Social Recreation program, members get together for fun, social events including game and craft nights, theme parties and even weekend outings. Excursions may include trips to the movies, sporting events and other popular attractions. Since the beginning, Jack has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors. "It's the best thing I have ever done," he says. "It has changed my life." Jack truly believes in Friendship Home, which is evident not only through the impressive following he has helped build for the organization, but with his own participation. Jack is a familiar face to members and their families. From the annual gala and golf tournament to visits to Friendship Home's weeklong overnight stay at Camp YMCA/Friendship every summer, Jack's hands- on approach has made him a part of the Friendship Home spirit. "There's a feeling there," says Jack about Friendship Home and its events. "You can feel the love, and it's because of our members – their participation is key." "It's not me, it's everybody," says Jack. Because of hard work and dedication from the entire board, as well as the Friendship Home team led by Andrea Pyke, Friendship Home is growing and thriving. "Jack Spurr has been Friendship Home's champion since day one," says Andrea. "He has been monumental in our history, and we will be eternally grateful for his efforts." A TRANSITION OF LEADERSHIP After almost 25 years of leadership, Jack is handing the reins over to Bob Fraser, current Vice-Chairman of Friendship Home's Board of Directors and President and CEO at MountainOne Bank. "Bob is the Jack and Kay Spurr, Andrea Pyke and Friendship Home members at Circle of Friends Gala in 2020 perfect guy to take over. He knows what it takes," explains Jack. "He is a special person and cares deeply." Marshfield residents Bob and his wife Mary know all-too-well the hurdles that families of children with developmental disabilities face, particularly when they age out of the school system. When their son Matt, who is diagnosed with Down's Syndrome, turned 22, the delicate routine he had grown to rely on was abruptly disrupted, with very few options for him as an adult. The Frasers scrambled to find solutions to fill gaping holes in his day-to-day schedule, and after working with a few different one-on-one professionals they were ecstatic when they received the call that a spot had opened at Friendship Home. As a board member, Bob and his family were already deeply involved with Friendship Home and they understood how Matt's inclusion in the program would be extremely beneficial. Friendship Home provides Matt and other members with a sense of purpose, helping them build confidence and social skills. "It opens up a new world for him," explains Mary, who describes Matt as incredibly imaginative. "Friendship Home's program helps him maximize that part of himself." Bob and Mary can relax knowing he is in a safe, comfortable place that provides both structure and peace of mind for the entire family. THE FUTURE OF THE HOME WITH A HEART Building the physical structure of Friendship Home has given individuals with developmental disabilities a place where they can experience a sense of acceptance and belonging, and where their families can trust their loved ones will be loved and well cared for. Now, they have adopted a new strategic plan that focuses less on the "home," which is thriving, and more on the entire environment: the "heart." "The pandemic changed the velocity of needs," explains Bob. "Connectivity is crucial for our members, and Friendship Home has a solid formula, so how do we leverage this existing model to serve more individuals and families?" 9