Friendly House Inc-Community history

In 1937, Friendly House became a community-based board and no longer a Junior League project.

In 1939, at the urging of the then Director, Mrs.

1940 Gift of Hull Road property becomes the original Hidden Hollow Camp.

Friendly Inn was the first settlement house in Cleveland to operate with an interracial staff, and by 1942 the organization was celebrating “Negro Health Week.”

Ruth M. Trainor was appointed Executive Director of Friendly House, Inc. in 1947.

1950 Establishment of permanent Day Care Center.

1951 Gift and establishment of Hanna Road area playground.

1952 First Golden Age Club in city organized at Friendly House.

The words of, Nebeha Merhige-Haddad, former Director of Friendly House and President of its first Mother’s Club, are as appropriate today as they were during her address for Friendly House’s 35th Anniversary in 1955.

In 1965, Friendly House organized its first adult slow-pitch softball team.

In 1966, Friendly House received its first major federal grant in the amount of $9,716 from the Office of Economic Opportunity.

The sixties saw the first annual Fourth of July Block party (1968) - which became an annual tradition.

As the times and needs continued to change for the neighborhood, Friendly House opened a Head Start program site and initiated a new child feeding program in 1972.

In 1975, Friendly House’s Annual Block Party kicked-off Worcester’s own Bi-Centennial celebration.

In 1983, the agency opened an emergency shelter for homeless families at 36 Wall Street.

The agency opened the Frances Perkins Transitional Home on 16-18 Cottage Street in 1988.

1997 “Bernie’s Playground” built at Friendly House with memorial contributions in memory of Director, Bernard Dillon.

1998 Construction of new lodge at Happy Hollow Day Camp

In 2001, the Elder Resource Alliance (ERA) is formed to provide culturally sensitive resources.

In 2013 the program is renamed SAGE Metro Portland to reflect our work with the national nonprofit, SAGE, which is also dedicated to services and advocacy for LGBT seniors.

2019 Construction of two new cabins at Happy Hollow Day Camp

2020 Construction of shade pavilion at Happy Hollow Day Camp