The Friendship League of Marion County held their second meeting as a group last week.

The new group was created in a partnership between Hearthstone in Pella and Marion County Public Health as a way to allow adults with special needs to have fun and build friendships. The Friendship League gathers once a month at Pella Manor at Hearthstone, and during these meetings, those in attendance have a time to socialize, play beanbag baseball, and enjoy refreshments from the concession stand. Marion County Public Health Nurse Judi Van Hulzen says that she is grateful to have a group like this in Marion County, which allows those with special needs to make connections.

“Social isolation is so bad for your health. They say that it’s equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, being socially isolated. And these guys, they get together to work, they get together with caregivers to receive their care, but they don’t have much opportunity to socialize and it’s so important. So, we’re so glad that they came and we hope more people will come.”

The Friendship League will hold their next meeting on Thursday, November 20th at 10 am. Those planning to attend the meeting are asked to RSVP by emailing mbrown2@wesleylife.org, to ensure there are enough concessions available for everyone.