Hearthstone in Pella and Marion County Public Health have partnered to create a new group in Marion County that is designed to allow adults with special needs to have fun and build friendships.

The Friendship League, which had their first meeting in September, gathers once a month at Pella Manor at Hearthstone. During these meetings, those in attendance have a time to socialize, play beanbag baseball, and enjoy refreshments from the concession stand. Hearthstone Director of Sales and Marketing Montessa Brown, who created the group in partnership with Marion County Public Health Nurse Judi Van Hulzen, says that it was her daughter that inspired her to start the Friendship League.

“I have a special needs daughter, and her name is Bennett Brown, and she’s 32 years old. She lives over at The Cottages at Hearthstone, and she’s a lot younger than most of the residents there, and she hasn’t had a lot of opportunity to meet very many people her own age. And so, I thought it would be such a nice idea to start a group, I kind of was looking for one and didn’t find one that was going to be a good fit for her. And so I decided to create one. ”

The Friendship League will hold their second meeting next Thursday at 10 am, and the theme for the gathering is a Halloween Party. Those attending are encouraged to dress up in a Halloween costume, but are not required to do so. Those planning to attend the meeting are asked to RSVP by emailing mbrown2@wesleylife.org, to ensure there are enough concessions available for everyone. 

Hear more about the Friendship League on today’s Let’s Talk Pella.