A A A Careers Events Questions? Call us. 515-573-2121 Living Options Rehabilitation Services Giving Well-Being About Us Home About Us History History A Rich History of Purpose, Belief and Success In the early 1920s, periodic efforts to create a “senior home” in Fort Dodge drew increasing support, but no funding. In 1946, incentives of 25 acres and $75,000 sparked grass roots fundraising, construction and the opening of what would ultimately become Friendship Haven. Dream No Little Dreams This phrase is quoted from the organization’s founder, Rev. Dr. Clarence Wesley Tompkins, a motivational and dynamic leader and Friendship Haven’s first executive director in 1947, a position which he held for 25 years. “Dream No Little Dreams” has been a guiding vision of Friendship Haven since its humble beginnings in a cow pasture more than 60 years ago. Land from the Fort Dodge Betterment Foundation, a lead gift from Mrs. O.M. Oleson, a brilliant leader Rev. Dr.Clarence Tompkins and tremendous community support made the dream for a senior home in Northwest Iowa a reality. 1950 Residents move into the East Building 1951 Friendship Haven Memorial Foundation is established 1955 Residents move into the West Building — Heritage Apartments 1959 Chapel on the Hill opens 1965 Dr. Tompkins’ dream of a geriatric health center becomes reality 1977 The first 11 of 52 town homes are occupied 1983 The Laura Epple Tompkins Special Care Unit for dementia opens 1987 The Herbert R/ Bennett Wellness Center opens for therapy 1996 Dr. Tompkins passes away on August 8. Introduction of Adult Day Services and Home Health Care 2000 Friendship Haven celebrates its 50th Anniversary — more than 5,000 residents since 1950. 2004 Building on the Dream Expansion project opens with completion of The Gardens Assisted Living, Celebration Center and Wellness/Aquatics Center 2005 Kenyon Place opens 2009 The Catalyst Rehabilitation Program launches 2010 Second Family offers in – home services and care management 2012 River Ridge Apartments opens to offer assisted living 2013 Simpson Health Center opens its doors 2013 Dedication of Tompkins Celebration Center, Tompkins Drive and Historical Display 2014 Schmoker Adult Days Services celebrates a free-standing building on campus 2017 Journeys at Friendship Haven opens the doors for enhanced memory care service About Us About Us History Careers Newsletter Blog Leadership on Fire Board of Directors Executive Team Program Directory Email a Resident FAQs Campus Map Code of Ethics Notice of Privacy Practices Schedule a Visit Join us for a personal, confidential tour. Schedule Today! Email-a-Resident Our residents really enjoy hearing from friends and family members. Send an Email! Living Options | Rehabilitation | Amenities | Make a Gift | Well Being | About Us | | Friendship Haven | 420 Kenyon Road | Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501 | 515.573.2121 Copyright © 2021 Friendship Haven. All rights reserved. Home | Contact Us | Careers | Privacy & Security | Legal Info | Email-a-Resident