Te connections between Friendship Community and Landis Homes, as well as across Landis Communities, continue to this day. While most of the individuals of Friendship now live in community home settings throughout the Lancaster and Lebanon counties, its offices and some day programming are still just across the wetlands. In addition, the Friendship Heart Gallery and Studio is located on the first floor in the Steeple View Lofts building,


another part of Landis Communities in downtown Lancaster. Teir art hangs in several places at Landis Homes and the artisans have exhibited their work at two Landis Homes Art Shows over the years.


After moves to Georgia and Florida, God called Emory and Idella to continue serving people with mental health concerns. Tis path brought them back to Pennsylvania where Emory began to work at what is now WellSpan Philhaven, while Idella served as a school nurse. Tey again felt strongly called to give their time and energy to people in need of a healing community. Branching out, Idella developed a ministry to mom’s groups and the couple began leading Mennonite & Brethren Marriage Encounters, an organization with whom they still volunteer.


When it came time to downsize and sell their home in Neffsville, they knew they wanted to come to Landis Homes. It felt like a wonderful curve in their path, bringing them back to a place they had known so well. Emory says, “One of the most priceless aspects here is the sense of community. We look out for each other and get to know the joys and sorrows of our neighbors.” Idella remarks, “We had no clue that simply creating a flower garden in front of our apartment would create a bridge to folks on campus. What would usually take us one day of planting flowers, took two, as folks stopped to say “Hello” and introduce themselves. Our flower garden continues to be a delightful link to the people around us.”


Friends who have not yet experienced life at Landis Homes, sometimes ask, “Don’t you feel isolated in a retirement community during the COVID shutdown?” We reply, “No. We’re not isolated. We’re wrapped in the blanket of a caring community. We loved our previous home but we are so grateful that we are here, ‘for such a time as this!’”


Friendship Community, a neighbor to Landis Homes, is a faith-based


organization cultivating capabilities of Individuals with Intellectual Disability and Autism in Lancaster and Lebanon Counties since 1972. With day


programming, a home-based services program, Lifesharing and 26 residential homes serving over 200 individuals in the two counties, Friendship Community continues its vital work every day to Impact the World with Capabilities.


Landis.org | FLOURISH | Spring 2021 • 19


Enriching


Lives, Together


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