Dear Friends,

I moved to this beautiful campus 24 years ago, when I was 68. The first 22 years were spent in a 3-bedroom cottage. Now, I live in an apartment just steps down the hall from our meeting spaces and dining room. I love being a short walk away from socials, movie nights, and the beauty shop.

I have watched Friends House change, grow, and expand over the years. Somehow, our community has managed to keep its spirit – friends helping friends.

I am especially happy to be a donor supporting our Transportation and Caring Funds. The Transportation Fund helps pay for our small fleet of buses, vans and an electric GEM vehicle. Our 14-seater van with a wheelchair lift gives me and other friends mobility again, ensuring we can go with groups on tours, to the Olney Theater, and have all sorts of fun together. My favorite expedition is the “Lunch Bunch.” Each month, I gather a group of friends together to go to a restaurant nearby. We have fun eating and talking and occasionally having a drink. (After all, I’m not driving!)

The Caring Fund is also one of my favorite funds to support. I have contributed to it during each of the 24 years I have been at Friends House. This fund helps residents who have an unexpected need beyond their resources or maybe those who may have outlived their nest egg. I like helping my friends, and supporting this fund helps me do just that.

My time here has been a joy. There are many committees and activities to participate in. I have enjoyed flower arranging for the entrance and common spaces in our main building. For the past 10 years, I have often picked flowers from the garden and arranged them for all to see.

When any of my 4 children visit, we stroll through the garden or spend time with other residents eating in the dining room. Jason is a wonderful chef. My adopted daughter, Jana, has shared her Apache heritage with many of the residents. Last year, we even hosted a small Powwow.

In Friendship,

Nancy McIntyre, For Community Philanthropy