About Friendship Program

The agency is CARF accredited in Adult Day Services, Case Management/Community Support, and Community Integration: Mental Health.

Image of Friendship Program building about Adult Day Care & Rehabilitation

About Us

Friendship Program, Inc. opened its doors in 1979 with assistance from the Sisters of Mercy to provide Adult Day Services to older adults in the North Omaha area. The Adult Day program is designed to support adults aged 55 and older living in the community as well as individuals younger than 55 who are in need of social, recreational, and leisure opportunities.

In 1985, the agency implemented Day Rehabilitation Services to provide mental health services to adults in Cass, Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy, and Washington counties. The program is designed for adults aged 19 and older, diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illnesses or a co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorder, to provide assistance and support on their recovery journey. The program strives to enhance each individuals’ knowledge of his or her mental health symptoms, develop daily living skills, engage in volunteer experiences, and more.

The agency began offering Community Support Services in 2001 as additional support services to adults in Cass, Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy, and Washington counties. Similar to Day Rehabilitation Services, the program is designed for adults aged 19 and older, diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illnesses or a co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorder, to provide assistance and support on their recovery journey. The program offers one on one opportunities for education and support in a variety of settings designed to assist an individual in setting and meeting his or her own personal goals.

In addition, Friendship Program, Inc. provides Peer Support Services, Health Services, Transportation Services, and meals. These additional services improve access to support and the overall health and well-being of each individual.

Our Name

The word “friendship”, chosen by participants in 1979, perfectly describes the Friendship Program, which offers care, compassion, and companionship to adults who may need assistance due to aging or mental health.

For more than 35 years the program has served the Omaha community providing care from the heart. All programs and services are designed for individuals living in the community who seek to achieve their life goals.

Funding

Primary funding sources for Friendship Program, Inc. services include State Behavioral Health Funds from Region 6 Behavioral Health Care, Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging, Nebraska Department of Education, Veterans Affairs, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Medicaid Managed Care (Heritage Health), and private pay.

It is the agency’s policy to work with individuals or families who might have problems with paying the full cost for the services provided. The agency’s fees are in no way intended to be a barrier to participants.

Additionally, as a non-profit the agency relies on donations from individuals, companies, and foundations to assist with gap coverage for services.

Mission

We are a community-based agency dedicated to providing quality services for adults with aging and/or mental health needs. We believe each individual can maximize his or her ability to live independently within the community.

Philosophy of Wellness

Friendship Program, Inc. is committed to promoting health and wellness. Service provision includes education and activities in the areas of physical fitness, nutrition, spirituality, mental health, socialization, recreation and leisure, and safety.

Our Board of Directors

Friendship Program, Inc. is governed by a Board of Directors selected from the community at large. Members of the Board of Directors are responsible for the overall governance of the agency, establishing the strategic purpose and direction of the agency, supervision of the Executive Director, fundraising planning and participation for the agency, representing the agency and its programs to stakeholders and the community, ensuring the financial health of the agency, ensuring effective performance of the agency’s programs, ensuring conformance to federal, state, local, and agency policies and procedures.