Mission Statement

Our mission is to do the work of Jesus Christ, providing relief, respect, and renewal to Peoria's most vulnerable individuals and families.  Through the simple gesture of a free meal, a clean shirt, or a sage place to learn, Friendship House offers the hope of a new start to the least, the last, and the lost.

Friendship House 
Celebrating Over 50 Years of Service to Others in His Name

The ultimate goal: "We are a faith-based organization, but Friendship House is not based on the faith of those whom we serve, but rather on the faith of those who work here, those who volunteer here and those who support our work.  We strive to live God's love and to treat everyone who comes through our doors with caring, respect and dignity."

Incorporated in April of 1951, Friendship House began as a cooperative effort by the American Baptist Church and the local Council of Churches.  

Our first facility, a Quonset hut donated by Bradley University and dubbed "Operation Friendship House", generated community excitement and served as both missionary residence and recreation center.

The Friendship House Board took a leap of faith in 1957, securing the former Grace Presbyterian Church building at 800 NE Madison Avenue, acquiring ten times the amount of program space.  By 1963, Friendship House of Christian Service had grown to serve nearly 150 families and provide over 23,000 contacts. 

The partnership of this inner city ministry includes American Baptist, United Methodist Church, Disciples of Christ, the Presbytery of Peoria, and the Congregational-Christian Conference, providing the ecumenical base of support for the Friendship House programs which continues today.

Currently located at 800 NE Madison, Peoria Friendship House of Christian Service continues to offer programs to the community and minister to the needs of Northside individuals and families.

[Return to top of page]

Overview of Clientele

• Mothers and babies who need supplies and formula
• Children and teens who need tutoring, mentoring, and after-school care as well as a summer camp opportunity
• Individuals who want to gain computer skills or earn a GED
• Individuals transitioning into the workforce who may need an interview outfit, emotional support, basic job skills or a means of transportation
• Hispanic individuals who need bilingual assistance and education
• Seniors who need health and nutrition assistance as well as opportunities to socialize
• Families who need affordable clothing
• Families who want a neighborhood place to come together for fun and fellowship
• Neighborhood mothers, fathers and caregivers who want to discuss parenting issues
• Neighborhood organizations who need a meeting site
• Individuals on the verge of homelessness or who need emergency assistance for a prescription refill, rent, utilities, food, or clothing
  

Funding

The Peoria Friendship House of Christian Service is funded by the Heart of Illinois United Way, churches, individuals, grants/foundations, community support, and fund raisers.

We serve a community which is:
75%  - African-American
20%  - Caucasian
5%    -  Hispanic

80% of our service area consists of individuals caring for families with an average annual income below $10,000.00.

50% of the individuals receiving emergency assistance at Friendship House are functionally illiterate.

[Return to top of page]