MANSFIELD — The Friendly House has announced it’s taking the necessary steps about reopening the facility for summer programs.
There are numerous guidelines in place to serve as safety precautions in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of that, Friendly House could close at any time, depending on Ohio Department of Health measures and precautions.
“No one expected this to be our situation this summer, and we are hoping that opening these programs even in their small capacity, will help alleviate some of the stress on our families,” the organization stated in a press release. “We are grateful for your continued support of the Friendly House.”
— The Friendly House Preschool Program will re-open on June 8. Space is very limited. Parents of preschool children MUST be working and will need to provide employer documentation. Friendly House staff will call to verify employment. Preference will be given first to families that were already enrolled before Friendly House shut down on March 25.
— The Friendly House Summer Fun program and Happy Hollow Day Camp will be combined as one program and will be held at Happy Hollow beginning June 22. There will be no summer fun program at the Friendly House in 2020.
Capacity is a very limited and registration will be “first come first serve.” Cost is $100 per week/per child and financial assistance will be provided with the proper paperwork.
If you qualify for child care assistance through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), the Friendly House recommends that you contact your caseworker NOW in order to receive the benefit for Happy Hollow Day Camp as you will need proof of this information for enrollment.
Parents of enrolled campers must be working and will need to provide employer documentation. Friendly House staff will call to verify employment. Campers must be between the ages of 6-14 and have completed Kindergarten. Registration for Happy Hollow will be on June 10.
More information and details on these programs will be coming out in the next week. If you have any questions, please email contact@friendlyhouseonline.com.
As of May 27, the Friendly House Board of Managers and Executive Director, Terry Conard have made the following decisions:
— Hidden Hollow Resident Camp has been cancelled for the 2020 season. This decision was made on May 18.
— There will be no aquatic programs at the Friendly House during the summer. This includes swim lessons, water exercise, and lap swims.
Everyone at Friendly House understands that these decisions are not ideal for everyone but, at this time, these decisions will help keep the facility running.
