WE WILL MISS THEM GREATLY!

Perhaps the most difficult time of this pandemic has been the great loss experienced by everyone and what a challenge it has been to honor those who passed away during this time. Board of Trustees play a significant role in any non-profit organization; supporting their mission, vision, and values. We are very fortunate that we a have multi-faceted slate of trustees, giving much of their time and talent to Friendship House. At the end of 2020, we unfortunately lost two long-standing trustees and would like to take this opportunity to share a bit about them through the reflection of staff who worked very closely with them.

“At times like this, it is easy to believe in angels. Gloria’s passion and energy were unparalleled. She will be forever in our hearts and Friendship House will always be grateful for all the immeasurable, valuable work and tireless dedication she provided to Friendship House and all our members throughout the years”, said Margaret Lenino, Executive Director of Clinical Services.

Leonard J. Nicolosi, CEO reflected: “Gloria was an example of a parent who helped forge the support system for people with disabilities because it was non-existent other than institutions when her family found a need for our services so many years ago.” We were so happy to honor Gloria at our 2018 Wellness Walk for Mental Health and Autism. Not only to honor her years of service to Friendship House but also to celebrate her 97th Birthday.

Gloria always did everything for “the kids” as she used to say. We thank her for being the driving force in the Family Auxiliary and always making sure there were social events for the members over the years.

To sum up a sentiment from Leonard J. Nicolosi, CEO, about Joe: “A man with a big heart for the members who never stopped promoting Friendship House to those he was in contact with. He was a go-to board trustee because if there was a problem, he wanted to be part of the solution.” When Joe joined the board he brought with him many years of Food Services experience and was always available to lend his expertise to provide feedback on our catering services and food training program.

“Legacy” is an over-used word these days; it seems that everyone wants to have one – but with Joe Grattan, it’s true; he has left behind a very real legacy, which will affect the way we do things at Friendship House for a very long time to come. “On a personal level, every one of us who knew Joe and worked with him on various projects will remember him with great affection, admiration and knowledge. I had the privilege of working alongside Joe on the various committees he chaired, his expertise, professionalism and dedication to the agency was unyielding”, said John Cox, Executive Director of Operations and Strategic Development.

When all is said and done, however much you like your work, it’s the people that you meet performing your job who really matter. You don’t come across many individuals in life who leave a lasting impression. Both Gloria Hopf and Joe Grattan did just that and we will surely miss them.