History

Our History
Friendship Community Services, Inc. (FCS) began in 1996. Initially it was called “Friendship Academy” and offered adult education classes and was established as a 501(c)(3), non-profit service organization on March 6, 2000. The mission of this organization is to promote the development of a healthy family life through education.
With a focus on expanding educational access to families, FCS served as the launching pad for Friendship Academy of Fine Arts Charter School. Friendship Academy is nationally recognized as a Blue-Ribbon school and has operated for sixteen years providing quality instruction for youth in grades K-6.
A three-year grant from the State of Minnesota was awarded to FCS enhancing its ability to work with youth providing alcohol, tobacco, and drug prevention training. Other Youth Development Services offered included Eager to Learn Tutoring Program serving over 200 students, workshops for young job seekers and students, and the Summer Institute residential experience for boys 13-17 years old.
FCS has identified and responded to a need by offering Life Recovery Services through PACT II, which provides support services for previously incarcerated individuals and addicted persons in recovery. We have partnered with different agencies to provide referrals to those seeking employment, shelter and food. The leaders of Pact II maintain an outreach to the prison system to help incarcerated individuals prepare for release back into society.
Consistent with our mission, FCS has offered programs for making Healthy Life Choices: Faith Community Nurse, Financial Literacy, Health and Social Concerns, and Home buying workshops.
This organization, governed by a volunteer board of directors, continues to seek opportunities to develop and expand its outreach to equip families and communities for prosperous living.