Employment Source is thrilled to celebrate the opening of Friendship House Cottages. The cottages are an expansion of Friendship House Fayetteville, an intentional living community that offers affordable, integrated housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“Today, we officially open these doors and celebrate not just the completion of the beautiful new cottages, but the beginning of yet another new chapter in our community, defined by compassion, inclusion and opportunity, friendship. House's mission is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves a place to call home where dignity and independence are nurtured and each person is empowered to thrive,” remarked ServiceSource Board Member Weyher Dawson during the ceremony.
The Friendship House Fayetteville campus currently features three homes, each containing two apartment suites. The cottages offer the next phase of independent living for residents. They provide additional opportunities for individuals who need more time and support to build skills and grow their independence in a familiar setting.
“The evolution of Friendship House in our community has been extraordinary, and the success has been driven by the collective commitment of so many. Every late-night meeting, fundraising event and strategy to serve the community built the foundation on which these cottages stand,” remarked Chief Program Officer for ServiceSource Andrew Rind.
The cottages, constructed by local homebuilder Ben Stout Construction, each feature two bedrooms. One of the residents of the new cottages is Marina, and she took a moment to speak on her experience with Friendship House.
“My experience at Friendship House has given me many new opportunities for growth and connection. I've especially valued the friendships I've built and a chance to spend time with others who share activities, laughter and everyday experiences with me being part of such a supportive environment has taught me important life lessons, including the value of patience and the power of kindness,” shared Marina. “As I move into the cottage, what I hope to gain most is a sense of accomplishment and pride. As an adult on the autism spectrum, this step represents independence and success. I want to show not only to myself but to others that I am capable of living independently and managing new responsibilities.”
At center, Chancellor Darrell T. Allison and Juanette Council, Ed.D., vice chancellor for student affairs, cut the ribbon to celebrate the grand reopening of Fayetteville State University's newly renovated Spaulding Building, joined by campus leaders
FCEDC has officially moved its staff and operations to 611 W. Russell St. The 35,800- square-foot center was previously home to Homemakers Furniture and Interiors. Renovations began in the fall of 2025 and are expected to be completed in the next six to eight months. Currently, FCEDC staff are working within an open 7,500-square-foot floor plan as initial improvements progress.
Inset: Systel’s first corporate headquarters was a small rental house turned office on Fort Bragg Road in Fayetteville in 1981. Large photo: The company’s new corporate headquarters reflects years of growth into a multi-million dollar company that pr
