Friendship Community has announced Mary Ellen Farber as its new chief executive officer (CEO). Farber was scheduled to officially join Friendship Community on March 22, replacing Gwen Schuit, former CEO, who retired at the end of November 2021.

Farber holds an MBA and completed doctorate-level coursework in organizational leadership through Eastern University. She is also a licensed personal care administrator, assisted living administrator and nursing home administrator. She most recently served as CEO for more than 12 years at another faith-based, nonprofit organization whose mission is to serve individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Friendship Community is a faith-based organization cultivating capabilities of individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism in Lancaster and Lebanon counties since 1972. The organization offer an arts day program, a home-based services program, Lifesharing and 24 residential homes serving a total of over 150 individuals in the two counties.