Updates

Check out what’s happening at the Friendship Center! You can find community events, opportunities to serve, and general news right here!

Click here if you want to learn more about the Friendship Center Ministries.

Click here if you want to sign up for our Newsletter.

  • New Children Program

    Starting Thursday, November 16th, all children K-8th Grade are invited to Kids Zone from 5 to 7 pm every Thursday. Come for a free meal, activities, and bible devotionals. All children who attend are eligible for our Family Christmas Store.

  • Last Family Game Night of 2023
     

    Join us for our last Family Game Night of 2023 on Friday, December 15th, from 4 to 7 p.m. Typically, our Family Game Nights are on Saturdays, so please note the difference. Our Food Pantry, Clothing Closet, and Toiletries will be open. Starting in January 2024, each participant will be charged $3 per use.

  • Annual MLK Trunk-or-Treat Night
    Best Kids Costume wins a VR Head Set!!!! Adults are encouraged to dress up, but only a kid wins the Virtual Headset. Join us next Saturday from 4 to 6:30 p.m. for this free event for the public.
    1526 MLK Jr Pkwy in Des Moines.
  • School Year Programming
    Thursday, August 24th: After-School Kids Club begins from 3 to 4:15 pm. Parents, please register your child on this day. Kids Club will be every Tuesday and Thursday. Teen Youth Group will meet from 5:30 to 7:30 pm every Thursday. We need volunteers. If interested, please let us know.
  • Kids Zone Summer Program

    New in 2023, the Friendship Center will host a weekly “Kids Zone” from 5 to 8 pm. Children K-8th grade will come for activities, games, free dinner, and bible devotionals every week. In addition, groups from all over Iowa will visit the center weekly to teach life skills to children. First Family Church will be providing the meals all summer long. No pre-registration is required. They are starting June 1st through August 10th. For questions or to volunteer, please get in touch with Shelly at dotyshelly@hotmail.com.

  • Smoking BBQ Contest coming to the Friendship Center

    Each year at our MLK Block Party, the Friendship Center hosts its annual smoking bbq competition called “Smoke the Competition.” Teams all over Iowa come for a fun backyard fundraising event that benefits the MLK Community. Each year teams compete for prizes, points, and money to smoke their best ribs and chicken. Spots are limited, so please register from March 1st through June 30th.

  • Help us create a Christmas Blessing in 2022
    Parents of the MLK Community, Please mark your calendars for our first annual Family Christmas Store on Friday, December 16th, and Saturday, December 17th, from 6:30 to 8 pm. We are collecting wishlists from children, teens, and women who attend After-School Kids Club, Teen Youth Group, and Ladies Growth Group. You can purchase Christmas gifts from your child’s list at 80% off. Ministry Partners, If you wish to purchase Christmas gifts, please visit Amazon and search Friendship Center Christmas Wish lists 2022, starting Monday, November 14th. Presents can be bought and sent directly to the center if you wish. If you have any questions, please contact Joe & Shelly at ministry@friendshipcenterdsm.org.
  • Altoona Smiles Sponsors MLK Block Party
    The center would like to say thank you to Altoona Smiles, PC, located at 2575 1st Ave S, Altoona, IA 50009, for becoming a sponsor for our MLK Block Party on July 30th from 3 to 6:30 pm.
  • Follow us on Instagram
    Follow the Friendship Center on Instagram @friendship_centerdsm for all the exciting events and stories happening at the center.
  • New Clothing Closet Hours
    ***New Hours*** Every Family Game Night from 4 to 6:30 pm, the public is free to come through our Clothing Closet and pick up as many items as needed. We just received about 50 snow boots for children and got furniture and other household items from time to time. All are welcome to attend as much as you want. Volunteer Opportunity: If you would like to volunteer, please let Joe know at ministry@friendshipcenterdsm.org