OTTAWA — A former Ottawan, Linda (Schwerdt-feger) Mussallem and her husband Mike have initiated a fund that will ensure the future of Ottawa Friendship House. They have committed to making annual gifts to the organization both during and after their lifetime.

As a result, the Board of Directors for Ottawa Friendship House passed a resolution establishing an endowment program. The board named the endowment program “Bob’s Friends” in honor of Linda’s brother, Bob Schwerdtfeger, who had Down syndrome and benefitted from the services provided by the agency for over 50 years of his life.