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About
Friendly House
Our Mission
Empowering Arizona Communities through Education and Human Services.
Launching Lives Further Since 1920
Our History and Who We Are
As one of Arizona’s pioneer social service agencies, Friendly House was first established in 1920 as part of a local initiative to assist immigrants in acquiring the citizenship, education and literacy skills necessary to acculturate into the United States. In 100+ years, Friendly House has evolved into a transformational multi-service non profit organization with wide-ranging programs aimed at addressing the pressing needs of our diverse community: Education, Workforce Development, Family Support, Basic Needs and Immigration.
Friendly House builds on America's identity as a nation of opportunity by promoting and advancing multiple strategies that enable individuals and families to fully enter and participate in the American way of life. Your support and investment in the transformational work of Friendly House enables us to not only continue but also expand our impact for the next 100 years.
Our Values
AGILITY
Evoking creative and innovative solutions in response to the ever-changing demands of modern times, we maintain our flexibility.
EXCELLENCE
Focusing on valuable results that hit the mark every time, we deliver best practices.
INTEGRITY
Earning trust in all we do, regardless of who is watching, we radiate authenticity through courage, honesty, and respectfulness in every situation.
OWNERSHIP
Leading with consistent accountability, we whole-heartedly assume responsibility for the full scope of our work.
UNITY
Demonstrating compassion and understanding, we work as a cohesive team toward our purpose and the goals of the diverse people we serve.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access
We respect and appreciate diversity of race, ethnicity, culture, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, socioeconomic background, family composition, education, and learning styles. We commit to the practice of equity to bring about a more “level playing field” and aim to provide an inclusive environment that respects diversity, embraces differences and fosters a sense of belonging for staff, clients, volunteers and community partners.
Our Leadership Team
Avein Saaty-Tafoya
CEO & PRESIDENT
Avein Saaty-Tafoya has more than 25 years of non-profit leadership experience, with a specific focus on providing integrated care to underrepresented populations. She has a proven track record in providing dynamic leadership, corporate governance and securing impactful funds.
Jose Vaquera
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Jose J. Vaquera, a native of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, immigrated to the United States along with his family in 1983. Upon graduating from high school in 1990, he enrolled at Arizona State University, majoring in History and graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in 1997.
Frank Lomeli
PRINCIPAL OF
ACADEMIA DEL PUEBLO
Frank Lomeli, a native of Arizona, grew up in the small agricultural community of Tolleson. After graduating from Tolleson Union High School, he went on to play college football at Glendale Community College, then onto Southern Utah University where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration.
Stacey Bittner
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Stacey Bittner brings over three decades of dedicated non-profit leadership in Finance and Accounting, spanning roles in Illinois and Arizona. She attended the University of Illinois at Chicago before graduating from Grand Canyon University with a major in Finance and Economics and a specialization in non-profit accounting.With extensive experience auditing non-profits, including Charter Schools, totaling over a decade, Stacey transitioned back to hands-on non-profit work seven years ago. Committed to community enrichment, she utilizes her wealth of expertise to drive impactful change and give back to society.