top of page

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

Авен Саати-Тафоя

CEO & PRESIDENT

Avein.jpg

Авейн Саати-Тафоя имеет более чем 25-летний опыт руководства некоммерческими организациями, уделяя особое внимание оказанию комплексной помощи недостаточно представленным группам населения.  У нее есть проверенный опыт в обеспечении динамичного лидерства, корпоративного управления и обеспечении эффективного финансирования. 

Jose Vaquera

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Jose Vaquera, Director of Youth Services

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.jpg

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.

Board Of Directors 

Michael Hulse

CHAIR

BIG-D HEAVY INDUSTRIAL
 

Tanya Muniz

TREASURER

VALLEY OF THE SUN UNITED WAY

Dr. Chad Gestson

-

NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY

Dr. Kamal Sumar

-

NORTH CENTRAL ARIZONA ACCOUNTABLE HEALTH

Ali Torabi

VICE CHAIR

LAWERENCE SEMICONDUCTOR RESEARCH LAB

Dan Coumides

-

GUST ROSENFELD, P.L.C.

Tony Lopez

-

RAZA DEVELOPMENT FUND

Ana Roscetti

-

VITALYST HEALTH FOUNDATION
 

Dr. Monica Castaneda

SECRETARY

GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
 

Elma Bolic

-

COMERICA BANK

Nelson de los Santos

-

SOUTHWEST GAS

Audrey Mertes

-

FREEPORT-MCMORAN, INC.
 

bottom of page