Our History & 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.
Empowering Arizona Communities through Education and Human Services.
leadership team
Avein Saaty-Tafoya
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
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
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.
Mitchell Moore
Mitchell is a civic leader, Flinn-Brown Fellow, and experienced board member, contributing to organizations like Educare Arizona, Social Spin Foundation, and Phoenix Suns Charities 88. For 25 years he has worked at simplifying complex financial challenges, fostering innovation, and inspiring teams to achieve shared goals. Driven by a passion for sustainable growth, Mitchell combines strategic vision with operational excellence to create lasting impact for organizations and communities alike.
Board Of Directors
Michael Hulse
CHAIR
Big-D Heavy Industrial
Dr. Chad Gestson
VICE CHAIR
Northern Arizona University
Audrey Mertes
SECRETARY
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.
Kristyn Kozar, MAcc/CPA
NPO Accountants
Jillian Ladegard, PE
Worley Group Inc.
Nelson de los Santos
Office of Phoenix City Councilwoman Laura Pastor
Ali Torabi
Lawrence Semiconductor Research Lab
Bogdan Laza
Patriot Growth Insurance Services
Cynthia J. Aragon
Raza Development Fund