Friendly Center President/CEO Kenia Hernandez Cueto, PhD (front) stands with her team (front to back) Director of Education & Workforce Development Jennifer Acuña, Director of Family & Community Development Jessica Ruelas and Director of Operations Steve Getman.

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Friendly Center

In 1924, a group of men from a multi-denominational Bible study group gathered to support impoverished farm workers in Orange County.  A century later, Friendly Center has evolved into the county’s oldest non-profit organization, continuing its mission of providing essential services to struggling families.

“This year marks our 100 anniversary, and I am thrilled to have joined the team during such a milestone year,” says new President/CEO Dr. Kenia Hernandez Cueto.

With a PhD in Education from Chapman University, Cueto brings a wealth of experience and a connection to the community she serves.

Friendly Center stands on three foundational pillars: Food and Basic Needs, Family Support and Education and Workforce Development.

“Our vision is to end the cycle of generational poverty in Orange County,” explains Cueto.

One of the Center’s most recent innovations is the Friendly Mart, a mini-market model developed in collaboration with Second Harvest Food Bank, States Logistics, private donors and volunteers.

“This model will allow our diverse community to shop with dignity versus a traditional food distribution,” Cueto says.

The organization has also partnered with local schools, colleges and the Workforce Development Board to align career technical education from kindergarten through college.  A new drone bootcamp is one example of how the Center is integrating modern skillsets and technology to bring awareness of new certificated programs and college and career opportunities.  The Center is reimagining tutoring for elementary and middle school students, offering enhanced support to build strong academic foundations.

In this May, 25, 1924 photo, a large crowd attended the dedication of Friendly Center’s original building.  The festivities included the wedding of Juan Diaz and Stella Robles.  The couple is pictured standing at the entrance.

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In a new partnership with the HiSET Equivalency Academy, the Center is launching free high school equivalency classes and exams in English and Spanish. Additionally, a new collaboration with CHOC will provide educational programs, mobile health services for children and pediatric support for after-school activities.

“Providing education is crucial for enabling our community members to secure jobs and achieve upward social mobility,” says Cueto, whose own journey includes being born to immigrant parents, who had limited access to education during childhood.

Friendly Center’s longevity is attributed to its strong community, ongoing contributions and robust partnerships with local churches, private donors and city officials.

“The collaboration with the City of Orange has been critical to the Center’s success,” says Cathy Seelig, who retired in 2023 after 25 years as the Center’s President/CEO.

Friendly Center will celebrate its 100-year journey at its annual gala on September 28 at the Nixon Library.

Looking ahead, Cueto is focused on aligning Friendly Center’s programs with the evolving needs of the local community and county.  “We aim to enter a new era of technology, teaching our parents and children how to adapt to innovations like AI,” she says.

Her vision is for Friendly Center to be a leading educational nonprofit within the City of Orange.  Volunteers and donors are welcome.

Friendly Center
147 West Rose Ave., Orange, CA 92867  /  714-771-5300