Why Friendly Center? A Conversation with Vito Canuso III, Board Chair and Retired Intellectual Property Lawyer

Few individuals leave a mark that extends far beyond their actions, but Vito Canuso III is one of them. With an unwavering commitment to service and a vision that transforms communities, his work is a testament to the power of dedication and purpose.

For nearly nine years, Vito has been a guiding force on Friendly Center’s Board of Directors, serving as its Chair for the past five years. His journey with Friendly Center began with a simple desire to give back to the community in a meaningful way. What he found was not just an organization that helps families in need, but a place where real change happens.

Through his leadership, Vito has helped shape the vision for Friendly Center’s future, working alongside Dr. Kenia Cueto, Ph. D., CEO of Friendly Center, and a dedicated team committed to breaking the cycle of poverty. His story is one of service, passion, and belief in the power of community.

After semi-retiring from his legal career in 2015, Vito wanted to use his time and expertise to make a difference. A conversation with a former Friendly Center board member introduced him to the organization’s mission. It resonated with him immediately. “I joined the Board in June of 2016,” he recalls. “At first, I understood that although Friendly Center had a long history, we primarily served very local communities with wraparound services to help individuals and families rise above the poverty line or stay above it.”

But as the years passed, he began to see a greater need that extended beyond Friendly Center’s immediate reach. “I realized that there were so many more people who needed our services, and that we had the ability to grow,” he says. “The last few years have been spent on expanding our reach and making sure we serve as many families as possible.” That vision for growth is what continued to fuel his commitment.

One of the most important responsibilities of the board is ensuring that Dr. Cueto and her team have everything they need to serve the community effectively. “The board has a long history of supporting the CEO as she spearheads efforts to serve the community,” he explains. “Our role is to make sure she has the tools, the support, and the flexibility to adapt as needed.” Under Dr. Cueto’s leadership, Friendly Center has strengthened its programs and expanded its outreach, providing not only immediate assistance but also long-term solutions.

When asked about his rewarding experiences at Friendly Center, Vito does not hesitate. “One of the greatest joys has been the camaraderie among the board members,” he shares. “It has made serving on the board, and serving as its Chair, a tremendously rewarding experience. We are not just colleagues. We are friends, all united by the same mission.”

Another defining moment was Friendly Center’s 100th Anniversary Gala in September 2024, a milestone celebration that honored the organization’s century of service and its vision for the future.

“The energy in the room was incredible,” Vito recalls. “It was a powerful reminder of how much Friendly Center means to so many people. The overwhelming support from donors, community members, and longtime partners was truly moving.” The evening brough together supporters old and new, with stories of impact that highlighted the lives transformed through Friendly Center’s programs. The event was not just a celebration of the past but a commitment to the future, raising crucial funds to expand services and reach more families in need. “To see so many people come together with a shared passion for serving the community was deeply inspiring,” Vito says. “It reaffirmed the importance of our work and the promise of what is still possible.”

Even after nearly a decade, Vito’s dedication to Friendly Center has not wavered. If anything, it has only grown stronger. “We have had incredible success stories, but I know there are still so many people out there who need us,” he says. “That is what keeps me going. I want to make sure that Friendly Center is there for as many families as possible.” His engagement goes beyond board meetings. “At each board meeting, we do not just talk about finances and committee reports. We analyze our programs. We look at what is working, what needs to be improved, and how we can maximize our impact,” he explains.

One of the most valuable tools in keeping Friendly Center moving forward is its annual board retreat. “We set clear goals for where we want to be in one year, two years, and five years,” Vito says. “That helps keep everyone focused on growth and impact.”

For Vito, there is no single story that defines Friendly Center’s work. Instead, it is a collection of stories of lives transformed and families who found hope when they needed it most. “There is nothing more powerful than hearing firsthand from the people we have helped,” he says. “At our annual gala, we always highlight a member of the community who has benefited from Friendly Center’s programs. Every time, it reaffirms why we do what we do.” These stories are proof that Friendly Center is not just a place where people receive help. It is a place where they find hope, dignity, and a path forward.

As Friendly Center continues to grow, Vito envisions a future where no family in need is turned away.

“I see Friendly Center having several more family resource centers, each serving more and more people,” he says. “The board’s role will be to guide and support Dr. Cueto in increasing our fundraising and strengthening partnerships to bring that vision to life.” One area Vito hopes to improve is tracking long-term success stories. “Often, when an individual or family benefits from our programs, we do not always hear from them again,” he explains. “We are missing an opportunity to measure long-term impact and improve our services.”

Why Friendly Center?

When asked what “Why Friendly Center?” means to him, Vito’s answer is clear. “It means that we are not just another nonprofit providing services,” he says. “We are a place that offers families the tools and support they need to break free from poverty for good.” Friendly Center’s wraparound services approach is what makes it unique. “We do not just help with one issue. We look at the bigger picture,” he explains. “We help families stay above the poverty line by connecting them with multiple resources in one place. Our goal is to end generational poverty, and we are always asking ourselves how we can do better.” This is what drives him, along with Dr. Cueto and the board, to continuously push for more.

For those considering joining Friendly Center’s board, Vito offers one piece of advice. Be engaged. “Our board thrives on members who actively participate,” he says. “It is not just about writing a check. It is about getting involved, serving on committees, and being part of the decision-making process.”

Friendly Center’s work would not be possible without its supporters. “Although we rely on government grants, individual and corporate donations are what truly allow us to expand our reach,” Vito says. “To every donor, volunteer, and supporter, we are deeply grateful. You are instrumental in helping us break the cycle of poverty.”

With visionary leadership, a passionate board, and a community that believes in its mission, Friendly Center continues to change lives every day.