City of Orange Proclaims April 8th as Friendly Center Day

ORANGE, CA (April 15, 2024) – On Monday, April 8th, Friendly Center hosted an event to honor the official proclamation of “Friendly Center Day” presented by the City of Orange’s, Mayor Pro Tem, Arianna Barrios at its Orange location – just two blocks from where the Cornerstone Laying Ceremony was held 100 years ago on April 8, 2024. 152 guests attended the event, including Orange County’s Fourth District Ambassador, Paulette Chaffee, and Executive Director of Orange Chamber of Commerce, Elizabeth Holloman. Guests enjoyed a delicious fish taco meal provided by Wing Lam, owner of Wahoo’s Fish Tacos.

Mark Richards, Friendly Center Board Member, opened with an introduction of newly appointed Friendly Center President/CEO, Kenia Cueto, Ph.D., to present a speech, and a beautiful land acknowledgement presented by Eagleman Housing Project, a Native American non-profit organization. Dr. Kenia Cueto canvassed Friendly Center’s humble beginnings to becoming a cornerstone of the community, and what an honor it has become to be a part of Friendly Center’s future. With renewed vigor and a commitment to progress, Friendly Center looks forward to expanding its reach and impact, particularly in the realms of Career and Technical Education (CTE) and workforce development programs.

District Representative for Congresswoman Young Kim, Sarah Mendoza, was in attendance, as well as District Director for Assembly Member Avelino Valencia, Tina Arias Miller. Sponsors for the evening included John and Cyndi Ganahl, who donated to have the building, located in the City of Orange, freshly painted for “Friendly Center Day.”

Friendly Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing a variety of free programs and services for low-income families and individuals in Orange County through its Community Resource Centers in Buena Park and Orange. Friendly Center offers a comprehensive one-stop shop for services in the areas of stability and skill-building to nurture self-sufficiency and prevent homelessness before it starts. Friendly Center’s work in the community is made possible through the help of its supporters. To learn more visit www.friendlycenter.org.

For media inquires or more information, please contact:

Mariah Martinez

PR & Marketing Manager, mariah@friendlycenter.org

714-771-5300 x114

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