Why Friendly Center: Steve Getman’s Commitment to Purpose and Possibility
Steve Getman’s journey with Friendly Center began in early 2024, but his dedication to serving others spans far beyond that. Originally brought on to assist with marketing and digital support, Steve quickly stepped into a broader role when the organization identified deeper needs. What started as a simple offer to help soon became a meaningful, full-time mission.
Today, as Director of Operations, Steve oversees operations including marketing, events, fundraising, along with countless behind-the-scenes responsibilities that keep Friendly Center running smoothly. Whether managing logistics, sourcing resources, or solving unexpected challenges, he is often the first to raise his hand when something needs to get done.
One moment that deepened Steve’s personal connection to Friendly Center’s mission took place during a visit to the Buena Park location. He was there to help with a technical issue when he noticed a father waiting to receive diapers for his child. At first glance, the man appeared calm and put together. He was well-groomed, and Steve struck up a casual conversation with him. As they talked, Steve learned that the man had recently completed barber school and was now a licensed barber. He was eager to put his new skills to use and handed Steve a business card, offering him a haircut. Though Steve wasn’t able to take him up on the offer due to distance, the interaction stayed with him.
It was a reminder that many of the individuals seeking support from Friendly Center are not defined by their circumstances. They are people who are actively working toward a better life, taking steps forward even while facing serious challenges. This encounter put a human face to the organization’s mission and showed the resilience, pride, and quiet strength carried by those who come through Friendly Center’s doors.
Steve sees Friendly Center’s impact in layers. At the most visible level, the organization provides families with food, diapers, utility assistance, and basic needs. These are crucial for immediate relief. But just as important is the emotional and psychological lift that comes with knowing someone is there. That sense of stability, even briefly, creates space for people to look forward and imagine what comes next. Some may be ready to take bold steps, while others are simply trying to breathe. Either way, the support matters. In his role, Steve contributes to this impact in quiet but meaningful ways. He works hard to bring in supplies that others might overlook, like pet food, toys, and holiday items. These may not be essential in the traditional sense, but they bring comfort, dignity, and joy to families who need reminders that they are seen and cared for.
Among his favorite memories are the smiles he has witnessed at the Easter basket pickup and toy distribution events. Watching children light up with excitement reminds him why the work is worth every effort. These moments create joy and offer families a break from the stress they carry.
Stepping into this role did not come with a roadmap. There was no formal training, and much of the work had to be figured out alongside a new leadership team. It required adaptability, collaboration, and trust. Steve credits the strength of the team and a shared commitment to the mission for helping navigate the unknown.
He finds particular fulfillment in helping families discover possibilities they never imagined. The drone boot camp is one such example. The kids who participated came for the experience of flying drones and what they left with was a new awareness of career paths. Seeing their surprise and excitement when learning that drone pilots can earn a living wage opened a door that had previously felt out of reach.
When asked why Friendly Center matters to him, Steve doesn’t point to one program or initiative. Instead, he speaks to the deeper purpose that runs through it all, which is the opportunity to unlock human potential. Whether it’s a parent finding stability through basic needs assistance or a student discovering a new path through programs, Steve sees Friendly Center as a place where lives can shift. It’s not just about providing resources, but about opening doors to possibility, dignity, and lasting change.
Looking toward the future, Steve envisions Friendly Center maintaining its commitment to basic needs while expanding access to education, career exploration, and personal growth. Whether through internal programs or community partnerships, the goal is to help families build lasting stability and break cycles of poverty. He would also like to see Friendly Center integrate more technology to support staff. By automating repetitive tasks, more energy could be directed to programs and people. Although these types of investments can be difficult to fund, they have the power to increase efficiency and capacity across the organization.
For anyone considering a career in the nonprofit world, Steve’s advice is simple. Do it because your heart is in it. Serving others is not about personal gain. It is about waking up each day with the desire to make a difference. Without that drive, the work can feel heavy. With it, it becomes a calling.
Steve also reflects on what makes Friendly Center unique. The organization has deep roots in the communities it serves. It is known and trusted by those who need it most, even if its name is still unfamiliar to the wider public. This trust is powerful. It allows Friendly Center to meet people where they are and provide support that feels personal and genuine.
At its core, Friendly Center is defined by its people. Steve is surrounded by a team that shares his values and his sense of purpose. Leadership is made easier by the fact that everyone is pulling in the same direction. There is a collective desire to help, to listen, and to do what is right. To the community of donors, volunteers, and supporters, Steve offers sincere gratitude. The generosity is not just appreciated but essential. Every contribution makes a real difference. Families are helped, children are given new chances, and lives are changed. He hopes that supporters can feel the same impact he feels every day through this work.
Friendly Center continues to grow because people care enough to act. Whether offering time, resources, or encouragement, each gesture helps create a stronger, more hopeful future. This is why Friendly Center matters. And this is why Steve Getman shows up, again and again.