ABOUT THE FRIENDLY HOUSE

Friendly House creates a thriving community by connecting people of all ages and backgrounds through quality educational, recreational, and other life-sustaining services. Friendly House, a 21st-century settlement house, engages people to create a compassionate, equitable, and inclusive society. Friendly House is located in the heart of Northwest Portland and engages the community to support everyone.

Personal Development

We believe that each individual deserves opportunities for personal growth and enrichment.

Integrity

Our principles are guided by honesty and respect. We are dedicated to fairness, professionalism and fiscal responsibility in all that we do.

Compassion

We recognize the worth and dignity of each individual. We support and advocate for each other, our clients and community members.

Equity

We create an equitable and inclusive community. We challenge systems and behaviors that diminish humanity, and we celebrate cultural, economic and ideological diversity.

Reliability

People can count on us to provide a safe environment, competent staff and effective, high-quality programs.

Vitality

We are enthusiastic, proactive and innovative. We continually strive for success by supporting and inspiring each other to excel.

SHORT BIO OF MYA CHAMBERLAIN- GUEST SPEAKER

Mya Chamberlain is the executive director for the friendly house. Mya Chamberlin grew up in NW Portland where she attended Friendly House's Preschool in the 1970’s. Mya maintained her ties to the organization as a teen, where she worked as a volunteer, and returned to Friendly House in the mid-90's to work as a teacher in the after-school program. In 2004, Mya took a job as a case manager in the senior program, where she developed a passion for advocating for vulnerable populations and building inclusive community for all. Her commitment to, and passion for working with marginalized populations won her a promotion onto Friendly House’s Leadership Team where she took on oversight of all of the organization's social service programming, including services for older adults, houseless families, and Elder Pride Services. Under Mya's leadership, Elder Pride Services won local and national recognition for its innovative service model and was the first culturally specific program in the state to be awarded a government contract expressly for serving LGBTQ elders. Mya is eager to bring her understanding of neighborhood needs, and her passion for advocacy and community building into her role as the Executive Director of Friendly House.