About Us

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OUR STORY

North Jersey Friendship House was established in 1964 by the Teaneck Chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women. Friendship House began as a storefront operation staffed by dedicated volunteers and continues to serve individuals with varying abilities. With headquarters in Hackensack, New Jersey, North Jersey Friendship House has grown into a multifaceted organization serving annually over 500 individuals in various locations exceeding 45,000 square feet of programing space, staffed by over 100 professionals.

North Jersey Friendship House offers diverse vocational rehabilitation and partial care programs, including clinical counseling, career counseling, work readiness and job search training. Pre‐vocational training is offered in building maintenance, food services, graphic design and production, and fulfillment services. When ready to take advantage of the opportunity to work in the community, we have a full time staff of professionals who can transition individuals to employment opportunities with supported employment services.

The Friendship House Adults with Autism Day Habilitation Program fills a vital need to provide our core programs to those individuals no longer served by school districts and seek to live productive lives in the community.

What We Do

Our programs strive to help members enhance their emotional growth and develop the skills necessary to function comfortably and productively in the community. Over the years, we have expanded business enterprises in product packaging & assembly, food services, graphics, and building management & janitorial services.

We Need Your Help

Read more about our volunteer opportunities and let us know how you would like to help.

Our Staff

Dinorah R. D’Auria, Psy.D.

Chief Executive Officer

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Cyndi Briones

Chief Financial Officer

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Joseph Angelosante

Executive Director of Operations & Strategic Development

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Jennifer Murrin, M.A.

Executive Director of Quality and Compliance

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Mala Spivack, M.A., CSW, LRC

Executive Director of Day and Community Services

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Kelly Fox, BA

Senior Director of Service Development

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Kathy English

Director of Special Events and Communications

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Peggy Himsl, MA, LPC, CRC

Director of Vocational Services

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Maria Rossi

Director of Human Resources and Training

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Board of Trustees

Chairperson

Kim A. Pulido, BS, EA

Trustee Emeritus

Joseph Rutch

Vice Chairperson

Donnalee Corrieri, MHA

Treasurer

Carla Noriega, MBA

Secretary

Trustees

David Bishop, MPA

Patti Murray, PhD

Elizabeth Rucci, M.A.

Diane Scriveri

Jason T. Shafron, Esq.

Honorary Trustees

Michael B. Kates, Esq.

Arnold Litt, Esq.

John McKendry, CFM

Hon. Charlotte Vandervalk