Foster Arizona Housing Project was established in 2018, as a sister organization to Foster Arizona, out of a desire to bridge the gap between kids in foster care and those transitioning out of foster care. With more than 800 youth transitioning out of Arizona’s foster care system annually, Arizona has a need for a safe place where young adults can practice interdependence with their community while gaining the necessary skills needed to successfully leave the Housing Program.
Foster Arizona Housing Project is a non-profit public charity with the mission to educate, empower, and encourage Arizonans to positively impact the lives of young adults transitioning out of foster care.
Our vision is that every young adult transitioning out of foster care will be empowered, supported, and have the opportunity to enrich their lives through intentional community connections.
What started in March 2018 as a pilot of four young adults has expanded to serve approximately 50 young adults annually, within its six unit, 26-bed transitional housing.
about
- Vince Lombardi
“It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.”
Favorite Quote:
Part owner and die-hard fan of the Green Bay Packers.
Something Quirky about Me:
I love spending time fishing, boating, and hiking.
What I Love to do:
Al Moore is retired from the Mesa Police Department where he specialized in child abuse investigations. Since retirement, Al continues to keep kids and young adults safe through his role as the Director of Security with Mesa Public School. He is the chairman of Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness as well as a founding board member for Foster Arizona and Foster Arizona Housing Project. Al has great joy spending time with his wife, Mae, three kids, and four grandkids; one whom has lived experience in foster care. He has a passion for seeing kids safe and allowing them to experience the normalcy of just being a kid.
Allen Moore
- Thomas à Kempis
“Wherever you go, there you are.”
Favorite Quote
Spending time with my grandkids
What I Love to Do:
Jack Keller is retired from the oil industry and enjoys spending his days investing in the lives of his family. He has been married over 40 years to Diana and, together, they have four kids and eleven grandkids. Jack joined the board of Foster Arizona and Foster Arizona Housing Project and uses his leadership experience to influence the growth of Foster Arizona. Jack is especially passionate about young adults aging out of foster care and has been integral in the launch of the Housing Program.
Jack Keller
- First Lady Laura Bush
"Leadership is not about popularity, it is about doing what is right."
Favorite Quote
I like pickled okra.
Something Quirky About Me:
My grandkids.
What I Find Amazing:
Cook, read, travel, and try new things
What I Love to Do:
Kathy feels privileged to serve on Foster Arizona's Board of Directors and to share her 25 years of experience in non-profit accounting. Kathy is married and has a daughter, son-in-law, and two adorable grandchildren.
Kathy Huizingh
-Winston Churchill
“We make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give.”
Favorite Quote:
I eat sandwiches and burgers in a circle-go around the edges and then eat the middle last.
Something Quirky About Me:
Make connections and collaborate with others, cook and try new recipes, run, Yoga, and watch guilty pleasure TV.
What I Love to Do:
Ashley Shick is Director of Communications; Public Affairs for Bashas’ Family of Stores – the family-owned grocer that operates Food City, AJ’s Fine Foods, Eddie’s Country Store, and both Bashas’ and Bashas’ Diné supermarkets. A seasoned communications professional whose career has been rooted in media and public relations, strategic community partnerships, marketing communications, and special events and promotions, Shick has held key marketing positions at a variety of esteemed organizations, including Meredith Corporation (KTVK/KPHO), Arizona Science Center and Kohl’s Department Stores.
In her role at Bashas’ Family of Stores, one of the largest employers in the state, Shick works to strengthen the company’s relationships, image and market share in one of the most competitive grocery markets in the country. No stranger to leading the strategic development and implementation of public affairs and communications initiatives, she leads public relations and promotional efforts, as well as integrated marketing projects to increase awareness and sales among Bashas’ diverse brands.
More specifically, Shick serves as company spokesperson and liaison to local, national and trade
media representatives; business and community leaders; elected officials and local municipalities; and representatives from local schools, churches and non-profit organizations. Further, her breadth of skills and depth of knowledge in community relations play a vital role in guiding and evolving Bashas’ deep-seated community involvement and service, which includes leading year-round fundraising initiatives, major events, sponsorships and in-kind TV partnerships. Shick earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Arizona State University.
ASHLEY SHICK
What I Love to Do:
Jim Beene currently serves as a Justice on the Arizona Supreme Court. In 1988, Jim moved to Arizona to attend law school at the University of Arizona. After graduation, he relocated to the Valley with his wife to begin his legal career. For the next 17 years, Jim practiced law, mainly as a prosecutor with various governmental agencies such as the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.
In 2009, Governor Jan Brewer appointed Jim to the Arizona Superior Court for Maricopa County. In this capacity, he served as a juvenile court judge for 4 years. It was during this time that Jim became very interested and invested in Arizona’s child welfare system. Because of his service as juvenile court judge, Jim often speaks to a wide array of groups in order raise awareness regarding the many and varied issues that confront Arizona’s children and their families while in the child welfare system. For his efforts in this field, in 2014, Jim was honored with the “Angel in Adoption” award by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, and in 2016, he received the “Champions for Children” award from the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Maricopa County.
In 2016, Governor Doug Ducey appointed Jim to the Arizona Court of Appeals and then in 2019, he was appointed to the Arizona Supreme Court.
Jim has been married to his wonderful and supportive wife for 33 years and they have two grown children who also live in the Phoenix-area.
I love to travel with my wife – to interesting places in the U.S. as well as around the world. I also love to spend time in the kitchen with my wife, family and friends, making and then enjoying good food.
Justice James Beene
-Michael J. Fox
“Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.”
Favorite Quote
Everything.
Something Quirky About Me:
Spend time with family, cooking, smoking, and brewing beer at home.
What I Love to Do:
Chris Lawler serves as the Originating Branch Manager with CrossCountry Mortgage. After starting as a receptionist, Chris rapidly rose through the ranks to work in the company’s insurance sales side, then on to work as a Loan Officer for five years. Following that, Chris created his own team, leading to his current role as VP and Branch Manager where he strives to create an environment based on teamwork, consistency, and building long-term relationships that help people achieve their dreams.
Away from work, Chris treasures time with his wife, Caitlin, and their four children — Olivia, Camden, Makena, and Ryland. Chris has personally been impacted by the realities of foster care and chooses to spend his time giving back to positively benefit those involved in foster care and adoption. He continues this mission through joining Foster Arizona’s board in 2022.
CHRIS LAWLER
“What can I do to help you?”
Favorite Quote:
World War II buff.
Something Quirky About Me:
Pretty much anything outdoors and traveling to third world countries.
What I Love to Do:
Thom Vehon has owned and run local Arizona business, MTV General Contractors, for over 40 years with over 50 years invested in the construction industry. He is the father of three sons, 2 daughters-in-law, and 10 grandkids. Thom has served on Central Christian Church’s Executive Board, Christian Care Foundation Board and is a founding board member of Foster Arizona and Foster Arizona Housing Project. Thom enjoys being active in his church and local community; especially in areas that positively impact the lives of children.
THOM VEHON
- theodore roosevelt
“It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.”
Favorite Quote:
I am obsessed with Rubio's mango fish tacos.
I am continually amazed by the community and how much people care.
Something Quirky About Me:
What I Find Amazing:
Go to the beach, read, hike, and anything that allows me to spend time with family
What I Love to Do:
Kimberly Vehon is the founder and CEO of Foster Arizona and Foster Arizona Housing Project. Kim’s personal mission has been to help positively impact lives within our community through the power of making connections. In 2018, Kimberly was honored with the Congressional Coalition on Adoption’s Angels in Adoption Award and local Woman of the Year Award for her positive impact she has made in the lives of kids in foster care. Kimberly has used her voice to advocate for families and children impacted by foster care through collaborating in the writing of legislation and advocacy in Arizona. Kimberly is passionate about helping children find loving families because she has experienced the personal joy that comes from being a foster/adoptive mom. Kimberly is a proud mom of seven children, 4 that experienced Arizona’s foster care system, and a grateful wife to an amazing husband that supports and encourages her to dream big and change the world.
Kim vehon
amanda.lasita@fosteraz.org
Director of Development & Communications
Amanda Lasita
nicole.schoch@fosteraz.org
Housing Engagement Director
NICOLE SCHOCH
our team
"Nothing is impossible. Even The word itself says, 'I'm possible.'"
Favorite Quote:
Watching a light switch click for someone. Seeing them realize they CAN and WILL get to where they're going.
What I Find Amazing:
Starting my day in the Word, watching the same movies over and over, reading, and puzzles!
What I Love to Do:
Nicole is the Housing Project Coordinator. At a young age, Nicole found out she was adopted and was able to foster a relationship with her biological family. She and her husband Ethan have 4 children and soon after, became a kinship placement for family members. This ignited a passion of pouring into and raising up the next generation of youth. Prior to Nicole joining Foster Arizona, she was a Youth Pastor where it became even more evident that working with at-risk kids and youth is what her calling is. Nicole enjoys reading, sports, concerts, and being anywhere her kids are! Which is more often than not, out on a sports field.
NICOLE SCHOCH
- Maya Angelou
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Favorite Quote:
Amanda is a fantasy football junkie and loves to run. She completed her first marathon in 2016.
Something Quirky About Me:
Amanda is the Development and Communications Officer and Consultant for Foster Arizona and Foster Arizona Housing Project. She has nearly fifteen years of communication, community relations, and fundraising experience in the corporate and non-profit sectors.
Amanda holds an MBA from Grand Canyon University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration—Marketing from the University of Nevada, Reno. She also has a Digital Marketing Certificate from Cornell University and a Nonprofit Management Certificate from Arizona State University.
Amanda was recognized as a Phoenix Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Recipient and a Phoenix Suns and National Bank of Arizona Amazing Women Award Recipient. Amanda resides in San Diego with her husband and son.
Travel, spend time with my family, run, volunteer, coffee obsessed, attend sporting events.
What I love to do:
Amanda Lasita
Volunteer Team Lead -Housing
JOHN KEANE
Volunteer Team Lead -Technology
Keith Eason
Volunteer Team Lead - Design
Brian Vehon
Volunteer Team Lead - Housing
Alexander Falkenstein
- Winston Churchill or someone else
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
Favorite Quote:
I collect original adidas tracksuits
Something Quirky About Me:
Beyond volunteering for amazing organizations like Foster Arizona, I spend my time serving as a board member at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northern and Central Arizona. I also enjoy gardening and growing tropical and rare fruit, practicing yoga and calisthenics, constantly learning more about finance/economics, reading interesting books, and eating delicious foods.
What I Love to Do:
Alexander Falkenstein is a Vice President at Northern Trust Bank where he works as an investment manager for high-net-worth families and institutions. Alexander loves to engage in the community in meaningful ways and connected with Foster Arizona through his participation in Valley Leadership Institute’s Class 40. Since then, he has become connected at a deeper level with young adults transitioning out of foster care as a financial mentor and Housing Lead Team member for Foster Arizona.
Alexander Falkenstein
- Mr Feeny, Boy Meets World
I enjoy Funko Pops, knick-knacks, and other nostalgic collectible stuff.
Something quirky about me:
I enjoy sports, hanging out with family, doing photography and getting to work on creative stuff.
What I love to do:
Brian Vehon has worked for MTV General Contractors for over 20 years; specializing in design, photography, and aerial video work. He attended ASU for construction and loves the process of buildings becoming a reality. He brings his creative eye and design skills to the volunteer work he does with Foster Arizona taking on the lead design role for all print and media pieces. Brian has been a part of Foster Arizona from day one and has become the swiss army knife of the organization, stepping into all things from lawn work to picking up mattresses for the young adults transitioning out of foster care.
Brian is passionate about making an impact in the lives of those who have experienced foster care because of his personal experiences. Brian has been married to Kim, founder of Foster Arizona, for almost 20 years and is dad to seven kids; four who were adopted out of Arizona’s foster care system. He has seen first-hand the challenges that come from trauma and believes that the solution is in engaging the community around us.
“Believe in yourselves. Dream. Try. Do good.”
Favorite quote:
Brian Vehon
- Egella Eason (My Mother)
“Be the best you can be, in everything you do.”
Favorite Quote:
Cooking is simply a chemistry experiment.
What I find Amazing:
Spend time with God, Family, watching and participating in sports, listening to music, family game nights, and quality time with Shannon.
What I Love to Do:
Keith Eason is married to his wonderful wife Shannon, and together they have 2 adult children. Keith has been volunteering and offering technical assistance for Foster Arizona and Foster Arizona Housing Project for 2 years. Together, Keith and Shannon also volunteer as CASA’s for Pinal County.
Keith is an avid music and sports lover, especially basketball and anything focused on the University of Michigan. Alongside his daughter, thay have recently started a Non-Profit basketball club which focuses on teaching fundamentals and "thinking the game" within the game of basketball to adolescents which provide valuable life lessons using a team sport.
Keith Eason
“Learn to love people for who they are and forgive them for who they are not.”
Favorite Quote:
The resiliency and generosity of the youth we serve.
What I find Amazing:
Serving foster youth aged 18+, lifting weights and hiking. John is slightly fanatical Red Sox and Celtics fan.
What I Love to Do:
Originally from Massachusetts, John spent 35 years in the commercial liability insurance industry with a specific expertise in nonprofit and directors and officers’ liability. He has been a CASA since 2017, and serves of the board of Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation. John is involved in four additional nonprofits, all focused on foster care youth.
John has been married to Jeni for 24 for years and has two daughters Samantha (23) and Jessica (21).
Keith Eason
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