About Us
509-402-9090
About Us
United Family Center envisions a future in which all children and youth, regardless of the complexity of their needs, living conditions, social-economic background, are connected to caring peers and have access to appropriate services and supports so they can be healthy, experience positive development, and live and thrive in their homes and communities. We believe it is our mission to leave this world a better place, and that starts in our communities.
“What should young people do with their lives today? Many things, obviously. But the most daring thing is to create stable communities in which the terrible disease of loneliness can be cured.”― Kurt Vonnegut
OUR MANAGING TEAM
Humberto Rodriguez, CEO
Every moment in life has lead you to where you are in this very moment. My name is Humberto Rodriguez and I am the CEO and Founder of United Family Center. First and foremost, I am a husband and father of six wonderful children. My professional experience ranges from Safety/Human Resource Manager to Staffing Agency Manager, from Chamber of Commerce Executive Director to City Council Member, from Restaurateur to Director of Operations. As a father, I have always been civically engaged and have a desire to leave the world a better place for my children. I am a firm believer that to accomplish this we must start at home. Our communities are our homes. The idea of United Family Center started with a dream of providing services to local children, youth, families at the simplest level and quickly grew, with the help of other professionals, to providing an array services that would be of greater impact to our communities. It is my desire to be the leading agent of change in our community. Our children, youth, and families deserve the opportunity and access to the services that we provide.
Sigifredo Zermeno, SUDP, Treatment Director
My name is Sigifredo Zermeno and I am the Substance Use Program Director at United Family Center. I have been involved in the recovery course of study for 20 years and have 14 years of experience in the Substance Use Disorder Department. As program Director, I am dedicated to helping individuals achieve their personal and recovery goals. I joined the UFC team because I have seen the need that exists in the Lower Yakima Valley for services that not only help individuals achieve abstinence, but also bring the family back together and recover from the impact of substance use disorders and self-destructive behaviors which perfectly aligns with the UFC mission. I hope to make a difference in the lives of many and move the Substance Use Disorder Program forward.
Sonya Brooklin, SUDP, LMHCA, Mental Health Services Director
Hello, I am Sonya Brooklin. I am licensed as a mental health counselor associate and a substance abuse dependency professional. I have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and in Sociology from Ashford University and a Master's degree in Chemical Dependency. I am very excited to be working with United Family Center. Our goal is to get needed services to all those who are in need of them; despite the challenging circumstances many people have in order to get these services. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are ready and willing to extend a helping hand. United Family Center offers a wide variety of useful and helpful services. If we do not have the services you are looking for, we are willing to help point you in the right direction.
Gloria Guizar, BHS, CPC, Operations Manager
Hello, I’m Gloria Guizar! I am the youngest person on the United Family Center team and serve as Operations Manager. I was raised in Grandview and then went off to pursue a Human Services degree at Western Washington University. In addition, to earning a bachelor’s degree in Human Services, I also completed a minor in Spanish & Education and Social Justice. These credentials have made it easy to establish myself in the UFC team. As Operations Manager, I hope to bridge UFC and all of the Lower Yakima Valley. I am committed to serving the kids, teens, and families of our communities and making sure that all their needs are met. As a daughter of farm workers, a first generation student, and a Latina I understand the struggles that are present in the Lower Yakima Valley which is why I’m so passionate about the work we will be doing here at UFC and look forward to working alongside my people to create a better tomorrow TOGETHER.
Alexa Jaime, BSW, CPC, Crisis & Suicide Prevention Specialist
My name is Alexa Jaime and I am honored to serve as the Crisis & Suicide Prevention Specialist at United Family Center. Growing up in Grandview, I noticed the lack of mental health services that serve the Lower Yakima Valley. Knowing that this was a drastic need in our community, I wanted to assist in pointing us in the right direction and was motivated to pursue a career in Social Work. I obtained my BSW from Eastern Washington University while also gaining a minor in Spanish and a certification in Suicide Assessment, Treatment, and Management. I have a passion for serving our vulnerable and under-served populations and I strive to build strong interpersonal relationships in order to help individuals transform and bring about lasting personal change. Through being a CPC and through UFC as a whole, I am committed in creating a safe atmosphere to explore awareness and affirm the unique gifts of individuals toward healing and wholeness.