NourishPHX, a nonprofit in central Phoenix that serves vulnerable individuals, is marking its 40th year this year. Beth Fiorenza is the executive director.

Name: Beth Fiorenza

Age: seasoned nonprofit professional

Name/address/location of business: NourishPHX, 501 S. 9th Ave, Phoenix. www.nourishphx.org.

How long have you been in business? 2023 marks 40 years as an incorporated nonprofit organization, but we started in the ’60s.

Briefly describe your business/services offered: NourishPHX is the trusted community hub serving vulnerable individuals and families by offering resources to satisfy immediate needs (via food, clothing and hygiene resources) and to provide pathways to self-sufficiency (via our job and resource center).

What made you choose this line of work and why is it important or interesting to you? I have worked in social/human services since the beginning of my career and just love the way the community participates by helping others as well as all of our wonderful customers that I meet each day.

At the end of the day, what brings you the most joy or is the most rewarding aspect about your business? Putting a smile on someone’s face who may be experiencing a hardship or just lending an ear to listen to brighten someone’s day.

What separates you from your competition? NourishPHX started as a free food and clothing resource to the community and in the last few years has added classes and workshops. In addition, we invite other nonprofit organizations to our facility to create a central location for services near downtown Phoenix. Services include everything from free hair-cuts from ClipDart to pet services thanks to our partnership with the Arizona Humane Society.

What civic groups, clubs, organizations or causes do you or your business support and why? We are a nonprofit organization and we always need donations of non-perishable food, clothing and hygiene items as well as volunteers. Tours are welcome.

Where are you from? I was originally born in New Jersey, but came to Arizona in the early ’90s to attend ASU – Go Devils!

Anything interesting about yourself and your profession? NourishPHX works with local chefs to cooks healthy meals from a food box – check out our website and YouTube channels to view.