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Liz Zelazo, Community Development Director
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O: (623) 932-4404, ext. 103February 5, 2017
Former Violence Prevention Leader at Governor’s Office Of Youth, Faith and Family
Myriah Mhoon Joins New Life Center as CEO
GOODYEAR, AZ –For the past 10 years, Myriah Mhoonhasdedicated her professional life to working withthe most vulnerable women and children in the state of Arizona.During her career, Mhoon has been a direct service provider as a social worker, but most recently, became a statewide leader working at the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family.Mhoon had the privilege of overseeing the Arizona Governor’s Commission to Prevent Violence Against Women. During her three-year tenure, Mhoon led the domestic violence awareness campaign, Lighting Arizona Purple.In 2016, she sat on Arizona’s Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit Task Force, guiding the Governor’s Office with recommendations to combat the backlog of rape kits in the state.
"I am very humbled and honored to be assuming the role of Chief ExecutiveOfficer at New Life Center,” said Mhoon. “New Life Center has a rich history that spans more than 25 years. I am excited to build upon this history and ensure this incredible organization continues to offer holistic, trauma-informed services that will best meet the unique and individual needs of domestic violence survivors.”
While at the Governor’s Office, Mhoon also administered grant dollars from the Office on Violence Against Women and theU.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
“Myriah’s experience in Women’s & Children’s Advocacy combined with her accomplishments in statewide policy, federal grant administration and community outreach directed to prevent violence against women has prepared her to lead New Life Center forward with competency, clarity and vision,” said Mike Weinstein, President of New Life Center’s Board of Directors. “We are thrilled Myriah has made the decision to lead New Life Center.”
Mhoonholds a degree in Human Services in Women’s Health from Prescott College. As a committed professional, mother and wife, Mhoon believes that all women and their children deserve to live in violent free homes and communities.
“Working with survivors takes a great deal of hardwork and dedication. I am grateful to New Life Center’s Board of Directors and staff for working tirelessly to further the organization’s mission to empower survivors escaping domestic violence,” said Mhoon. “Linda Volhein has done an incredible job leading New Life Center as its Interim Executive Director the last nine months. Her efforts were key during this important leadership transition at New Life Center. I am excited for the future and feel we are poised to expand our reach and impact in the field.”
New Life Center has been a comprehensive provider of domestic violence emergency shelter since its founding in 1991. Emergency shelter and outreach services are provided to more than 1,000children and adults fleeing domestic violence each year. More than 70% of New Life Center’s shelter population is under the age of 16. Programs at New Life Center empower families to live independent, violence-free lives and help survivors heal from the trauma of domestic violence.
For more information about the work of New Life Center, visit
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