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Welcome to the House of Friendship, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting cultural understanding, friendship, and unity through various programs and events. Our mission is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds can come together to learn, grow, and celebrate our shared humanity.
Join us as we:
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Celebrate diverse cultural traditions and holidays, including Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, as well as festivals, events, and ceremonies from other countries.
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Offer educational classes and workshops for all ages, such as computer skills, stock trading, language learning (English, Farsi, Russian, etc.), calligraphy, instruction in various musical instruments, cooking and baking workshops, painting for kids and adults, puppet and theater workshops for kids and teens, sports classes (ping pong, table tennis, etc.), and social media training (Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, GPT, etc.).
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Host family-friendly events and competitions that foster fun, learning, and connection.
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Collaborate with local businesses to provide valuable resources and insights to our community.
Explore our website to learn more about our programs, events, and opportunities to get involved. We look forward to connecting with you and building a stronger, more united community together.
🌍 Celebrating Two Years of Community, Culture, and Growth
From February 2024 to May 2026, House of Friendship proudly organized a wide range of educational, cultural, social, and wellness programs designed to support and connect our community. Through workshops, cultural celebrations, youth programs, language classes, psychology sessions, literary events, and community gatherings, we worked to create meaningful opportunities for learning, growth, and friendship among people from diverse backgrounds.
This video offers a brief overview of some of our activities, achievements, and memorable moments over the past two years. We are grateful to all participants, volunteers, instructors, sponsors, and community members who have been part of this journey, and we look forward to continuing to grow together in the years ahead.
📌 Upcoming Events 📢
🌷Art & Cultural Creativity
Join us for an evening of creativity, culture, and community at our upcoming Art & Cultural Creativity event, organized by House of Friendship and supported by Enbridge.
This multicultural gathering will bring together people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate art, food, music, storytelling, and cultural traditions in a welcoming and family-friendly environment.
Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a Mediterranean cooking competition, explore a handicrafts exhibition, take part in a traditional music workshop and folk dance activities, and join interactive cultural storytelling sessions. The program is designed to encourage cultural exchange, creativity, and meaningful community connection.
The event is free and open to the public, and everyone is warmly invited to attend.
📅 Event Date: June 14, 2026
🕓 Time: Starting at 4:00 PM
📍 Location: 1109 Taos Trail, Raleigh, NC 27603
🎨House of Friendship Program Completion Report
We are pleased to announce the successful completion of our “Bridging Cultures Through Art and Wellness Workshops.” This program was made possible through the generous support of the J. Alex and Vivian G. Mull Foundation Charitable Fund, in partnership with the Community Foundation of Burke County.
✅4 hybrid sessions successfully conducted
🧠Expert-led discussions on mental health and wellness
🎨Hands-on art and creative activities
👥25–30 participants per session
📍Raleigh, NC — In-person and via Zoom
We sincerely thank our facilitators, volunteers, and all participants who contributed to making this program a success💛
Youth Culinary Leaders – Against Hunger
House of Friendship proudly hosted the Youth Culinary Leaders – Against Hunger event on April 26, 2026, bringing together youth and community members for a day of learning, creativity, and service.
This interactive and multicultural program was designed especially for youth ages 14 to 25, offering them the opportunity to develop practical life skills while contributing to a meaningful cause.
Throughout the event, participants took part in a variety of engaging activities, including cooking, baking, and learning how to properly package food for distribution to those in need. The program also featured creative and recreational elements, creating a balanced and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Event Highlights
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Zumba and group physical activities
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Introduction to folk art painting
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Hands-on cooking and food packaging for community support
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Baking and preparing a variety of sweets
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Games, competitions, and prize giveaways
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Community lunch with foods prepared during the event
The event also provided space for small businesses to connect with the community through free tables, further strengthening local engagement.
This gathering reflected House of Friendship’s mission to empower youth, foster community connection, and promote a spirit of giving and collaboration.
We thank everyone who participated and helped make this event a memorable and impactful experience.
#GYSD26
The Migration Narratives Workshop
The Migration Narratives Workshop explored personal stories, lived experiences, and the emotional, cultural, and social challenges of migration. Through meaningful reflection and storytelling, the workshop highlighted how migration shapes identity, belonging, and community across different backgrounds.
This workshop was structured into four distinct sections, each featuring a unique perspective from guest speakers who shared their journeys, insights, and professional reflections:
Hamerz Ghazni – Wing Chun Kung Fu Instructor
Dr. Hassan Mohammad Tehrani – Psychologist
Engineer Shoorash Ghadimi – Artist
Dr. Pasha Zamani – Educator
Each section provided a space to explore migration through a different lens—ranging from mental health and emotional resilience to artistic expression, education, and personal growth. Together, these perspectives offered a well-rounded understanding of the migrant experience and the diverse ways individuals adapt, contribute, and thrive.
The workshop encouraged thoughtful reflection, cultural exchange, and a deeper appreciation of the complexities surrounding migration narratives.
Psychology Workshop Series
Our Psychology Workshop Series, led by Dr. Salumeh Safayi and sponsored by Wake County, offers a supportive space to explore the emotional and mental challenges faced by migrants and individuals adapting to new environments.Through these sessions, participants learn how culture shapes our experiences of stress, anxiety, depression, and resilience.
👉For more details about each session and the recordings please visit the dedicated page here.
Shahnameh Reading Workshop Series
Our Shahnameh Reading Workshop Series, led by Dr. IranDokht Farokhi, invites participants to explore the timeless epic of The Shahnameh, uncovering its myths, moral lessons, and literary artistry.
So far, several sessions have been held, including the stories of King Jamshid’s downfall and Zahhak’s rise to power. Each session features verse readings, group discussions, and Q&A opportunities with Dr. Farokhi.
👉For more details about each session and the recordings please visit the dedicated page here
Job Hunting Workshop Series
Our three-part Job Hunting Workshop Series , led by Dr. Hamed Vahabi, is designed to help university graduates and professionals succeed in their career search.
Through practical, interactive sessions, participants have learned how to craft the perfect résumé, set financial expectations, and develop effective negotiation strategies.
👉For more details about each session and the recordings please visit the dedicated page here
🤝 Community Business & Professional Directory
Notice: House of Friendship Community Connections
House of Friendship supports small businesses and specialists in our community by offering them a chance to participate in our weekly "Community Connections: Business & Expertise Showcase." These sessions allow participants to talk about their business or expertise, and we publish the recordings on our YouTube channel and website.
Please note that House of Friendship does not verify the information shared and takes no responsibility for the accuracy or content of the statements made. Our aim is to provide a platform for community engagement, not to endorse or verify claims.
If you'd like to view all the small businesses we support, please click here.
Our Sponsors
