Who We Are?

Our Mission

The purpose of UnitePHX is to provide a hub for church congregations to come together with other believers at neighboring churches to fulfill the needs of the less fortunate in our community. By committing to a few hours a month on a Saturday, church members from multiple church families can visibly show the community that we stand united to love our city!

What the Bible says...

“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”  James 1:27

When we hear the word religion we often cringe, waiting to hear what follows. However, as James points out religion is an expression of our devotion to God. And to do that correctly you must take care of those in need and be set apart from the evils of this world. 

Love the Lord God with all of your heart, soul and mind and then love your neighbor as you love yourself. 

Our Core Values

Our desire is not to show good works. We live to reflect Jesus in all aspects of our lives. 

  • Serve Others
  • Connect the Body of Christ
  • Love Jesus, Love Our Neighbor

UnitePHX Board of Directors

Josh Weisbrod
Board Member

Pastor Josh Weisbrod is the Lead Pastor at Banner Church in Scottsdale, AZ. Josh, his wife Katie and two kids, Lucy and Henry have been attending UnitePHX with their church family for over 2 years. Banner Church is committed to their local community through programs such as "Love the Block" and "Kingdom Builders" in which it supports over 20 missionaries and organizations around the world. Josh, a Washington state native, has a passion for gardening and worship.

Danny Duarte
Treasurer/Board Member

Danny Duarte has been a volunteer at UnitePHX since it's inception in 2016 and joined the board of directors in 2019. He is married to Kelli Duarte and they have two beautiful children, Jonas and Mae. Danny works as an accountant for Ping golf and at most UnitePHX serve events you will find him and his wife greeting faithful volunteers at the welcome table.

Jimmy Watson
Chairman / Board Member

Jimmy Watson Sr. has been happily married to Tilly for 16 years. They have two beautiful children, Tilly and Junior. Jimmy is a successful entrepreneur here in Phoenix and joined as a board member in 2019. He had devoted much of his life to supporting those who's focus is on social justice and bringing Christ to those who don't yet know Him.

Jon Coughlin
Board Member

Jon and his wife Kristy have served with UnitePHX since it first started in September 2016. They have been married 21 years and have 3 amazing children - Rock, Shekinah and Mateo. Jon has over 20 years of cross cultural ministry experience. He has traveled through out North America, Eastern Europe, Asia, and Africa leading and participating in medical outreaches, counseling training seminars, children’s trauma care programs, construction projects, and evangelism. He has a B.A. in Sociology from Westmont College and an M.A. in Crosscultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. He has a passion for equipping and mobilizing followers of Jesus to serve the poor and brokenhearted around the world. Jon currently serves as President of City of Joy International.

Nicole Franke
Co-Founder / Secretary / Board Member

Nicole is married to her husband of 14 years, Stephen and they have 3 handsome boys together - Micah, Skylar and Madden. Nicole spends her days investing in 3rd graders at Garfield Elementary School in downtown Phoenix. Out of a passion to help those living on the streets, Nicole started Meira House in February 2015 to use her social media following to solicit donations including: food, blankets, shoes and toiletry items needed for those experiencing homelessness.

Robert Franke
Board Member

In December of 2019, Rob and his beautiful wife Sharon celebrated 40 years of marriage. Rob met Sharon while serving in Teen Challenge four decades ago. Rob lives his life as if it weren't his own. On Thursday and Saturday nights, Mr. Franke drives over an hour to Florence to share Jesus with 60+ inmates at a prison. Rob has led literally thousands of men to Christ over the years sharing a message of hope and value for those void of it. He is the father of Stephen, Timothy and Danielle Franke.

Steve Vogel
Board Member

Steve and Teri have been married for 31 years and have 4 children and 1 grandchild. They have been foster parents for 5 years and out of that experience Thrive Foster Prevention Reunification and Aged out was born. Steve served as CFO for the Dream Center in Phoenix, started Beyond the Game now led by his son Zach and supported his wife Teri as God moved her to start Thrive AZ here in Phoenix. Steve Vogel now serves as President of Thrive. If you are looking for Steve and Teri you will find them where the need is.

UnitePHX Director

Stephen Franke
Executive Director

God brought Stephen and his wife Nicole together in 2005. Over the years they were blessed with Micah, Skylar and Madden. Stephen graduated from Christ for the Nations in Dallas, TX with his degree in Theology. Working at Grand Canyon University since 2008, Stephen is an Admissions Director for the Traditional Campus located in Phoenix, AZ. He has served in church leadership and youth ministry and in 2016, God placed a wonderful burden on his and Nicole's heart to help those in the church come face-to-face with those in need. Stephen is honored to serve as the Executive Director of UnitePHX as well as sit on the Boards for 4 incredible Christ-Centered organizations in the valley.