A little bit of history...
HACAN Hispanics Against Child Abuse & Neglect is a nonprofit educational and advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening Hispanic / Latino families in Northern Virginia through parent education and out-of-school activities that serve and support youth. Founded in 1985, HACAN fosters strong family relations and promotes child abuse awareness and prevention in the community. Today, hundreds of families in Fairfax and Arlington counties benefit from HACAN’s diverse, culturally-sensitive programs.
HACAN’s programs operate along the continuum of family need, beginning with young children, where life skills mentoring provides a positive role model; to teens seeking to find their voice in a productive way through advocacy; to their parents who are seeking to support their children as they grow and confront issues that are common or specific to the culture a community in which they live.
Mission...
Is to strengthen families, empower youth, and prevent child abuse and neglect through culturally competent education, intervention, and community advocacy.
What are we doing...
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Helping children become future leaders by emphasizing respect, responsibility, and kindness as our core values.
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Providing youth with opportunities to achieve success through competent education.
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Fostering strong family relationships through parenting education.
ABOUT US
Board of Directors...
Marissa Yzita (President)
Welcome Center Counselor, Loudoun County Public School
Jenny Penados (Secretary)
Analyst, Department of Homeland Security
John Griggs (Treasurer)
Real State Agent, Avery Hess Realtors
Mary E. O’Donnell (Board Member)
Executive Director, MOD Arts
Ivette Monney (Board Member)
Housing & Real State Professional, Solutions Realty Group LLC
Roxana Martinez (Board Member)
Human Services, Department of Family Services
Rosalia Fajardo (Board Member)
Executive Director/CEO, Multicultural Family & Education Center
Yovanna Reiser (Board Member)
Business Consultant / Executive Chef
Seev Wexler (Board Member)
Chief Executive Officer, WEXLER Consulting Group
Allida Motta (Advisory Board Member)
Program Manager, FIVE9
Staff...
Carla Paredes, Executive Director
Carmen Fernandez, Former Executive Director and Founder
Amy Wollerton, Educator - Founder of Leer+
Manuel Alfaro, Youth Tutor - Art Teacher
Floridalma Chinchilla, Art & Craft Teacher