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About HACAN

HACAN Hispanics Against Child Abuse & Neglect is a nonprofit educational and advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening 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 community child abuse awareness and prevention.

 

Today, hundreds of families in Fairfax County benefit from HACAN’s diverse, culturally sensitive programs. HACAN’s programs operate along the continuum of family needs, beginning with young children, where life skills mentoring provides a positive role model; to teens seeking to find their voice constructively 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.

Our Staff

Below are the staff that support our mission and values in serving our community. 

Our Board Members

Board Members Anchor

Our Board members guide and continue the legacy of Carmen Fernandez.
Their passion and commitment to community service are inspiring. 

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  JOHN GRIGGS
  Treasurer                   

   Real Estate Agent, Avery Hess 

    Realtors                              

 

                 

 ROXANA MARTINEZ

 Secretary      
 

  Probation Counselor 

  Fairfax County Juvenile and 

  Domestic Relations  District 

  Court                          

 

                 

ALLIDA MOTTA            
President                      

Program Manager,

FIVE9                                 

 

                 

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JENNY PENAGOS
Board Member

  Associate Counsel 

  Department of Homeland

  Security                         

 

                 

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  MARISSA YZITA

  Board Member                      

   Welcome Center Counselor,

   Loudon  Country  Public

   Schools                     

 

                 

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  JOSE CASTILLO
  Board Member

    Vice President /  | Information

    Security Office, Old Dominion

     National Bank                                

 

                 

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 JIM BAKER
Board Member
                   

Administrative Officer Department of Human Services

 Arlington County                   

 

                 

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ANGELA ALDAVE
Advisory Board Member     

Manager Intercultural Engagement

 FCPS

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MARY O'DONNEL
Advisory Board      Member

CEO, MOD Arts

Our staff

Below are the staff that support our mission and values in serving our community.

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Executive Director

CARLA PAREDES

                   

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YANIRA GONZALEZ

                   

Parenting Program Educator

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LINDA CACERES

Program Coordinator Interim

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KATIA DEL HOZ

Program Facilator

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CANDIDA MEJIA

Program Facilator

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SANDRA CANCINO

Program Facilator

Our History

Our Founder, Carmen Fernandez
December 26, 1932 - September 17, 2021

Our founder, Carmen, has been a lifelong advocate for the underprivileged. Her journey began in her youth, ministering to impoverished families in La Lisa, a small rural town, and deepened during a faith-affirming mission trip to Mexico. After studying social work at the University of Havana, Carmen immigrated to the United States in 1960. She continued her education at George Mason University, balancing academics with family life alongside her husband, Jorge. Her passion for social work led her to obtain a Master’s degree from The Catholic University of America, culminating in a rewarding 25-year career with Arlington County’s Child Protective Services.

Here, Carmen recognized the unique challenges Spanish-speaking immigrants face in child protective services and the broader struggles of parenting in a new cultural landscape. In 1985, this insight and commitment to service inspired her to establish Hispanics Against Child Abuse and Neglect (HACAN). Her vision was clear: to fortify families, empower youth, and prevent child abuse through culturally aware education and advocacy. Under her leadership, HACAN has become a beacon of hope and support in the community.

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ABOUT US & CONTACT

HACAN, advocating for diverse families since 1985, focuses on child safety and family empowerment in Northern Virginia. Join us in building Strong Families and Strong Communities.

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REGISTERED CHARITY:

Combined Federal Campaign # 48301

United Way # 8719

HACAN is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization

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© 2024 HACAN. All Rights Reserved

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