(Posted 2025 September)
DSVS and HACAN Join Forces to Support Immigrant Families
HACAN was founded in 1985 by Carmen Fernandez, an advocate for Hispanic immigrant families. In its 40-year existence, HACAN has expanded to become a nonprofit educational and advocacy organization that nurtures resilience and unity in families through education, advocacy, and support. Volunteer Voices recently sat down with Nathan Aguirre, HACAN board member, to talk about the organization’s partnership with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services. This is an excerpt from that conversation:
Volunteer Voices: Let’s talk about HACAN's background and mission?
Nathan Aguirre: HACAN was founded in 1985 by Carmen Fernandez, who was a dedicated advocate for Hispanic immigrant families. She realized the growing need for bilingual and bicultural services in Northern Virginia to advocate for the needs of immigrant families. She also recognized the importance of hiring bilingual staff. From that beginning, HACAN has grown into the nonprofit educational and advocacy organization it is today, focusing on child well-being and preventing child neglect. We also emphasize prevention through parent education and youth programs, always with a mission to build stronger families and a safer, connected community.
What does this mission and work look like in action?
Our mission comes alive through programs designed to prevent crises before they occur. We work with parents, children, and teens, guiding families toward services such as mental health support, community talks on topics like immigration, parenting, and health. It’s a safe space for talking and dialogue. Our programs include:
- A parent education program, which focuses on strengthening families, parenting with wisdom--providing parents with skills to build stronger families.
- Our childhood neglect and abuse prevention program connects victims with resources, training parents, community leaders, and professionals.
- The Morning Star Program is for third through seventh graders to support academic success.
- In the Star program, students are trained about advocacy, focusing on leadership development for middle and high school students. This helps students influence policy on racial and economic justice.
How does HACAN differ from other organizations that provide similar services to the Hispanic community?
Immigrant families often face a complex set of challenges, including language barriers, housing instability, and difficulty navigating the system. This can lead to isolation. We have a family-centered approach. We work from within the community, understanding and building trust. We don’t focus primarily on crisis. We focus on strengthening the family. It impacts the household, creating lasting change.
Talk to me about the partnership between HACAN and Fairfax County's Domestic and Sexual Violence Services division. When did this partnership start? Why partner?
We really value our collaboration with DSVS. It began in 2021 during the covid pandemic because as in-person events ceased, we saw rise in incidents of domestic violence. With DSVS, we created in-person support groups for survivors; youth workshops promoting healthy relationships and community campaigns about domestic violence and dating violence prevention. Our partnership is strengthened by combining resources and expertise. We’ve been able to address sensitive topics, reaching greater numbers of people.
What's the best thing about this partnership?
That we’ve been able to connect more and build back trust with the community, seeing that where they live is there for them, too.
Are there challenges to this partnership, and if so, what are they? How are we addressing them?
Developing Spanish-language materials. Stigma and fear. Normalizing conversation about domestic violence through community channels. Families have limited access to legal assistance. [We address these challenges by] providing personalized support.
What else should our audience know about HACAN and the work the organization does in the Fairfax County community?
HACAN is more than a service provider. We’re a trusted bridge between families and Fairfax County resources. We engage in community initiatives and campaigns that foster trust. Families can grow together. We develop community leaders—youth and adults--who can inspire trust and grow from within. We transform individuals’ lives. This leads to healthier generations. Our focus on prevention is also key. Another important thing: We have a lot of board members who have gone through HACAN’s programs and services and who come back as they’ve grown to share their testimony. That’s impressive. It’s huge. It gives me goosebumps.
Get more information about HACAN.