info@mycaf.org

USA

     

info@mycaf.org

About us

Centro de Apoyo Familiar (CAF) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to transforming communities through economic, social, and educational empowerment in collaboration with community and faith-based organizations. As a HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agency, CAF provides free educational workshops and a wide range of housing counseling services, including pre-purchase assistance, foreclosure prevention, and rental guidance. Founded in Massachusetts in 2006 and expanded to Maryland, Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, CAF’s Community Transformation Model offers comprehensive support through food distribution, environmental health and justice, workforce development, and housing opportunities. Serving over 55,000 low-income and immigrant families each year, CAF is committed to building stronger and more resilient communities.

Our Founders

WALKIRIA POOL

PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER

Walkiria Pool’s professional career includes over 15 years in community development and the housing service industry with a focus on affordable housing and asset development. She earned her MA Community Economic Development from Southern New Hampshire University and a graduate certificate in Women and Politics and Public Policy from the University of Massachusetts in Boston. As an undergraduate Ms. Pool earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts in Boston, majoring in Psychology and Sociology. Ms. Pool was responsible for developing and implementing the Project “Más a ti” for the National Council of La Raza, the first community-based financial institution for low-income families in the nation. Ms. Pool also served as Youth Program Director in the family Asset Building division of Lawrence Community Works and as an AmeriCorps Vista member at the Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation. She has served on several boards of directors and advisory committees of community-based organizations.

DAMARIS FRÍAS

CHIEF OF OPERATIONS AND CO-FOUNDER

Damaris Frias co-founded CAF. She is Executive director of CAF’s Lawrence, MA office and oversees The Connectors, a national capacity building program for clergy serving Latino churches that prepares them to serve as bridge between their congregations and their communities.

Mrs. Frias brings over 15 years of experience in the area of leadership development, management, and program development. She holds a BA in Psychology from University of Massachusetts at Boston and a MA in Mental Health with an specialty in children, youths and families from Southern New Hampshire University. Mrs. Frias has served at her local church as youth, children, and family minister director.

CAF Board Directory

NameKibsaim JimenezYaribeth  HartIluminada GomezEduardo CaceresGrey Jiménez-GaleasAna Vilma RodríguezNery Casanes
PositionChairTreasureSecretaryBoardBoardBoardBoard

NamePosition
Kibsaim JimenezChair
Yaribeth  HartTreasure
Iluminada GomezSecretary
Eduardo CaceresBoard
Grey Jiménez-GaleasBoard
Ana Vilma RodríguezBoard
Nery CasanesBoard

Our History

2006 – Massachusetts

CAF was founded in the state of Massachusetts.

2009 – Maryland

CAF expanded its operations to Maryland, increasing its reach and impact.

2017 – Virginia

Further growth led to the establishment of CAF in Virginia, strengthening its community support efforts.

2020 – Washington, D.C.

CAF extended its services to Washington, D.C., providing essential resources and programs.

2024 – Puerto Rico

CAF reached Puerto Rico, expanding its mission to serve and empower families in the Caribbe.

Empowering Families: Transforming Communities.

PRIVACY & SECURITY

Centro de Apoyo Familiar or Center for Assistance to Families (CAF) is committed to assuring the privacy of individuals and/or families who have contacted us for assistance. We realize that the concerns you bring to us are highly personal in nature. We assure you that all personal information shared orally and/or in writing will be managed within ethical and legal considerations.