Empowering Community Members Since 1994
Enlace strives to amplify the voices of community members and ensure that their concerns, dreams, and aspirations are at the forefront of our endeavors
Inspiring Families To Transform Their Lives With Hope
Allow your genuine passions to guide your path in community work. Embrace the diversity within your community, appreciate its cultural tapestry, and stand resilient in the face of challenges. Your unyielding dedication and belief in the potential of others will be your greatest assets. By living in love for the community you serve and cultivating gratitude for the privilege of effecting positive change, you’ll not only find fulfillment in your mission but also inspire others to do the same.” Quote from the Executive Directo Frank Martinez Lopez.
Welcome to Enlace de Familias/Holyoke Family Network - Empowering Communities since 1994.
Founded in 1994, Enlace de Familias/Holyoke Family Network is a passionate grassroots non-profit organization based in the heart of Holyoke, Massachusetts. Our journey began nearly three decades ago, and since then, we've been dedicated to strengthening the community and empowering families to forge their futures with confidence and hope.
Our Evolving Commitment
At Enlace de Familias, we've never stood still. Over the years, we've evolved and expanded our services to meet the changing needs of the Holyoke community. Today, we continue to provide essential services such as:
● Food Assistance: Ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry. In times of crisis, we stand ready to respond, whether it's to the devastation of hurricanes, the ravages of fires, or other emergencies. Our community can count on us to provide support and resources during these challenging times. We believe in equitable opportunities and access for all. It is at the heart of our mission to ensure that every member of our community has an equal chance to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances. We are proud of our journey and our unwavering commitment to growth and adaptation. Enlace de Familias is more than an organization; it's a living testament to the power of community resilience and the spirit of continuous improvement.
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● Housing Support: Helping families find stable and secure housing.
● Youth Programming: Equipping the youth with tools, skills, and opportunities to thrive in a nurturing environment.
● Victim Services: Providing support and assistance to those in need, helping them navigate through challenging times.
● LGBTQ Safe Space: Offering a welcoming and supportive environment for LGBTQ individuals.
● Public School System Referrals: Connecting families with the resources they need within the education system.
● Wraparound Familie Services: Offering holistic support to families, addressing their unique challenges and aspirations.
Our Mission:
At the core of our mission is the desire to develop, lead, and promote organizing efforts in Holyoke and its neighboring cities. We believe that the residents of Holyoke, especially those in the most under-served communities, should be at the forefront of shaping their own destinies.
Our Vision:
Our Vision is to empower Holyoke's residents to become the driving force behind transformative changes in areas such as school reform and policies that affect them and their families. We envision a community where every voice is heard, every need is addressed, and every aspiration is realized.
Our History:
In 1994, Holyoke families, service providers, and other stakeholders formed a coalition to combat high rates of child abuse and school dropouts. After completing numerous projects (e.g., creating a charter school, establishing a resource center), the coalition completed a planning process in 2010 and became Holyoke Unites which continues today. Recognizing the immense needs of the community, the coalition established a nonprofit in 2000 called Enlace de Familias.
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Enlace’s mission is to lead and promote community organizing by helping residents, especially those in the lowest-income neighborhoods, guide the transformation of the situations and challenges that impact them. Enlace provides a family resource center, a welcome center for families migrating from Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, a LGBTQIA+ youth center, youth leadership programming, a Nurturing Fathers Program, People Empowering People training, the Managing and Parenting Program, Neuvo Camino for people impacted by violence, crisis response, information and resources, and much more. Enlace’s goal is to help people find the resources, information, and solutions they need to build healthy lives, healthy homes, and a healthy community. The 2,141 families served by Enlace in FY 2023 e annually live in or around downtown Holyoke, and most are Latino and low-income: 99% receive public assistance, MA Health, food stamps, and fuel assistance.
Join Us in Building a Brighter Future
Enlace de Familias/Holyoke Family Network invites you to be a part of our passionate journey.
Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant Holyoke where families thrive, communities unite and hope flourishes.
Explore our services, engage with our programs, and discover the power of community-driven change. Enlace de Familias is your partner in creating a brighter future for all.
Together, we strengthen Holyoke's community, one family at a time.