And what a festival it was! On Friday, September 29, 2023, an estimated 575 of our neighbors gathered and celebrated. It was a way for CpFH to say thank you to the community for its support; bringing together people from all walks of life, uniting to commemorate a quarter-century of dedicated service to the Hispanic community.
There was music, food, games, and the rich diversity of Hispanic cultural performances. Over 30 vendors greeted and engaged guests at the beautifully designed historical Pullen Park in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Centro para Familias Hispanas (CpFH), a program under Catholic Charities, has been a pillar of support and empowerment for Hispanic families in the Raleigh area since its inception in 1997. Founder Consuelo Kwee was on hand and shared the details of the program’s humble beginnings in a small room the size of a closet, with only a desk, a phone, and a chair. Now, from her current role at Catholic Charities as the Director of Immigration Legal Services, she looks back fondly at that time and is so proud to see how Centro para Familias Hispanas has grown and served the community.
CpFH Program Director Maty Ferrer Hoppmann shared, “I am so happy to be celebrating our 25th anniversary with the community. They are the reason for our existence, and we want to remind them that we are here for them. I also want to thank all our partners, donors, and volunteers for their commitment and support to our mission. Because of them, we have been able to positively impact over 250,000 individuals in North Carolina through CpFH”.
As the evening event came to a close, it was evident the 25th anniversary celebration was a reaffirmation of the organization’s commitment to empowering Hispanic families and celebrating their contributions to the community.
In a world where community support is more vital than ever, Centro para Familias Hispanas continues to shine as a beacon of hope and solidarity. Here’s to 25 years of making a difference, and to many more years of strengthening the bonds with and within the Hispanic community in Raleigh and beyond. To donate, volunteer, and learn more, visit CatholicCharitiesRaleigh.org/CpFH.
