ACT Lawrence isn’t just an organization; it’s a community of people who care deeply about Lawrence and its residents.
We were founded in 1996, born from the resilience of the Arlington District community after two significant crises: the Malden Mills fire and the Spicket River floods. These events devastated local housing and employment, inspiring residents to establish ACT Lawrence as a Latina-led, non-profit Community Development Corporation (CDC). Since then, we have been driven by a shared belief that everyone deserves stability, opportunity, and a voice in shaping their future.
Building Hope, One Step at a Time
What started as a small group of people determined to help their neighbors has grown into a citywide movement. ACT Lawrence began by addressing critical community needs like housing stability and financial education by offering programs that tackle each issue. Still, our impact has expanded with each year. By 2005, ACT expanded its programs citywide, providing support in both English and Spanish, from saving homes from foreclosure to helping families achieve their dreams of homeownership and guiding young people to become leaders to bring the community together for neighborhood cleanups and events.
Over the years, ACT Lawrence has evolved into a trusted leader in community development, empowering residents with tools to improve their quality of life.
Key Milestones and Achievements
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2006: Launched its Housing Counseling Program, which has since grown into the Financial Opportunity Center to provide tailored financial coaching.
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2017: Recognized as a finalist by the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network for excellence in collaboration—an award that mirrors the teamwork and trust we share with our community.
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2018: Honored as a Social Innovator by the Social Innovation Forum for its community impact by transforming financial empowerment into real, lasting change.
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2020: Secured significant grants from organizations like the Cummings Foundation, The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and The New Commonwealth Fund, fueling growth and capacity building.
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2024: Reached over 4,169 members through programs, services, and events, a testament to our growing impact.
Every Number Tells a Story
More Than a Mission, a Family
We are a small but mighty team, joined by hundreds of volunteers, local partners, and most importantly, the people of Lawrence themselves. Together, we don’t just work toward change; we live it. As we celebrate nearly three decades of service, we remain focused on our mission to empower families. We continue to build pathways to generational wealth, stable housing, and leadership opportunities. Our community's strength and heart inspire us daily, helping us transform challenges into stepping stones for a brighter future.
We’ve accomplished so much together, but our journey is far from over. We invite you to join us as we create a stronger, more inclusive, and hopeful community for generations to come.
Meet Our Team
Our team at ACT Lawrence INC. is a group of passionate individuals dedicated to delivering excellence in all our projects. With diverse backgrounds and expertise, we collaborate seamlessly to achieve outstanding results for our clients.
Executive Director
Erika Hernandez
email: Ehernandez@actlawrence.org
Our dynamic Executive Director, is
a first- generation immigrant deeply connected to the community we serve. Having faced housing insecurity in her upbringing, Erika's journey fuels her commitment to advocate for housing security and foreclosure prevention. With over
12 years of dedicated service, Erika
is a relentless champion of fair housing, enriched by her own experiences as a first-generation graduate school graduate. Erika's comprehensive understanding of landlord and tenant rights, coupled with her healing-centered approach, has guided project development prioritizing well- being and stability. Her impact is pivotal in steering our initiatives toward positive, sustainable housing relationships.
Youth and Family Financial Opportunity Program Manager
Issamar Herrera
email: Iherrera@actlawrence.org
As the driving force behind our Youth and Family Financial Opportunity Program, Issamar Herrera, a second-generation Latina, embodies the transformative power of education and homeownership. Breaking the cycle of poverty in her family, Issamar is dedicated to empowering youth and families through job skills training, financial literacy education, and counseling services. As a mother of three, Issamar extends her support beyond her own family, becoming a beacon of hope and guidance for the broader community, especially disconnected youth.
Financial and Housing Coordinator
Valerie Guava
email: Vguava@actlawrence.org
A first generation Dominican immigrant, brings a unique perspective as a Financial and Housing Counselor. Drawing from her own experiences, Valerie deeply understands the financial and housing challenges faced by our clients. Her commitment to helping clients reach homeownership and financial goals is unwavering, fueled by empathy and firsthand knowledge. Valerie's advocacy extends to the aging population, making her an indispensable asset in our pursuit of sustainable housing solutions.
Community Engagement Coordinator
Sarah Pachano
email: Spachano@actlawrence.org
She is a passionate leader dedicated to empowering the Lawrence community. Born in the Dominican Republic, she brings strength and service to her role at ACT Lawrence. As Community Engagement Coordinator, Sarah inspires participation in programs that drive growth and connection. A former advocate at her local community college, she successfully improved student transportation, showcasing her commitment to solving community challenges. Sarah’s dedication and leadership continue to make a lasting impact.
Executive Assistant
Jairy Cabrera
email: Jcabrera@actlawrence.org
The Executive Assistant at ACT Lawrence. A Dominican Latina raised in Lawrence, she brings a unique perspective and valuable experience to the team, having previously worked in the behavioral health field. Jairy excels in research and organization, contributing significantly to the smooth and efficient operations of the organization.
Housing Counselor
Genesis Peralta
email: Gperalta@actlawrence.org
A proud New Yorker raised in Lawrence to Dominican parents, plays a pivotal role as a Housing Counselor at ACT Lawrence. With a strong background in resource development, Genesis has been instrumental in establishing clear processes to ensure accurate and accessible data. Her expertise challenges the organization to analyze data effectively, enabling the creation of programs and services that address the needs of members and the broader community. Genesis’s commitment to innovation and impact is helping ACT Lawrence drive meaningful change.
Outreach and Engagement Administrative Assistant
Freddy Espejo
email: Fespejo@actlawrence.org
Despite being in the United States for less than a year, Freddy Espejo has made a significant impact as our Outreach and Engagement Administrative Assistant. Hailing from the Dominican Republic, Freddy's diverse background and trade certifications bring a fresh perspective to coordinating activities within the ACT network. Freddy's ability to connect with the Lawrence community underscores his dedication to the role.
Youth Success and Engagement Counselor
Shakira Asuncion
email: Sasuncion@actlawrence.org
A second-generation Dominican woman, Shakira Asuncion is a vital component of our Youth Success and Engagement initiatives. Fresh from graduating with a double major, her goal is to work within the youth judicial system as a judge. Shakira's individual experiences and educational background equip her to champion youth programs, foster financial independence, and drive positive social change. Her unique perspective enriches her approach, allowing her to connect on a deeper level with the youth in our community.
Office Assistant
Arianny Suero
email: Asuero@actlawrence.org
A second-generation Dominican woman pursuing a medical degree, Arianny Suero actively supports our programs as an Office Assistant. Inspired by her parents' resilience as small business owners during the pandemic, Arianny's dedication extends to event outreach, planning, and activities, bridging the gap between community needs and our services. Arianny's journey exemplifies the community's resilience and the potential for positive change.
