Family Project
The Family Project works with families of children in HPAC programming to identify and reach their goals, helping build a supportive home environment for children.
Focused on helping Hunts Point families create household stability, the Family Project helps parents provide a nurturing, secure, and supportive environment that promotes the educational progress of their children. Throughout the week, parents can access free supportive services such as counseling services, housing support, and other referrals.
Families are also invited to participate in many ongoing activities, such as fall Health Buck Farmers’ Market walks, apple picking, community clean-ups, and other activities.
View our monthly Family Project Newsletter (Coming Soon)
Link to Spanish Version (Coming Soon)
For more Information
Case management and benefit services | Contact Dahiana lessard@hpac10474.org
Partnerships and community resources | Contact Shannon fasanella@hpac10474.org
Meet the Family Project Team!
Shannon Fasanella, LCSW, Social Worker
Fun fact: She’s allergic to the cold!
Shannon is a New York State–licensed clinical social worker who has been with HPAC since 2023. As part of the Family Project, she launched school-based mental health services at local schools, serving over 100 students, while also managing grants, overseeing a 20+ family caseload, and leading the education and supervision of social work interns. With nearly a decade of experience across education, foster care, and youth development, she has previously worked with City Year, Democracy Prep, The Fortune Society, and the Jewish Child Care Association. Shannon holds a BA in Literature from Emory University and a Master of Social Work from NYU. She enjoys reading, going to shows, and traveling.
For information regarding partnerships and community resources, contact Shannon.
Dahiana Lessard, Family Project Case Manager
Dahiana connects families with a variety of social services, including external counseling, health or legal services, food pantries, job centers, youth programs, and public assistance. At HPAC, Dahiana has worked as bookkeeper, administrative assistant, food coordinator, and early childhood assistant. As early childhood assistant, she helped run programs for children such as Play to Learn and Homework Help.
In 2008, Dahiana received vocational training through Year Up, focusing on information technology. She earned an internship at Google, and obtained her CompTIA A+ certification. Prior to that, Dahiana served in the U.S. Army as a human resources/administrative personnel specialist.
Dahiana is attending Bronx Community College pursuing a degree in human services.
For information regarding case management and benefit services, contact Dahiana.
Bianca Perez, MSW, Social Worker
Fun fact: Bianca has a playlist for every mood, and can turn any moment into a karaoke session!
Bianca carries the bold and compassionate energy that the Bronx raised her with into her youth- and family-centered work at HPAC. Her journey with the Hunts Point community began in 2021, when she provided mental health services at a local middle school and built meaningful connections that continue to shape her work. She brought that experience and dedication to HPAC in 2024, expanding her support for youth and families. As a New York State Licensed Master Social Worker, Bianca supports social work interns with task supervision. She believes in creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and genuinely valued. Off the clock, she’s playing cozy Nintendo Switch games, laughing with her nieces and nephews, and exploring hidden gems around the city.
For information regarding social work education and school-based services, contact Bianca.
