Meet FSW's Newest Border Partner in the RGV Colonias: Caly Fernandez
Fellowship Southwest partners with a new organization in the Rio Grande Valley that focuses on serving the colonias, House of Love and Justice. So many of our border partners work on the Mexican side of the border, so we are thrilled to support the ministry of Caly Fernandez and join her in serving our neighbors on this side of the border in the colonias.
Elket Rodriguez, CBF Global Migration Advocate and FSW Immigration Specialist, wrote about Fernandez's new role as the executive director of the House of Love and Justice.
By Elket Rodríguez
Cali Fernandez Appointed Executive Director of the House of Love and Justice, Leading Efforts to Strengthen Families in South Texas Colonias
In a significant step forward for the mission to transform communities along the U.S.-Mexico border, the House of Love and Justice (HLJ) appointed Caly Fernandez as its new executive director. HLJ, a key ministry partner of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) and Fellowship Southwest, focuses on community transformation in the colonias of South Texas—rural, often underserved, unincorporated communities near the border that lack basic infrastructure and resources. Fernandez’s appointment marks a new chapter for the organization as it deepens its commitment to building stronger, more resilient families in these marginalized areas.
“I am honored to step into this role and continue the work of empowering families and communities in the colonias,” said Fernandez. “We are committed to listening to the needs of the people and working alongside them to build lasting solutions. I believe this is a transformative moment for both the House of Love and Justice and the communities we serve.”
One of the first major activities under Fernandez’s leadership took place in Colonia La Piñata, a “red zone” colonia in Donna, Texas. On August 6, 2024, HLJ partnered with CBF and conducted a listening session as part of the Strengthening Families initiative—a program designed to support families in the region by fostering stronger relationships and faith foundations.
The families shared their concerns, particularly regarding the challenges of raising teenagers in an age of pervasive social media, which is reshaping their cultural values and creating frustration. Other recurring issues were limited access to healthcare, education, and employment, as well as persistent food insecurity. Yet, despite these obstacles, families spoke of their resilience, relying on mutual support networks to navigate their daily lives. This listening session will help shape a curriculum focused on building family resilience, addressing the unique needs of each community.
Sue Smith, CBF field personnel, led the session alongside community health workers from HLJ in partnership with CBF Global Migration Advocate, Elket Rodriguez who lives in the Rio Grande Valley. “Fernandez’s appointment, along with her deep connections within the community, will significantly strengthen CBF and Fellowship Southwest’s network along the border and enhance our mission work with migrants,” said Rodriguez, President of the HLJ Board of Directors. “We’ve already started engaging with families in need through a focused approach, aiming to foster meaningful relationships and sustain a long-term commitment to the communities in the colonias.”
In that spirit, Fernandez has already made strides in supporting local ministries by providing 400 shirts to the Golan Ministries of Iglesia Bautista West Brownsville last week, another partner of Fellowship Southwest and CBF.
As the House of Love and Justice embarks on this new phase of leadership under Fernandez, the partnership between HLJ, CBF, and Fellowship Southwest offers renewed hope for community transformation in South Texas colonias. Through initiatives like Strengthening Families, they aim to address the pressing challenges faced by families while nurturing a foundation of faith and resilience.