Famicos Foundation - About

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Famicos Foundation was born out of need in 1969 in response to the civil unrest, ensuing disinvestment and suburban flight that followed the race riots in July of 1966 in the Hough neighborhood. Sr. Henrietta Gorris, CSA moved to the Hough neighborhood to ensure that families’ most basic needs of food and shelter were being met. She soon offered education and training to residents looking to rebuild their homes and their spirit.

Left: Sr. Henrietta Gorris, CSA
Right: Dr. Robert Wolf

Sr. Henrietta was soon joined by Dr. Robert Wolf, a retired chemical engineer who served as the first volunteer executive director for what was then known as Family Cooperators. Dr. Wolf assisted Sr. Henrietta raise funds to continue their mission of safe, decent affordable housing and services and was instrumental in developing the Lease-Purchase home ownership model that is duplicated throughout the city today. Through their vision, Famicos has grown from a faith-based, volunteer organization in 1969 to a mature CDC with 12 Board of Directors and a full-time, professional staff of 38 and 5 part-time employees.

Today, our work remains the same – helping residents help themselves and their communities through the creation of affordable housing, leadership development, civic engagement and education.