Welcome HabCenter’s New Board of Director – Fareed “Freddy” Farraj!
HabCenter Boca Raton proudly welcomes Fareed “Freddy” Farraj to our Board of Directors. A U.S. military veteran, community leader, and successful business owner, Freddy lives by the belief that the strength of any community lies in those committed to serving it.
Freddy’s path has been defined by building genuine connections and creating lasting impact. Alongside his new role at HabCenter, he serves as a board member and trustee for the Coral Springs Community Chest, supporting local nonprofits that change lives. Recently nominated as President of the Kiwanis Club of Boca Raton, he also serves as President-Elect of the Coral Springs Rotary Club, where he helped found the Interact Club of Coral Springs – a youth leadership program that introduces students to the importance of community service, civic engagement, and leading with integrity. Freddy is also an active member of the Veterans Coalition of Coral Springs, championing initiatives that support veterans and foster unity.
A proud U.S. Army veteran and former parachute rigger, Freddy earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Florida Atlantic University. Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, and raised in Brooklyn, New York, he has proudly called South Florida home for many years. His entrepreneurial journey spans the check-cashing and food service industries to the founding of his current business, Elite Dream Realty, where he helps individuals, families, and businesses establish roots and thrive.
Freddy’s commitment to service extends far beyond his professional life. As a devoted husband to Monique Benitez-Farraj, a bank manager with First Horizon Bank, and a proud father in a blended family of seven, he understands the importance of stability, hard work, and integrity. In recent years, he has strengthened partnerships with organizations such as Lions Academy, HabCenter Boca Raton, and the Veterans Coalition, all with a clear mission: to connect people, programs, and opportunities that strengthen communities from the inside out.
We are honored to welcome Freddy’s leadership, vision, and passion for service to the HabCenter Board of Directors and look forward to the meaningful impact we will achieve together.
About the HabCenter:
HabCenter Boca Raton is a nonprofit organization that opened its doors in 1978 to equip adults with special needs with the knowledge, skills, and behavior needed to lead useful and productive lives with dignity, respect, and independence. HabCenter provides a safe, enriching environment to empower the spirit of those individuals it serves and encourage their unlimited potential. Essential programs the HabCenter offers are Social Services, and mental-wellness counseling, Developmental Training, Programs in Education, Art and Recreation (P.E.A.R.), and Vocational Training within HabCo Manufacturing and the HabCenter Plant Nursery that provide horticultural training. HabCenter also offers local businesses and universities partnership opportunities through HabCo Manufacturing, the Nursery and counseling, special education and occupational therapy internship programs. HabCenter also has a Supported Employment program, which provides competitive integrated employment (CIE) opportunities for clients who can work in the community by preparing them with the knowledge, skills and behaviors they need to be successful. To learn more, visit habcenter.org.