Jordan and Joelle Hernandez 
In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, The Montclair Girl is celebrating the Latinx community by providing a list of resources made for and by the Latinx community here in Essex County and northern New Jersey. Many of the associations provide support for people of all backgrounds, with a particular focus on Latinx individuals. Read on to learn more about these organizations and ways to utilize their services or even donate in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Association of Latino Professionals for America | Northern New Jersey
For over 15 years, this organization has been serving professionals who identify as Hispanic throughout the state of New Jersey. Through networking events and other opportunities, this community offers support in areas such as capital resources, professional development, human resources, business development, diversity branding, and more. With thousands of members, both professionals and students, ALPFA is the group to join when looking to advance in a career. Check out the organization’s upcoming virtual events and ways to benefit from this group here.
Read More: Organizations + Non-Profits to Give Back to in Montclair
Latinos of Montclair | Montclair, New Jersey
Latinos of Montclair is a group that started with a clear mission: to unite the Latinx community in the Montclair area. It began with a group of six Latino Montclair residents who spanned across three generations and realized that the Montclair area needed “to build greater cultural understanding” when it came to the Latinx community, per the website. The group aims to promote inclusivity, “especially those of multi-ethnic and multi-racial backgrounds, while highlighting Latino culture from El Barrio to Calle Ocho to Patagonia to Rio de Janeiro to Quito and everywhere in between,” the mission statement reads. Latinos of Montclair is a certified 501(c)(3) organization and is completely run by unpaid volunteers.
Latino Mental Health Association of New Jersey | Montclair, New Jersey
Right before the turn of the century, this organization committed itself to addressing the needs of the Latinx community here in New Jersey. Since that time, the organization has supported both mental health professionals and the Latinx community at large through training, treatment, mentorship, advocacy work, and the development of resources. Anyone interested in learning more about its services or looking to donate can visit the website here.
National Association of Hispanic Nurses New Jersey | North Bergen, New Jersey
“Familia” is a word used to describe the connections made through this North Jersey-based organization. As the name suggests, this chapter is dedicated to the recruitment and retention of nurses who identify as Hispanic. Beyond the nursing profession, the organization engages in projects and service missions such as bicycle donations during its National Night Out event in West New York and annual scholarship dinners for deserving nursing students. For career opportunities, donation links, resources, and events, visit its Facebook page here.
National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals | Northern New Jersey Chapter
This national organization has made itself available to real estate agents in various areas of the country. Its North Jersey chapter is dedicated to championing homeownership for Latinx individuals in this region. Thanks to the Board of Directors, community events that support both homeowners and Hispanic real estate professionals are available. Information on the organization’s mission and upcoming events can be found via the website.
Puerto Rican Association for Human Development | Perth Amboy, New Jersey
Often referred to as “PRAHD,” this community organization was founded and gained 501(c)(3) status in 1974. Since its inception, PRAHD has worked to ensure the success and advancement of those in need and has provided necessary human services to thousands throughout Middlesex, Union, and Hudson Counties. To learn about its work and services from education to housing to personal development and more, visit the site.
Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce | Lyndhurst, New Jersey
When business leaders saw the lack of mentorship and training available for Hispanic business owners over 28 years ago, this non-profit was formed. For over 28 years, the SHCC has been the voice of nearly 120,000 Hispanic-owned businesses in New Jersey. A full list of events, ways to support, and events can be found here.
Other Local Non-Profits That Support Latinx Community + Beyond
Advocates for Children New Jersey | 35 Halsey Street #2, Newark
Advocates for Children New Jersey (ACNJ) works to help children thrive. They are aware that children cannot vote, have no political influence, and cannot communicate with state leaders. That’s where ACNJ steps in. The Newark-based group works with local, state, and federal figures and leaders to create change to benefit the children of New Jersey. Learn more here.
CASA for Children of Essex County | 212 Washington Street, Room 912, Newark
CASA for Children of Essex County specializes in serving children placed in foster care. CASA, aka “Court Appointed Special Advocates,” helps children find safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible. CASA’s values are rooted in believing that children in foster care deserve equal opportunities to thrive. Learn more here.
Human Needs Food Pantry | 9 Label Street, Montclair
In New Jersey alone, over 1.1 million people are food insecure. The Human Needs Pantry has been able to add over 1,000 additional homes to service during this time of need. With the help of generous donors and volunteers, residents in need in Montclair and neighboring Essex County towns are able to pick up food or have a home-delivery grocery service. Close to 3,000 groceries are donated weekly throughout the area. Learn more here.
Jersey Cares | 290 West Mount Pleasant Avenue Suite #1320, Livingston
Jersey Cares is on a mission to increase the level of volunteer involvement in the state of New Jersey. Since 1993, this organization has been dedicated to the community to partner with volunteers from all areas. From environmental conservation to education, and more, Jersey Cares can provide opportunities in various areas of interest. Learn more here.
Junior League of Montclair-Newark | 40 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
The true lifeline behind any organization, non-profit, or association is the volunteers. The Junior League of Montclair-Newark works to help develop and cultivate volunteerism amongst women in the community. The group of volunteers that is formed through this organization promotes education, health, wellness, literacy, and arts for children. Learn more here.
Keep Creating Art Wellness Center | 408 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
This nonprofit art center is dedicated to the inclusiveness and acceptance of all individuals, regardless of their abilities and levels of experience. The spot hosts various art classes and workshops for both children and adults. Learn more here.
Mental Health Association of Essex + Morris | 33 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
Mental health is often highly stigmatized in society and the media. The Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris is working to reverse this stigma and provide support to those living with mental illness, as well as their caregivers. Through advocacy, education, prevention, early intervention, treatment, and services, the organization is working to achieve its mission. Case management services, suicide prevention work, and housing opportunities are just a small sample of the community work of this organization. Learn more here.
The Montclair Inn | 27 Hillside Avenue, Montclair
Affordable housing for senior citizens that includes food, mobility access, wifi, and more can be difficult to secure. For some time, the Montclair Shared Housing Association has been providing this opportunity while fostering a great community. All residents have access to a private bedroom, kitchen appliances, a semi-private bedroom, three meals a day, a laundry facility, wifi, and community space. While residents do have a monthly rental fee, services and amenities are made possible in large part by donors. Learn more here.
See More: Latinx- + Hispanic-Owned Businesses to Support in Hoboken + Jersey City
Toni’s Kitchen | 73 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
Toni’s Kitchen is an organization that has provided the community in need with food resources. Toni’s Kitchen now provides 20,000+ meals every week, which is an increase of 4,300 pounds per week since 2019. Because of the support of generous donors and volunteers, 800+ families are no longer worrying about the next meal. Learn more here on how to get involved.
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