The time of year has come — it is National Hispanic Heritage Month. While we celebrate the Latinx community and its many contributions to American culture always here at The Montclair Girl, this month we take a pause to honor this diverse community and showcase resources for and by the Latinx community here in Essex County and northern New Jersey at large. Many of the associations offer support for people of all backgrounds with a focus on the Latinx people. Read on to learn more about these organizations and ways to utilize their services or even donate.
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: Latina Leaders to Know in the Essex County Community
The Hispanic Institute for Research + Development of Bergen County | Hackensack, New Jersey
This adult education center and 501(c)(3) serve and enhance the social, economic, and educational status of the Hispanic community. Areas of focus for the institution include health literacy, English as a second language, office technology skills, GED preparation, and more by offering web-based information and tools. For more information on the services offered, check out the Bergen Resource Guide online.
Hudson County Latino Foundation | Jersey City, New Jersey
With the main mission “to improve the lives of residents in Hudson County and to reduce the socio-economic gap for marginalized groups,” this organization has created partnerships, hosted events, and built up the community in ways that truly make a difference. Throughout the year there are various events and projects where volunteers are needed. Learn more here.
Latino Leadership Alliance of New Jersey | New Brunswick, New Jersey
Created back in 1999, the Latino Leadership Alliance of New Jersey (LLANJ) continues to carry out its mission of empowering Latinx communities to obtain political, economic, and social equality as well as to unify organizations and individuals in advocating for the rights of Latinx individuals in New Jersey. The opportunities and resources from the LLANJ are open to all and can be found here.
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) 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. Any interested in learning more about its services or looking to donate can log onto 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 the website 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 New Jersey chapter is dedicated to championing homeownership for Latinx individuals in this covering region. Thanks to the Board of Directors, community events that support both homeowners, as well as Hispanic real estate professionals, are available. Information on the organization’s mission and upcoming events can be found on 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 more can be found here.
Other Incredible Local Non-Profits That Support Latinx Community + Beyond
Hudson County CASA | 442 Hoboken Avenue, Jersey City
Hudson County CASA believes every foster child deserves a safe and permanent home. Through the efforts of everyday people, court-appointed special advocates children gain access to medical, therapeutic, and educational services as well as enrichment activities. This helps ensure that needed services and assistance are made available to children while helping to move them toward safe and permanent homes. Learn more here.
Hudson S.P.E.A.K.S. | Jersey City
Hudson S.P.E.A.K.S. is a non-profit organization that assists survivors of sexual violence with free and confidential services. For Hudson County residents dealing with trauma of this kind, Hudson S.P.E.A.K.S. is an amazing and invaluable resource. This organization, which has been around since the mid-’90s in Hudson County, also provides a 24-hour sexual assault bilingual helpline, and helps victims access services such as housing, but also provides individual and group counseling for survivors and their significant others. Learn more here.
Hudson Pride Center | 205 Brunswick Street, Jersey City
Hudson Pride is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community-based organization located in Jersey City, which is also home to the largest LGBTQ community in New Jersey. Established in the 1990s, this wonderful organization serves as an advocate and social service provider for both the LGBTQ and HIV/AIDS communities in Hudson County. Some of the programs they offer are social/educational groups for LGBTQ youth, specialized support groups for transgender individuals and for gay/bisexual men, HIV prevention support groups for women of color (of any sexual orientation), and many more. Learn more here.
Urban League of Hudson County Inc. | 253 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Jersey City
The Urban League of Hudson County has been an effective agent of change in the community since 1972. They are a non-profit 501c3 community-based organization with a dedicated staff of professionals providing services in the areas of education, mentorship, economic development, job placement, childcare, family counseling, and programs for seniors. Learn more here.
WomenRising | 270 Fairmount Avenue, Jersey City
WomenRising is a local non-profit organization that has been a lifeline to women and families in need of financial assistance and emotional support due to being victims of domestic violence for over 100 years. WomenRising provides women and their families with access to helpful services. Some of the successful programs offered by the organization are the Domestic Violence Program, the Family Advocacy Program (FAP), and Family Support Services (FSS). Learn more here.
See More: Latinx- + Hispanic-Owned Businesses to Support in Hoboken + Jersey City
York Street Project | 89 York Street, Jersey City
The mission of the York Street Project is to weave innovative programs that shelter, feed, educate, and promote the healing and independence of persons in need, especially women and their children. Sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, the York Street Project expresses in direct service to the poor the religious congregation’s commitment to peace through justice. Learn more here.
