On the 9th and 10th of October 1970, thousands of Puerto Ricans from all of New Jersey met in Atlantic City, NJ in a statewide convention without precedents. Many people attended this convention because they were preoccupied with: the quality of life in their communities; the education of their children; the lack of employment opportunities; the discrimination in the access to housing and services; the inadequate health facilities and many other problems that they confronted. The major concern was the social, economic and political isolation found within the community.

Out of this convention the Puerto Rican Congress of NJ, Inc. (PRC) was founded. It is a private, non-profit corporation, which is governed by a board of directors, representing various geographical areas of the state. Due to its charter, bylaws, and statewide agenda, the PRC has a demonstrated history of congruence in regards to its mission statement and in terms of empowerment, self-sufficiency and inclusion.

During it`s 45 years of existence, the PRC has fulfilled its role as statewide advocate for the Puerto Rican/Hispanic residents of New Jersey by planning, implementing and operating programs designed to improve their social economic and educational status. Among its accomplishment the PRC co-authored New Jersey`s Bilingual Educational law, implemented the Adult Literacy program and established the HOGAR Project, a national resource center for child protection and family support.

The primary historical goal of the PRC has been the organization of Puerto Rican/Hispanic community based organizations in order to meet the ever present needs of the Puerto Rican/Hispanic community. We have recently embarked on the provision of services from a wider perspective in order to meet the needs of our Puerto Rican/Hispanic community.

Currently, the Puerto Rican Congress of New Jersey, Inc. senses a strong urge to address and seek resolution on specific issues that negatively impact on Puerto Rican/Hispanics. These problem areas mainly affect the low income Puerto Rican/Hispanics for whom the PRC has advocated for the past 45 years.

The vigorous growth of Puerto Rican/Hispanics and its youthful composition, coupled with continued socioeconomic disadvantages, are causes for alarm to state and national leaders. Puerto Rican/Hispanics still face disparity with other Americans in such important areas as health care, education, labor, social services, childcare, and economic development.

Objectives:

•     Promote the benefits of a solid educational background and a learning system, which encourages academic success and          achievements among Puerto Rican/Hispanics.
•     To improve the labor marketability, employment opportunities and work conditions of Puerto Rican/Hispanics.
•     Improve the accessibility, availability, and affordability of health care to Puerto Rican/Hispanics and other low-income persons.