Founded in 1976 by Lupe Pearce with just fifty dollars in seed money and a small grant from The First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, Hispanic American Organization has grown from a one-room office into a vital community institution serving the Lehigh Valley. What began as a response to factory closures that devastated Latino workers has evolved into a multi-faceted agency staffed by over 60 dedicated professionals committed to empowering the communities of Allentown, PA and surrounding areas. HAO's founder, drawing from her own personal experiences immigrating to the United States and building a life through education and determination, established the organization on core principles of self-reliance and positive community impact. Today, HAO stands as a premiere social service center that has adapted its offerings in response to community and business growth, ensuring that services remain relevant and accessible to the diverse populations it serves. The organization's longevity and expansion—from serving a handful of clients in its early days to reaching thousands today—reflects its deep commitment to improving lives and creating opportunities. HAO operates with a track record of success, providing top-flight social services with compassion and cultural sensitivity. Operating offices in downtown Allentown with extended service hours, HAO remains dedicated to the mission that inspired its creation: helping Latino families and individuals achieve economic self-sufficiency, stronger family structures, and more prosperous futures in the Lehigh Valley community.
Allentown, PA