The Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development (CHPRD), (formerly Office of Hispanic Affairs) is located within the State Department of Community Affairs, Trenton, New Jersey.
The original Office of Hispanic Affairs was established in 1975 by Executive Order to address the needs of the Hispanic community, recognizing that it was imperative to pay particular attention to this segment of the population, which had been historically neglected. The Office was mandated to provide funding and technical assistance to Hispanic community-based organizations as well as to keep government and the legislature informed of legislative initiatives with potential impact on the Latino community. From 1975, and up to August of 1991, the Office of Hispanic Affair's primary function remained the administration of funds awarded to local community-based organizations statewide.
In
August of 1991, through persistent advocacy efforts on the
part of the Center's Director and support stemming from
Latino interest groups, the Office's name was changed to
The Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development.
Under this new name, the role of the Center would encompass
research and development activities. This expansion reflects
a futuristic vision to create a center for Hispanic research
that would become a central repository of data concerning
Hispanics nationally, but particularly within the State
of New Jersey. In 1995, the CHPRD commemorated its 20th
anniversary by commissioning a 20-year retrospective study
to document its long history and provide recommendations
to further its mission.
Our Mission
The primary mission of the CHPRD is to empower the Hispanic community in New Jersey through the process of inclusion in policy development and direct social services.
The CHPRD’s general mandates include:
