September 2022 | Latin Americans United for Progress

For the month of September, 2% of all sales will be donated to 'Latin Americans United For Progress (LAUP)'

LAUP’s mission is to be the center of influence in Holland’s Latino community, building bridges to opportunities and creating pathways to success for all. 
LAUP empowers Latinos to create a better community through advocacy, celebration, and education. They offer programs for both youth and adults, including classes to learn english, work toward your GED, and learn what you need to apply for citizenship.


You might also have heard of LAUP from their annual Fiesta event, which has been celebrating the Latino community and culture for decades. The 2022 Fiesta is pictured above.

As early as the 50s and 60s, grassroots organizations were coming together to celebrate and build up the Latino community in West Michigan. In 1975, four of these organizations merged to form Latin Americans United for Progress. These founding organizations worked tirelessly to improve the community and led the formation of Community Action House, TRIO Upward Bound programs, and Children’s After School Achievement. The effort bolstered the academic performance of Latino students and championed the success of many first generation college students. 

In 1986, LAUP was officially incorporated and recognized under 501(c)3 status and began to form the LAUP of today. They opened their first office in 2003, offering case work for Latinos in need and empowering our community through ESL classes. By 2007, the organization had grown enough that they decided to hire our first paid executive director. Since then Latin Americans United for Progress has continued to work alongside our Latino community to celebrate its culture and equip people to reach their greatest potential.

 

To learn more or to volunteer or donate - here

Back to FJ Invests