Our Story
Founded in 1976 by Lupe Pearce, the Hispanic American Organization (HAO) was established to assist Allentown's growing Latino community in achieving economic self-sufficiency. Lupe's personal journey from Chile to the United States inspired her to create a space where others could find support and resources. Starting with a small grant from The First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, HAO opened its doors to provide training and education to Hispanic residents, helping them realize their dreams. Over the years, HAO has transformed from a modest operation into a vital center, now employing over 60 staff members and serving a diverse population of inner-city residents.