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Mission
Hispanic Americans for Progress, Inc. is a self
help, not-for-profit organization formed by
inmates at the New Jersey State Prison (NJSP).
Founded on March 15, 1991, by Mr. Jesús Sanabria
and Mr. Carlos Colón, HAP was created to assist,
educate and inform prisoners as well as the
public at large.
Services provided by HAP are not limited to the
Hispanic population; our doors are open to all
those in need of support, regardless of race,
religion, or ethnic background. We also extend
assistance to the families and friends of those
incarcerated at the New Jersey State Prison (NJSP).
Thanks to volunteer contributions, all services
offered by HAP are cost effective and present no
burden to the taxpayer.
On June 8, 1992, HAP was granted non-profit
status by the New Jersey State Department. It
is, therefore, a 501 charitable organization.
(Corp # 0100522403)
HAP is sanctioned and duly chartered to operate
within the confines of the NJSP with full
administrative approval. HAP’s quarters are
located in an area known as “the balcony” in the
prison’s West Compound. The organization’s
executive board comprises four members who
fulfill duties as director, assistant director,
executive assistant and clerk. The Executive
Board meets between 7:30 AM and 12:30 P.M and
12:30 to 2:30 P.M. Monday thru Friday. HAP
directors are granted daily self-help balcony
access passes, which are utilized to directly
assist those individuals requiring the services
of the organization.
Our purpose is to aid HAP members in the
development of basic and higher education. We
also seek to build pride among our members about
our cultural heritage. HAP aids in the reform
and overall betterment of those living at the
New Jersey State Prison. We also prepare
individuals approaching their release to reenter
society.
HAP also assists prisoners with everyday life
prison-related problems in various areas and
departments of the New Jersey State Prison:
medical, parole, business, housing, mailroom,
administrative rule changes, property, mess
hall, job assignments, disciplinary charges,
visits, etc.
We encourage a positive relationship between the
NJSP administration and staff and the prison
population. We also support our members in their
search for community involvement to bring about
constructive changes among youngsters, local
government, and society as a whole.
Our greatest aspiration is to help alleviate the
many hardships inmates face during their
incarceration periods and instill in them a
positive outlook.
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