Our Story

The Puerto Rican Association for Human Development, Inc. (PRAHD) was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, thanks to a group of passionate community leaders and professionals determined to create opportunities for disadvantaged youth. Their vision became reality in May 1974 when PRAHD was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and launched its first state-funded anti-delinquency programs.

What started as a youth-focused initiative quickly grew into something much bigger. Building on early successes, PRAHD expanded its reach and redefined its mission—to empower individuals and families to achieve stability, success, and independence.

Today, more than fifty years later, PRAHD stands as a comprehensive human services agency serving thousands of residents across Middlesex, Monmouth, Union, and Hudson counties. From education and housing to health, senior care, and cultural arts, we continue to honor our roots while shaping a brighter future for the communities we serve.