Since its founding, in August of 2001 by Dr. Maria Teresa Feliciano, The Institute has endeavored to carry out programs and activities that will improve the quality of life of the Greater Paterson Community as well as the Latino community of the state of New Jersey.  We are pleased to have successfully managed the implementation and development of the following projects:

NEW JERSEY CONFERENCE ON DOMINICAN AFFAIRS (CODA)
The statewide forum of analysis and development of action plans for Dominicans in the state.

COMMUNITY LEADERS INITIATIVE (LALEA)
A leadership course intended to provide local leaders with knowledge and skills such as establishing and building organizations, identifying mission, goals and objectives, fundraising, etc that enables them to serve the community in a more holistic manner.

LATINO YOUTH LEADERSHIP & MENTORING PROGRAM (LAMP)
A program aiming to provide work readiness, and leadership development to Latino youth between the ages of 14 through 17, through “hands on” experiences.

TU CUENTAS! NATURALIZATION PROGRAM
The Program assists Latino residents in the completion and submission of the pertinent application and forms of the naturalization process.  It also gathers information on naturalization and disseminates it through newsletters, street fairs, our web site, brochures, fliers, and television. The ¡Tu Cuentas! Program assists Latinos in their quest to become American Citizens while encouraging them to become active participants in the civic life by participating in local institutions and organizations, and exploring ways to participate in government policy making.