Latin Americans United For Progress   

LAUP began in 1964 when several grassroots Latino serving organizations in the Holland area merged together under a common name to pool resources and strength. Together, they were able to work on the formation of many well-known organizations such as Community Action House and Children’s Afterschool Achievement. In 1986, LAUP was incorporated and registered as a 501(c)(3), marking the start of the modern LAUP. Since then, LAUP has been committed to community development through youth and adult programming, typically free of cost or very low cost. LAUP’s mission is to empower latinos to participate in creating a better community for all through advocacy, celebration and education. Beyond that, the goal is to help latinos reach their highest potential academically, financially and socially. LAUP aims to empower latinos and be part of circles they are traditionally not a part of, such as politics and public service, so that they may facilitate the way for those after them.