OUR MISSION

To nurture and amplify the voices, creativity, and power of youth by grounding them in Afro-Latin culture so they can advance justice in their communities.

MISIÓN

Nutrir y ampliar las voces, la creatividad, y el poder de los jóvenes al cimentarlos en la cultura Afro-Latina para que así puedan promover la justicia en
sus comunidades.

We support youth as they…
Explore, master, and celebrate Afro-Latin culture through art;
Learn, grow, and achieve academically and in life; and
Develop into changemakers and advocates for themselves.

OUR HISTORY

HSTF was founded on the belief that communities are stronger when we take care of our youth. By harnessing their potential, we not only help youth navigate adolescence, but support them in becoming the changemakers of today and our future. HSTF was formed in the 1980s by a coalition of neighbors and leaders coming together to address the growing violence and related challenges facing the Hyde/Jackson neighborhood of Jamaica Plain. Now known as Boston’s Latin Quarter, our neighborhood has transformed. Despite the progress, like in other urban neighborhoods, our youth continue to struggle with high levels of poverty, community violence and low-educational attainment.

Over the years, HSTF’s Jóvenes en Acción/Youth in Action program has evolved into a high-quality and innovative approach of working with mostly Latinx, immigrant and first-generation college going youth. Our College Success Program ensures they then have the supports they need to earn a college degree. Our Creative Development and Community Engagement work amplifies the voices of youth through advocacy and organizing and uses Afro-Latin arts to bring neighbors together to strengthen the social fabric of the Latin Quarter.

OUR VISION

We envision our community thriving and fully represented in Boston’s leadership and culture.

OUR VALUES

We use these values to guide all aspects of our work – what we do and how we do it.

Belonging: We believe in creating spaces where we can feel at home, be seen, and be accepted for all of who we are.

Creativity: We believe that we all have a well of creativity and self-expression. When we dig deep down and tap into it, we find a source of life and inspiration that sustains ourselves and our community.

Justice: We believe in standing with our community and amplifying our collective voices to create a just and equitable Boston and beyond.

Community: We believe in creating supportive relationships that are rooted in a sense of familia that extends beyond our four walls.

Owning It: We believe in balancing process and results. We all can achieve at high levels, give our best, and own our roles in ensuring success for everyone.