The Situation
The recently proposed state budget includes a devastating cut to the Hispanic Women’s Resource Centers (HWRCs), allocating only $535,000 for the entire state — a massive 75% cut.
If this budget passes as written, three out of our six centers will be forced to close their doors. Families in eight New Jersey counties will lose access to the critical support systems they rely on.

What are the HWRCs?
For over 30 years, the HWRCs have served as a critical state-legislated initiative designed to promote economic self-sufficiency for Latina women. These centers are not just offices, they are comprehensive empowerment hubs. They provide:

• Workforce Development: Intensive English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, High School Equivalency (HSE/GED) preparation and computer literacy.
• Economic Mobility: Job placement assistance, resume building, and entrepreneurship training to help women launch their own businesses.
• Holistic Support: Culturally sensitive mental health services for survivors of domestic violence, helping women gain the financial independence necessary to leave dangerous situations.

Why the Stakes are Higher in 2026

• A Community Under Siege: The Latino community is at the forefront of an unprecedented federal anti-immigrant agenda that has created a climate of fear. HWRCs are often the only trusted, safe spaces where families can find guidance and stability during this crisis.
• Supporting Grassroots Infrastructure: These funds go directly to respected local organizations that have been working in their communities for years and understand local needs. These groups are already facing federal funding cuts. They need HWRC resources to retain their specialized staff and keep their doors open.
• An Investment in economic growth: When we lift a Latina out of poverty, we lift an entire family out of poverty. Her children are less likely to depend on state subsidies, and her increased earning potential contributes directly to state revenue.