About ¡HICA!
our history
¡HICA! was founded in Birmingham in 1999 to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities faced by Hispanic families who came to Alabama searching for a better quality of life. For over 20 years, community has been the centerpiece of all of ¡HICA!’s programs. Each program and service was borne out of what our community told us they wanted and needed. As such, our work operates in a culturally specific, bilingual environment. Our programs move families out of poverty and create pathways for transformational impact.
our mission
¡HICA! is a community development and advocacy organization that champions economic equality, civic engagement, and social justice for Latino and immigrant families in Alabama.
Our Vision
¡HICA! envisions an Alabama in which everyone has full and equal participation in our state's civic, cultural, social, and economic life. Hispanic and immigrant families are empowered to integrate, engage, and lead their communities to reach their families' aspirations.
“When I first moved here, there were a lot of unknowns. In truth, it was a scary time. Then I found ¡HICA! With their assistance, I got more than just the help I needed, I got the welcome I wanted.”
our approach
Though our focus on empowerment is singular in nature, our reasons for doing what we do are as diverse as the people we serve. At ¡HICA!, we believe that a society cannot reach its full potential without all of its people. We believe that immigrant integration is a two-way street—empowering newcomers to the area so that they may better adapt, and educating the community itself to better welcome them. We believe that an inclusive community enriches us all, and that societal intolerance can consistently be bested by the power and plight for social justice, equality, and humanity for all.
Let’s Talk.
When you have a group of people who spend most of their days dedicated to social integration, they tend to favor social interaction as their primary form of communication.
So, to get to know us even better, please contact us today, stop by our office, or join us for one of our exciting events!