After more than two decades of collaboration, advocacy, and community engagement, the Hunterdon County Latino Access Coalition is entering a new chapter of leadership as Ricardo Zapata of Fisherman’s Mark Social Services and Jose Figueroa of Prevention Resources assume the roles of Co-Chairs. Prevention Resources will serve as the coalition’s lead organization, coordinating meetings, strategic planning, and ongoing collaborative efforts
Founded in 2002, the coalition was established by resolution of the Hunterdon County Board of Chosen Freeholders (now the County Commissioners) in response to the county’s growing Latino population and the need to better understand and address the community’s evolving needs. Since then, the coalition has brought together nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, educators, government agencies, faith communities, businesses, and community members to improve opportunities and access for Latino residents throughout Hunterdon County.
The coalition’s mission is to promote the well-being and opportunities of Hunterdon County’s Latino community through collaboration, advocacy, leadership development, and equitable access to resources. Its work has focused on improving healthcare access, expanding educational and workforce opportunities, increasing language access, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring Latino residents have a voice in shaping services and policies that affect their lives.
Over the past 23 years, the coalition has played a key role in numerous community initiatives, including expanding healthcare access through Zufall Health, advocating for maternal health and pediatric wellness services, supporting bilingual outreach and interpretation services, increasing access to transportation and NJ FamilyCare enrollment, conducting Latino community health surveys, and fostering partnerships that continue to strengthen Hunterdon County.
The coalition has also benefited from the longstanding leadership and dedication of Bonnie Duncan, former CEO of United Way of Hunterdon County, and Dr. Cindy Barter, who helped guide and sustain the coalition through years of growth and organizational transition.
“The Hunterdon County Latino Access Coalition has always been about bringing people together to listen, collaborate, and create opportunities that strengthen our community,” said Ricardo Zapata, Co-Chair of the coalition and Director of Operations at Fisherman’s Mark. “I am honored to help continue that work and look forward to building on the strong foundation that has already been established as we identify new opportunities to support Hunterdon County’s Latino community.”
“I’m excited to help carry this work forward and build on the strong foundation established by the Hunterdon County Latino Access Coalition,” said Jose Figueroa, CPRS, a case manager at Prevention Resources who will serve alongside Zapata as Co-Chair. “By strengthening collaboration and listening closely to community needs, we can help ensure the coalition remains a trusted and effective resource for Latino residents across Hunterdon County.”
As part of the leadership transition, coalition members will gather in August for a strategic planning session to identify emerging priorities, strengthen partnerships, and develop an updated roadmap for the future. Organizers hope to expand participation by engaging additional businesses, community leaders, and Latino residents whose voices will help shape the coalition’s next chapter.
