Dear Friends,
I will like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your continued support of the Homeowners and Merchants Association. A special thanks to the members of the Board of Directors who have worked very hard in ensuring that the goals of the organization are met every year. Last year was a banner year for our organization. Our membership grew in numbers and we w
ere able to provide our community with an array of activities and forums that helped bring community awareness. We ended the year by holding a Christmas Party in Newark in which we gave over 1500 gifts for needy children and families. Throughout the current year, we have continued to hold monthly meetings in which community members have been able to express their concerns about the quality of life in their neighborhoods to local Police representatives. During the current year, we have participated in myriad activities that have had a positive effect on the community at large. We participated in and contributed to the National Night Out in Newark, the AIDS Awareness Walk, and the American Cancer Society, amongst other efforts. Many of our members have also made individual contributions to many other efforts and working towards the betterment of our community. The efforts of our organization have amply demonstrated the fact that a community working together towards a common goal can accomplish many positive things. I urge each and every one of you to continue to strive towards uniting efforts and working towards the betterment of our community. The Hispanic Community, (the fastest growing community in the United States) has been neglected in this country due to the fact that we have been unable to present a united front. Though we have the numbers to make a difference un the political landscape of our community and though the contributions that we have made to make this nation great have been significant, we continue to be denied our full rights. We continue to be the victims of discrimination, we suffer from poverty, and our children continue to drop out of school in large numbers, amongst other societal ills. Its is thus, incumbent upon all of us to take part in the fight for our rights. We must not be a part of the problem but rather of the solution. As a life long resident of the City of Newark, I have seen this City make many changes; some for the good and some for the bad. Nevertheless, our efforts should continue towards succeeding here. The Merchants Association will continue to lead the fight towards the betterment of our community, every one of you though, is needed to achieve this goal. May God bless you and keep up the good work. Sincerely,
Candido Arroyo
President
