Welcome – Bienvenido
This mural was painted by local artist Steven Martinez for the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation. The work represents the creation of man according to Mayan myth. The original piece is located on the north wall of the DHDC art gallery
The Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation’s mission is to make a difference by creating life changing opportunities for youth and their families. We are committed to meeting the needs of our community by providing quality, innovative and culturally appropriate programs and services, primarily in the Southwest Detroit community.
In 1997, Angela Reyes founded the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation, a community-based non-profit, from her living room, “because I was tired of burying children”. In an attempt to reduce the violence, DHDC’s initial program formed after forging a truce with the leaders of several rival gangs, and encouraged them to “retire” in return for jobs in local Hispanic-owned manufacturing companies.
Since its founding, DHDC has grown to include a wide range of comprehensive, bilingual services that reach over 5,000 youth, adults and families annually.
We are strengthening Detroit neighborhoods through our youth programs which provide safe, supportive places for children and families.
We are promoting a robust regional economy through our educational programs and Community Technology Center that are increasing educational attainment; our services focused on helping families to become self-sufficient; and our programs that assist youth with developing entrepreneurial skills and projects.
We support a thriving arts and cultural community through our Urban Arts Academy which provides young people with a creative outlet in music, video and art and which also serves to amplify their voices.
Through our collaborations DHDC has developed new ways of working together with partners from many sectors. Through these joint efforts we are working to address issues related to crime reduction, educational reform, health disparities and environmental justice.
