Before the creation of Asociación de Puertorriqueños en Marcha, Inc. (APM, Inc.), basic social services were practically non-existent for Philadelphia’s Latinos.  Few resources flowed into the community and residents were overlooked and politically marginalized.  In the critical areas of child welfare, mental health, and mental retardation there were few caseworkers and therapists who could actually speak to many of their clients. 

In 1970, a group of Puerto Rican social activists sought to energize the community and help bring to it a fair share of resources from the majority culture.  The success of APM is the result of those efforts.

In its first year, the group sued the Commonwealth to provide group community living arrangements for Puerto Ricans and other Latinos with mental retardation living in Pennhurst State School and Hospital.  Up until that point, little care had been offered.  People were often ignored and with no Spanish speakers on staff, meaningful communication was de-prioritized.  After winning a Consent Decree from the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, the agency established its first program in mental health and mental retardation. 

On September 9, 1971, the small agency incorporated as a non-profit.  Over the next thirty-five years, APM grew from a staff of five housed in a storefront on Germantown Avenue, to a broad network of social services offered at more than 23 sites throughout north Philadelphia.  Today, it is an organization employing nearly 200 bilingual/bicultural professionals, serving more than 40,000 people every year.

Since its inception, APM has worked to implement and maintain initiatives in the following key areas: primary health; behavioral health; low income housing; home ownership; substance abuse treatment for youth and adults; emergency and transitional shelter; support services for the family and individuals; head start and daycare services; and child welfare.

APM is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Greater Philadelphia area through programs that assess and institute meaningful remedies for the many societal problems prevalent in today’s world.  The agency is also committed to promoting and supporting the civil rights of the Puerto Rican/Latino community.  APM’s mission and purpose is as multifaceted and diverse as the people it serves. By creating job opportunities, aiding people with debilitating illnesses, supporting families and individuals with caring and compassion, and providing a comprehensive array of life-improving social services, APM has become an indispensable asset to Philadelphia and all of its residents. 

In 2005, APM began a new chapter in its history.  Under the dynamic leadership of Philadelphia-born Nilda Ruiz, the agency has seen its budget increase to $13 million.  Additional projects are already underway, including a host of housing and community development initiatives; the implementation of a financial services component; and a partnership with Camden APM to offer technical assistance that will benefit a broader client base.  An advisory board comprised of corporations, foundations and influential leaders promises to bolster the agency’s visibility and help identify additional funding sources.  As the 21st century commences, APM is developing and expanding in new and exciting directions - not only for Philadelphia, but beyond.