About Us

HIP and Hazleton One

The Hazleton Integration Project is a community-based effort that seeks to unite the people of many different cultures who call Hazleton home. Through early childhood development and community outreach, we hope to spread the idea that diversity and acceptance can and should be taught to both current and future generations. The project is the brainchild of Hazleton native and philanthropist Joe Maddon, who has been honored three times as Major League Baseball’s Manager of the Year and now manages the Los Angeles Angels.

The project’s main focus is the operation of a high-quality community center that serves economically underserved children and families. The facility, known as the Hazleton One Community Center, hosts a variety of educational, athletic, and cultural activities at little or no cost to participants while fostering trust and respect among all of the region’s ethnic cultures. The center features Spanish and English classes, citizenship classes, cultural discussions, and a full slate of sports programs. Among the most noteworthy programs offered at the center are the area’s first fully bilingual pre-k program and the highly regarded After School Scholars program with enrollment of 80+ students from kindergarten through grade 8. HIP also operates the highly regarded Spectacular Summers camp program with 100 children in attendance. Plans continue for the Hazleton Integration Project to develop outdoor recreational facilities to host activities throughout the year.

Maddon and the HIP leadership continue to stress the importance of diverse cultural groups spending time together in order to facilitate understanding and appreciation for their cultural similarities and differences.

Vision

Recognizing that we are now and have always been a country strengthened by the contributions of diverse cultures, HIP has endeavored to help create and maintain an atmosphere that will serve to unify the varied cultures of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, and thus keep our area vibrant and connected.

Across our country, forward-thinking cities and states recognize that their futures lay in embracing the people of rapidly expanding multicultural populations. The areas that have been successful are those that have been progressive in constructing businesses and public services that are inclusive of our nation’s growing Hispanic community. We recognize our own city demographics are a part of this national trend, and as such, we intend to focus our efforts toward making positive contributions to our city’s future by helping local newcomers feel and understand that they are valued members of our community.