Given the struggle faced by teachers, parents and communities to keep young people in school, the Latin American Association’s youth programs strive to positively shape the future of Latino youth by supporting academic success and character development. This year, the LAA hosted a special event in an effort to reach young Latinos who are at risk of not achieving their full academic potential.

The LAA is proud to recognize State Farm as a major supporter of our mission. Over the years, the LAA has forged a strong partnership based on a shared dedication to helping immigrants become self-sufficient, productive members of the community. State Farm's efforts have positively affected thousands of Latinos by providing critical information and educational opportunities to the people the LAA serves.

In 2005, State Farm was there to support a number of LAA events: the Youth Leadership Conference, Latino Summit, Housing Fair, Career Expo, Latin Fever Ball and the Compañeros Awards Luncheon, the LAA’s annual meeting. State Farm and the LAA also co-hosted a successful "Child Safety Seat Inspection Day" at Plaza Fiesta, a highly popular mall attracting thousands of Latinos and their families.

In addition, State Farm agents and employees are a tremendous asset to the LAA. We are especially grateful for the involvement of State Farm staff such as Public Affairs Specialist, Renate Dugans. Always available with advice, insight and ideas, Renate demonstrates her commitment through extensive involvement in the organization at many levels.

We are grateful for all of State Farm's efforts and support to help us and those we serve meet the challenges we face every day.

Headquartered in Brunswick, Georgia, the Latin American Resource Center (LARC) provides a range of services to Latinos, enabling them to achieve self-sufficiency and integration into the community. Staffed by two full-time and two part-time employees, LARC just completed its second year of serving the estimated 6,000 plus Hispanics who reside in Glynn and surrounding counties.

Since it has opened, LARC has successfully helped the area’s Latino population deal with a myriad of issues and problem situations. LARC provides assistance to help address both short- and long-term issues by offering English instruction, educational programs, seminars on current issues, counseling and other transitional services. LARC’s local partners include the United Way, law enforcement organizations and area schools and churches.

LARC is one of two LAA affiliate organizations along with Centro Latino in Rome. Although the affiliate program is still in development, the LAA works in partnership with affiliate organizations to support each other’s mission and vision. Together, the LAA and its affiliates can make a bigger impact in fostering and ensuring the quality of life for Latino immigrants in the state.

LARC staff and board are excited about the relationship with the LAA. “We are a relatively new organization and are still working to understand the landscape,” says Board chair Ed Hawie. “As our relationship with the LAA grows and evolves, we look forward to being able to learn much more from each other.”

“He always treats people very well,” says Maria Delia Nuzzi. “He really cares about everything about us,” says Angelina Maldonado. These women are talking about Thomas Fuller, the family services specialist who manages the LAA’s program for seniors. Thomas is known by all the seniors as someone who really looks after them, taking them to their doctor’s appointments, offering them social activities, and coordinating a program of health and wellness targeted to their needs.

This month marks Thomas’ ten year anniversary at the Latin American Association. Thomas began his work at the LAA as a volunteer. Having earned a degree in Spanish at Kennesaw State University, Thomas wanted to use his language skills to help others. Because he can speak Spanish, Thomas has been able to help the Latino seniors, primarily older immigrants who speak little English, by providing services such as taking them to the grocery store or visiting those who are isolated in their homes. “I feel they are underserved,” he says. “They need an advocate for them in the community.” Thomas says that he has learned a lot from the seniors over the past decade. “These are our ‘elders’,” he says. “Sometimes we forget the meaning of ‘elder’. These were the first Hispanic immigrants in Atlanta. They have a lot of wisdom from how they have overcome the hardships in their lives.”

In addition to working with the seniors program, Thomas also works with the homeless. He helps clients access shelter, food, clothing and transportation. Thomas says that many of these clients also suffer from mental illness and substance abuse, and since they have limited English skills, it is very difficult for them to access the services they need elsewhere. “Sometimes you feel like you are the only one in the world who can help them,” he says. “And they feel that way too.” But like the seniors, Thomas says the homeless clients have taught him a great deal. “They can teach us how to survive, about what is really important. They don’t even have a place to live, but they have hope.” Through his work, Thomas continues to bring hope to those most in need in our community.

LAA’s Career Open Houses

In an effort to facilitate the recruiting process for companies and jobseekers coming to the LAA for assistance through our LAAJobBank.com website, our Career Services department began to host what is now known as our weekly Career Open House.

The goal of this activity is to assist our entry-level and semi-professional jobseekers, many of whom need guidance in the preparation of a resume, are still in the process of learning English, or simply are not familiar with the local recruiting system.

Through the weekly Career Open House, the LAA helps jobseekers with their applications, serves as interpreter if needed and provides a comfortable, familiar environment in which to conduct job interviews.

Recruiters and jobseekers alike have been very pleased with the results, with an average of eight companies and 30 jobseekers participating every week. For more information please contact Laura Machado at (404) 638-1829 or lmachado@latinamericanassoc.org.

Community Forums: Legislative Information Sessions

In the midst of the current immigration reform debate, there is an overwhelming need for information in Georgia’s Latino community. In order to satisfy that need, the LAA has partnered with immigration attorneys and experts to offer information sessions to the community on the various legislative proposals and the implications on their lives. One such session led by Carolina Colin-Antonini was held on March 26 at Plaza Fiesta, and another session led by Hipólito Goico was held on March 30 at the LAA. An additional session, facilitated by Chuck Kuck, took place on May 21 for Plaza Fiesta merchants. The LAA will continue to partner with experts in order to offer additional sessions in the near future. We will keep you informed!

Closing Performance of Woodward Elementary’s After School Program

On March 30, the Latin American Association held its closing performance for the 2005-2006 after school program at Woodward Elementary School. One hundred and sixty students from grades 3rd to 5th presented to their families and teachers their accomplishments in graphic arts, ballet, hip-hop, and break dance as well as poetry and drama. The program was possible thanks to the partnership between the Latin American Association, the Atlanta Ballet, Callanwolde Fine Arts Center and Woodward Elementary School.

LAA at Grady Hospital’s Healthy Families, Healthy Communities Minority Health Care Tour

In an effort to contribute to the fight against diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney disease, on Saturday, May 13 the Latin American Association partnered with Grady Hospital in its “Healthy Families, Healthy Communities Minority Health Care Tour.” The LAA assisted over 55 families with preventive tests and check-ups, as well as education for individuals on the importance of consistent primary care.

Food Distribution Day at the LAA

On Saturday, May 20, the Latin American Association participated in a food distribution day for the Fulton Atlanta Community Action Authority, in collaboration with the USDA and the Atlanta Food Bank. LAA’s Family Services staff and volunteers worked together to assemble over 400 food bags that were later distributed to over 200 low-income families from City of Atlanta and Fulton County. 

Spring’s EnLAAce Event: A Night of Tango
The allure of all things Argentinean was palpable last April 19 at the Latin American Association headquarters, when a sampling of Argentina’s music, dance, art and cuisine came together for Noche de Tango, A Night of Tango. Members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra interpreted lovely tunes by Astor Piazzolla and Carlos Gardel, among others, under the direction of violinist and composer Juan Ramírez-Hernández. Also participating in the event were tenor David Ramírez, dancer and choreographer Anabella Lenzu, and photographer Todd Carroll with a beautiful display of photography inspired by tango. Our thanks go out to our sponsors: The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines and Pampas Steakhouse.

A Day for Bilingual Latino Professionals
On May 9, the Latin American Association gathered over 70 companies and 350 job seekers at the Cobb Galleria Centre for its 24th Annual Career Expo. Every year, this event serves as an opportunity for recruiters and professional bilingual jobseekers to meet, interact and reach their recruiting or job seeking goals. “LAA’s Career Expo is a great opportunity for jobseekers like me to pair with companies that are seeking our knowledge of the Spanish language and the Latin American market”, said Claudia, a jobseeker attending the event. We hope it was a fruitful experience for all the companies and individuals in attendance.

LAA’s 17th Annual Compañeros Awards Luncheon
Every year, the Latin American Association recognizes the contributions of outstanding community leaders at its annual meeting, the Compañeros Awards Luncheon. This year, the event took place on May 18, in the lovely setting of the Georgia Aquarium. Over 550 guests joined the LAA in honoring The Coca-Cola Company for its Exemplary Corporate Leadership; Conchita Gómez, Hispanic Liaison of Cross Keys High School for her Outstanding Community Leadership, Service and Commitment; and Senator Sam Zamarripa for his Outstanding Public Service and Leadership. Our most sincere appreciation goes out to our sponsors for their support of this events and LAA’s mission: The Coca-Cola Company as presenting sponsor; Delta Air Lines, Georgia Power, The Home Depot, MundoHispánico, StudioCom and UPS as diamond sponsors; and AGL Resources, First Data and Western Union, Nielsen Media Research, Publix Super Markets Charities, State Farm Insurance Companies, Turner Broadcasting Sytem, Inc, and Univision 34 Atlanta as gold sponsors.

Applause

Heidy Lough, Director of Family Services, and Angela Patterson, Director of Youth Services, were selected to present at the 2006 American Counseling Association Annual Convention in Montreal, Canada on April 2. Heidy and Angela presented a 60 minute session titled “Working with Latino Parents: A Cultural Perspective,” covering the work the LAA has done with Latino families through the Latino Fatherhood Initiative and recommending culturally sensitive counseling practices.

The Latin American Association is pleased to welcome Carisa Hettich and Rogers Cerpa to the LAA team. Rogers joins the LAA’s Medicaid project and Carisa as our new volunteer coordinator, funded by a grant from The UPS Foundation.

S.O.S. Network
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Our work is ongoing and arduous, but draws great inspiration from the selfless contributions of so many of our supporters. It is for this reason that we created the S.O.S. network—so compassionate individuals like you and your family can make a world of difference in an instant. So if you want to be the one to bring a blanket or a bed, baby bottles or a wheelchair, click here.