Paula Arcia was looking for a better life.

She immigrated to the US from Nicaragua over 25 years ago, moving to Texas with the father of her two children. It was there that she first experienced domestic abuse.

That was simply her life, until her four year old son told her that when he grew up, he wanted to become a cop so he could, in his words, “Put all the dads and husbands that hit their wives in jail.”

This was the wake-up call that inspired Paula to be better for the sake of her children. She packed their bags, grabbed her two kids, and took a 20-hour bus ride to Georgia.

After her arrival, she spoke to some people who informed her about the Latin American Association and the services they offer. She then pursued an immigration case with the LAA, and has since become a US citizen, petitioned her parents from Nicaragua, and has seen all her kids graduate college.

She is now opening her own bakery in Marietta, and is enrolled in Avanzando Juntas at the LAA, having learned all of the necessary aspects of entrepreneurship and operating a business.

Paula has, through her own efforts, created for herself the better life she was in search of all those years ago.

The LAA is grateful for the opportunity to help people like Paula escape harmful circumstances and seek positive change. As a federally certified nonprofit organization, we find ourselves navigating uncertainty and reduced funding with grant cancellations nationwide. We ask our community of donors, volunteers, program participants, friends, family and neighbors to come together in support of our varied efforts to create Opportunity for All.

Please make a donation today in support of the LAA, and help us share the freedom that comes with opportunity.