LAA Newsletter & Upcoming Events
| August 2011
|
|
 Greetings!
Every day our staff, volunteers and supporters make a difference in the lives of our clients through offering programs that focus on youth academic achievement, education and prevention, and services to families with urgent needs. I would like to take an opportunity to share some of our recent program highlights and update you on changes we have made to our program service delivery model. Youth Academic Achievement: At the end of July we celebrated the successful completion of our summer academic program with a night of performances, songs and skits, led and organized by the students themselves. For six weeks, these bright students participated in reading, writing and math classes as well as enrichment activities and field trips. The night was a true showcase of their talent and potential and an indicator of the impact of our program as we work to ensure their future academic success. The LAA will implement a new youth academic achievement model this fall incorporating current best practices in Latino youth education.. The model focuses on building the knowledge and skills that empower Latino students to complete high school and pursue higher education. An individualized approach, the initiative involves working long-term with a cohort of 45 Sequoyah Middle School students, guided by a culture of assessment, evaluation and meaningful measurable indicators. Program components include academic tutoring, cultural enrichment activities, career and college readiness, mentoring, civic engagement, and leadership development. Click here to continue reading.... |
|
|
Join the LAA Community
| 
Latin American Association 2750 Buford Highway Atlanta, GA 30324 404-638-1800 Our Mission Helping Latino families achieve their aspirations for academic, social and economic advancement. |
|
|
|
Inspira! Summer Academic Program Promotes Student Achievement
|  Inspiring Students to Achieve Academically More than 100 students took part in the LAA's summer academic program, which is designed to inspire students to achieve academically. During the program, students participate in activities focused on improving their skills in reading, writing, math and science. A weekly theme was incorporated into cultural enrichment activities, focusing on a different topic each week, such as "I Want to Be a Researcher." Students also enjoyed art, field trips, writing self-portraits and physical fitness activities. Click here to view photos of Students Achieving Academically.  Measurable Results & Best Practices The LAA's Inspira! program is aligned with best practices for Latino students that meet Georgia state standards, and focuses on achieving measurable results. This summer's group of students increased their post test scores as a group by 10 points, for example. Highly qualified, certified teachers taught each class, and all staff received professional development workshops covering systematic approaches to classroom delivery, classroom discipline and assessing student behavior. They also received training on Latinos in the classroom, creating awareness of issues affecting Latinos in Georgia. 
Closing Celebration Features Student Talents From poetry readings to originally composed songs, program participants displayed their talents during a student-ran and student-led closing celebration July 14, 2011. Among the performances were Jack and the Bean Stalk, choreographed dances, and a water conservation skit. Students who showed significant improvement in each subject area - a mathematician, scientist, writer, and a reader - received awards. A Rising Latino Leader Award was given to two outstanding students. Click here to view photos of closing ceremonies. Click here to view photos of closing ceremonies.  | | View Highlights from Inspira! Summer Academic Program |
|
|
LAA Community Impact
| |
Lo Logre! Catalina's Light Shined During Summer Academic Program
Not only did Catalina Valdez improve academically this summer, but she blossomed as a student leader and began a journey of self-discovery.
Previously, Catalina struggled in math at school, and often was frustrated with her assignments. Read Catalina's Full Story Here....
Back-to-School Shopping Event Served 852 With their new book bags and school supplies in tow, more than 852 students left the LAA's Back-to-School shopping event with smiles on their faces and the supplies they needed to start the school year. Education is a key component of the LAA's mission, and the drive was designed to give students the tools they need to succeed academically. Thanks to all those who donated to the drive, and a special appreciation to our sponsors: Amerigroup Community Cares, Delta Air Lines, B 98.5 FM, BB&T, Cox Media Group, Delta Air Lines, Fuze, Kiss 104.1, MundoHispanico, WSB Newstalk Radio, 97.1 The River, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. Click Here to View Photos of the 2011 Back-to-School Shopping Event.  BB&T & LAA Partner on the Lighthouse Project at Sequoyah Middle School Academic achievement is a core component of our mission, and BB&T is a strong partner in helping the LAA achieve that goal at Sequoyah Middle. As part of their Lighthouse Project, BB&T volunteers bought, assembled and installed bookshelves, organized classrooms and planted trees at the school. Additionally, the company generously donated $1,100 to support the LAA's academic programs. The LAA thanks BB&T for its outstanding contribution. Click here to view photos of the Lighthouse Project. 
LAA Thanks GE Energy & Elena Rafales for $10,000 Donation
Elena Rafales was recognized with a "Lifetime Execution Excelence Award" for her outstanding contributions and dedication to the GE Energy business and leadership team. Along with the award, she was presented $10,000 to donate to her charity of choice. We are incredibly grateful that Elena selected the LAA as her choice charity. She has long been an active member of GE's Hispanic Forum and supported many community service activities that target Latinos in the Atlanta area. Many thanks to GE Energy & Elena.  New Partnership With Accountable Communities Healthy Together The LAA & Georgia State University will provide workshops to parents of children who have asthma or are experiencing symptoms of asthma, forming part of the Accountable Communities Healthy Together initiative. The trainings will cover the signs and causes of asthma, treatments and medication, how to manage the condition. Home visits to detect triggers of asthma are offered as well. Qualifying participants will also receive a free medical consultation from the Southside Medical Center. Workshops will be held at the LAA the third Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and babysitting and lunch are provided. For more information, please contact 404-638-1834.  English Language Learners Program at the LAA The LAA offers English language learning programs to not only native Spanish speakers seeking to learn English, but to ALL language speakers semi-intensive English program which includes instruction from high-beginning to advanced levels of proficiency. The curriculum is designed to meet the social and professional needs of students, and focuses on grammar, reading, writing, listening, speaking, vocabulary, and pronunciation. For more information call 404-638-1802 or email lgavrilov@thelaa.org. Click here for more details about the program.  Know Your Rights Seminar on HB87
More than 400 community members attended a "Know Your Rights" seminar hosted by the LAA and the Asian American Legal Advocacy Center June 25, 2011. The seminar educated participants on the HB-87 law recently passed in Georgia. A panel of experts in the areas of constitutional, criminal and immigration law explained the law and answered questions raised by attendees.  | View HB 87 Know Your Rights Seminar
|
| |
|
|
Copa Latina de Atlanta - 4,500 Enjoyed a Day of Soccer & Family Fun
|  Thank You for a GREAT Copa Latina! The Latin American Association expresses its sincere appreciation for all the community partners, sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and committee members who made Copa Latina de Atlanta such a phenomenal success. More than 4,500 people attended, and the LAA fundraised more than $43,000 in support of its programs and services. We especially recognize presenting sponsor Univision 34 Atlanta and the Atlanta Silverbacks Park for hosting the event. Only with our supporters are we able to make a true difference in the community.
 Family Fiesta - Fun For the Entire Family Water balloon tosses, infallible games and soccer clinics were just a few of the free activities enjoyed by the children and families who attended Copa Latina. And while kids played, parents visited many booths to receive vital information and resources. Cultural entertainment also livened up the event, featuring performances by Astro, Mexico Lindo, Tatatita, Tio Yony, DJ Carlitos and many others.
Click here to view photos of the Family Fiesta at Copa Latina. 
40 Teams Battled for the Championship at Copa Latina de Atlanta Even with heat and rain, forty teams battled their way through Copa Latina de Atlanta in a great day of competion, all to benefit the children and families served by the LAA. Teams competed in four different divisions: Male 18+, Coed 18+, Male 15 -21 and Male 13-14. At the end of the day, four teams captured first place: Gladiators FC, Juego Picante, HOPE F.C., and Jo'Bulani. The LAA thanks ALL teams that participated and commends each player for a day of outstanding play. Click here to view photos of Tournament play Copa Latina.  | | View Highlights of Copa Latina de Atlanta: Futbol, Familia y Fiesta 2011! |
|
|
Get Involved
|
 Adopt-a-Family for Thanksgiving Thanksgiving is a time for kindness and serving others. Help give families a special holiday by donating to our Adopt-a-Family for Thanksgiving drive. $25 donations will go directly to families who participate in LAA programs in the form of gift cards so they may purchase a special Thanksgiving meal. Thanks so much for your generosity. For more information about the Adopt-a-Family drive, contact Cynthia Roman at 404-638-1834 or croman@thelaa.org.
CLICK HERE TO ADOPT A FAMILY FOR $25.
Want to get involved and give back? Volunteering at the LAA's Latino Youth Leadership Conference is the perfect opportunity. We need volunteers to help with event set-up, serving breakfast, directing traffic, leading teen groups, and much more! If you are interested in volunteering at the Youth Conference, please contact volunteer@thelaa.org.
Join Sociedad de Caballeros: LAA Philanthropic Society of Gentlemen
The mission of Sociedad de Caballeros is to live a legacy of change and impact our community by fostering leadership, fellowship and philanthropic opportunities for men while celebrating the richness of Latino culture and values. Members enjoy fellowship, volunteer opportunities and special events. If you are interested in joining this group, please contact Veronica Maldonado at 404-638-1815 or vmaldonado@thelaa.org.
Ladies of Legacy - Next Event Thurs, Sept. 8 - Fashion & Careers - How your Look can help you Get Ahead
Learn how you can make a valuable impression starting from the front entrance to the corner office. Curriculum explores how how to dress in corporate America and how your look helps make significant business connections. Also get a preview of the latest fall fashions! Ladies of Legacy is an LAA philanthropic society. When: Thursday, Sept. 8 Where: Bloomingdale's at Lenox Square Mall. To RSVP and find out more info, please contact Veronica Maldonado at vmaldonado@thelaa.org or 404-638-1815.
 Salsa Classes at the LAA
Dance for your Community! The LAA and MamboMission offer Salsa lessons for all levels, from beginning to advanced! No partner needed, just come join the fun and learn techniques, styling and how to move to the latest in Salsa rhythms. Classes are offered Tuesday and Wednesday nights, and Saturdays at the LAA. For more information, contact instructor Ruben Gonzalez at 678-949-3976 or click here.
Click here for class details.
 Spirit of Giving Toy Drive - Donate Today! Make a difference in the life of a child this upcoming holiday season by donating to the LAA's Spirit of Giving Toy Drive. Please bring two new, unwrapped toys for children ages 0 to 12 to the LAA at 2650 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30319. Toys directly benefit children & families participating in LAA programs. For more information, please contact Cynthia Roman at 404-638-1834 or croman@thelaa.org. If you would like to volunteer to help with this initiative, please email volunteer@thelaa.org.
|
|
Create Your Legacy. Donate to the LAA.
| 
Live Your Legacy of Change & Donate today to the Latin American Association.
As a nonprofit, the LAA depends solely on your generosity to fulfill its mission. The LAA makes a different in four core areas of impact: 1) Inspiring Youth to Achieve Academically; 2) Empowering Adults through Teaching Life Skills; 3) Providing Solutions to Families in Urgent Need; 4) Helping women & children escape situations of domestic violence. With your donation, you make a significant impact in the lives of people like Pedro and Asela. View their stories below, make a donation, and create a legacy of change in YOUR community.
 | | MyLifeYourLegacy |
Live Your Legacy & Click Here to Donate |
|
Upcoming LAA Events
| |
Hispanic Corporate Leadership Forum: Best Practices for Affinity Groups - Sept. 8, 2011 Learn how to begin, maintain and sustain a business resource group at your company. Session will discuss how to navigate through your company's leadership and demonstrate an affinity group's benefits to corporate responsibility and diversity initiatives. When: Thursday, Sept. 8 at 8 a.m. Where: Latin American Association - 2750 Buford Highway, Atlanta, Ga, 30324 For more info, contact 404-638-1815 or vmaldonado@thelaa.org.
Sazon: A Latin Culinary Experience - Friday, Sept. 9, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.
Savor Latin America's rich tapestry of flavors as internationally renowned chefs prepare an exquisite five course meal for your tasting pleasure. Also enjoy an interactive mixology of tequilas during Don Julio's Luxury Drop served by tequila ambassador Lauren Iovanella. When: Friday, September 9, 2011, 6:30-10:00 PM Where: Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Atlanta - 1927 Lakeside Parkway | Tucker, GA 30084 Price: Couples $250 | Individual $150 CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. For more info, please contact Myrna Clemmons at mclemmons@thelaa.org or 404-638-1836.
 | | Chef Terawaki gives a taste of what's to come at Sazon. View his special invitation here! |
Latin Fever Ball: Brasil: Selva, Ritmo y Sol - Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011
Join us for a spectacular night of revelry as we honor Brazil, a beautiful land of natural wonders, rich diversity and vibrant culture. Presented by Wells Fargo and celebrated during Hispanic Heritage Month, the evening will come to life with stunning colors, rhythms and spirited dance - unique only to Brazil. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. To become a sponsor or purchase an individual seat, please contact Myrna Clemmons at 404-638-1836 or mclemmons@thelaa.org. 
LAA, Sociedad de Caballeros & ALPHA present: Corporate Domino Tournament - Oct. 27 We welcome all corporate affinity groups to join us Thursday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. for a Corporate Domino Tournament and Professional Networking Event in benefit of the Latin American Association. Establish new business relationships while enjoying a night of dominoes and cocktails. The event will be held at the LAA at 2750 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30327. Cost: $25. For more information, please contact Veronica Maldonado at 404-638-1815 or vmaldonado@thelaa.org. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
|
|
Upcoming LAA Spanish Programs
| |
Group Saturday Classes: Starting Sept. 10 Group Weekday Classes: Starting Sept. 19
Don't miss out on starting those Spanish classes you've always wanted to take! The LAA offers a unique and interactive learning experience that focuses on conversation and real-life skills. Become truly immersed and sign up today! Click here to register for Saturday classes. Click here to register for Weekday classes. For more information, contact Lana Gavrilov at 404-638-1802 or lgavrilov@thelaa.org or visit www.thelaa.org.
Translation Services Available: Now Offering Portuguese We translate a wide variety of documents from Spanish to English, English to Spanish, English to Portuguese and Portuguese to English. Every translation from the LAA is signed and notarized. For more information or a free quote call 404-248-2207, email lbailey@thelaa.org or visit www.thelaa.org.
Immersion Excursion: Peru - May 2012
Adventure to the majestic land of Peru while immersing in the Spanish language and culture. Experience the ancient & modern city of Lima, journey to the center of Inca civilization in Cuzco, and discover the lost city of Machu Picchu. Don't miss this extraordinary travel and language experience. For more information, contact Veronica Maldonado at 404-638-1815 or vmaldonado@thelaa.org or Myrna Clemmons at 404-638-1836 or mclemmons@thelaa.org.
|
Message from the Chief Executive  Officer Continued
| Community Education & Advocacy: We hosted a "Know Your Rights" Seminar in June in partnership with the Asian American Legal Advocacy Center that provided information about Georgia's new immigration legislation HB87 to the community. More than 400 individuals attended, and experts in the areas of constitutional, criminal and immigration law explained the legislation its effects on the community and discussed immigrants' rights. As a leading service provider to the Latino community, it is vital that we keep our clients informed about important issues that impact their lives. Cobb County Services: The LAA is shifting its service delivery model in Cobb County to an outreach-centered approach to providing services. After careful consideration of factors such as location, transportation, safety, and how to best utilize our finite resources, LAA leadership decided to close our physical office in Cobb County. We will now serve the area through visiting churches, schools, apartments, and other locations where Latino families live and work. We will work hand in hand with partner agencies to provide comprehensive services, and we also have emergency assistance funds available specifically for Cobb County clients. We remain very dedicated to serving our community, and this service model will enable us to continue providing vital services and programs that are in demand. At a time when our community is challenged more than ever, it is essential that we remain strong as an organization and continue to meet the needs of our community. I personally encourage each of you to remain steadfast in your commitment to the Latin American Association, and to give more generously that ever at a time when your support is truly in need. Your donations enable us to make an impact in the lives of every client we serve. Click here to make a donation to the LAA today. Together, we can continue to create a legacy of positive change in our community. Thank you so much for your support. Warm Regards, Millie Irizarry
Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
