On May 1, the LAA’s Youth Services Latino Youth Leadership Academy (LYLA) student participants celebrated the culmination of the school year. After being virtual for a whole year, the Youth Services team brought students, parents, teachers and mentors together for the first in-person since the pandemic began. Senior Miguel Garcia* has participated in the LAA's LYLA program since sixth grade.
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LYLA student accepted to Kennesaw State University
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Miguel Garcia* joined our Latino Youth Leadership Academy (LYLA) in sixth grade. Three times a week, LYLA students participate in a curriculum centered on leadership development, empowerment, and academic support. At the beginning of the program though bright and kind, Miguel was shy and sat out of activities. LYLA staff encouraged Miguel and praised him for his hard work and effort and he grew more expressive and engaged in the program. His mom encouraged him, provided him with transportation and served as a great source of support at home.
In ninth grade, Miguel entered a DeKalb County charter school after much deliberation. Miguel continued as a LYLA participant throughout high school. He also joined our mentoring program and was matched with a mentor who helped him achieve high grades and provided guidance on navigating high school. A trip to Georgia Tech’s GoSTEM fair exposed Miguel to different careers and roused his interest in pursuing a career in a STEM field.
In 2019, Miguel attended our annual Latino Youth Leadership Conference at Kennesaw State University. He fell in love with the campus and wanted to apply but was unsure of all of the steps involved. So, Miguel and his mother sat side-by-side in our inaugural “Pathway to College” series, a five-part virtual program which addressed college admissions, financial aid, and career pathways with students and their families. Following the series, Miguel also received 1-on-1 coaching through our senior advising college initiative. His mother continued to support him through the whole application process. “I was so happy to see Patrick’s mom accompany him throughout this journey and to see the communication they have between them. This is the example of parents and first-generation students learning together about the ‘Pathway to College,’” said Alejandra Garcia, youth program coordinator. Ultimately, Miguel’s hard work, gained self-confidence, and family’s support paid off – he was accepted to Kennesaw State University and received the Pell Grant and HOPE scholarship to fund his studies.
*Name has been changed to protect student's anonymity.
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The LAA Youth Services department will conduct a summer academic program that will be open to students entering 6th grade to 12th grade! The summer program will focus on Math, Science, Language Arts and Sports.
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Alicia Bernal and her grandsons have received overwhelming support from the LAA since her husband died in August 2020 because of COVID-19.
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LAA continues to support families with financial assistance and food distribution events
Since arriving to the U.S. over 20 years ago, Alicia Bernal has been coming to the LAA to receive services and learn about life in her new country. Since her adult daughter was detained in November 2019, Alicia and her husband have been caring for their four grandchildren. Unfortunately, in August 2020, her husband passed away due to COVID-19.
When she needed support, she turned to the LAA. Alicia is a typical LAA client- single female, living below the poverty level coming to us in a time of crisis. “The LAA was there for me when I needed it most,” said Alicia. “The helped me feed my grandchildren and pay rent. I was overwhelmed with the support I received.”
With the LAA’s support Alicia is able to continue to take care of her grandchildren during this time of continued crisis. Alicia is one of the thousands of families the LAA has supported through our services.
Our Family Stabilization and Well Being department has helped many families get back on their feet since the onset of COVID-19. We have distributed about $800,000 in financial assistance for housing and utilities and have distributed approximately 400,000 pounds of food to the communities we serve across metro Atlanta and northwest Georgia.
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When you support the LAA, you support families like Alicia's and students like Miguel. Make a gift to our spring campaign today to our spring campaign today and change lives. Right now, gifts made to the LAA are being DOUBLED, thanks to the generosity of Mario and Janet Trujillo. Give now!
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Thanks to our partnership with CORE, the International Rescue Committee and the DeKalb County Board of Health, we have administered 784 vaccines in people's arms since April 17.
Our mission continues. We are committed to vaccinating a larger percentage of our Latino community and all Georgians. If you need to schedule a vaccine, please visit here.
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Dear friends,
Hard to believe that we have almost reached the summer. Our team at the LAA has been working hard to serve our community. We continue to host vaccination days in partnership with CORE Georgia, International Rescue Committee Atlanta, and the DeKalb County Board of Health. So far, the partnership has administered 786 vaccines. Check out our vaccination schedule through the rest of the summer here.
Currently, we are assessing the needs of Georgia's Latino community through a survey. We know that COVID-19 has disproportionately affected the community we serve and we want to better understand those needs. The survey can be taken here. Please take the survey and let us know what you need.
Until next time,
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Upcoming Signature Events
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The LAA’s vision is, “Opportunity for all.” This is why it is so important to hear from our community to understand their current needs. The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected Latinos and Latinas and we want to understand how to better serve them. Help us better serve our community by completing our survey.
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Atlanta Outreach Center
2750 Buford Highway, NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
404.638.1800
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Northwest Georgia Outreach Center
508 E Morris St.
Dalton, GA 30721
706.272.1992
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Gwinnett Outreach Center
308 North Clayton St.
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
678.205.1018
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