December 2019
In this issue: The Wesleyan Winter Service Team , Keller Williams Kicks Off Book Drive, Friends For Life, Salesforce, Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 Under 40
Wesleyan Educates Through Service at Embry Hills UMC & Honeysuckle Park
The Winter Service Team, a collection of dedicated high-school students from The Wesleyan School in nearby Peachtree Corners, began supporting LaAmistad's mission to improve outcomes for Latino families this month as they tutored students at LaAmistad's Honeysuckle Park and Embry Hills United Methodist Church locations. An exercise in hands-on service learning, students will volunteer in LaAmistad Afterschool at these locations regularly throughout the semester, with their final date coming in January. When asked about the value of this experience for students, one team captain said, "It's taught me to help those in need before I do my own tasks. It has also taught me how to incorporate service into my daily life by putting others before myself.” The boost Wesleyan students provide Afterschool isn't going unnoticed by Site Directors and Parent Liaisons at LaAmistad's two northeastern-most locations. "This is the most volunteers we've ever had!," said Martha Neal, Site Director at LaAmistad's new Embry Hills United Methodist Church location, "the students are so thrilled to work with this group. It's encouraging to see young people giving back."
Keller Williams Realty Promotes Literacy with Centro Católico Book Donation

Afterschool students at Centro Católico were all smiles earlier this month when special guest, and Keller Williams' Atlanta Partners Group member, Carolyn Carnes arrived bearing gifts. As part of a larger organizational effort by the world-wide realty firm to "renew, energize, and donate," in local communities, Carnes delivered students a classic selection of beloved children's books, staying afterward to work with the first-graders.

Site Director, Linda Spitzer also took a moment to explain to students what it means to be a realtor, and that it is one of many career options students will have if they continue their commitment to their education. "What are you going to do with all this learning?" Spitzer asked a room of excited students. "Get a job" one student said, "make money," said another. Spitzer interjected, "Before all of that, before the jobs and the money and everything, we want all of you to go to college."

LaAmistad Afterschool knows that the path to higher education, and economic mobility, begins with reading proficiency at an early age. To make a donation to LaAmistad's holiday book drive, simply bring new copies of your favorite childhood titles with you to any LaAmistad Afterschool site and give them to a staff member. Together, we can improve outcomes for students, and we sincerely thank Keller Williams for their donation in support of our mission.
Choose LaAmistad on Georgia Gives Day!
12.03.2019
LaAmistad has a big day coming up. You've heard of Black Friday, maybe you've even heard of Cyber Monday, but did you know about Giving Tuesday ? In response to the swell of consumerism that follows the Thanksgiving holiday, Giving Tuesday was established in 2012 to benefit local communities and create an international day of charitable giving. LaAmistad is proudly participating again this year, and we'll need your help to make the day a success for our students and families. So remember, after the turkey, and the lines, and the shipping, please remember select LaAmistad Inc. as your charity of choice and help make a difference this holiday season! Learn how below!

P.S. LaAmistad has been entered into a contest to win additional funding on GaGives Day! If we have the most unique donors between the hours of 10:00 am and 10:59 am we win additional resources for our students and families! Help us win on December 3rd !
LaAmistad Teams Up with AKA, Friends for Life Foundation
The Friends For Life Foundation, established in 2004 by the Phi Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc ., awarded a grant this month in support of quality of life improvement and education for LaAmistad students and families. The funding comes as part of a signature program this year by Friends for Life, designed to support reading initiatives, cultural activities and overall well-being for local communities. It is with immense gratitude that we thank the Friends For Life Foundation, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., for their support of our mission . Their funding will have a major impact on LaAmistad programming and initiatives in the coming year.
Salesforce Gives Back In Afterschool at Peachtree
They are one of the top software companies in Silicon Valley, but on this afternoon employees were tutors, mentors, and even elves for LaAmistad Afterschool students at Peachtree Church . 16 eager volunteers from Salesforce 's Atlanta hub joined us on Monday the 11th in hopes of effecting meaningful change for students at LaAmistad's flagship Afterschool location. Volunteers began by assisting Site Director, Vera Woods, in the separation and cataloging of items for LaAmistad's upcoming holiday parties, ultimately pairing up with students to help with homework and talk future possibilities. The academic support they provided was surpassed only by the example they set for students through their willing service and professional approach. Thank you to everyone from Salesforce who came out in support of our mission. Check out photos from the day below!
Volunteer Corner
LaAmistad Afterschool
LaAmistad is seeking volunteers who can offer elementary age homework help at our Afterschool program locations. Volunteers work alongside a staff teacher and parent liaison. No Spanish or education experience required. Tutoring for elementary school-aged students will range from 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM on Mondays through Thursdays. Available days and times vary by   location .
LaAmistad ESL
English for Successful Living classes are open to anyone in the community that wants to learn English regardless of origin. With a variety of locations, we are always in need of ESL teachers.
Special Projects
LaAmistad is seeking a dedicated volunteer group to help us organize our library space at Peachtree Church in Buckhead.
Email: [email protected] to get involved!
Success Spotlight: LaAmistad Supporter and Georgia Bio CEO Named One of Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 Under 40
Maria Thacker Goethe was named one of the Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 Under 40 honorees this month. A central figure in LaAmistad's Estrellitas program — aimed at empowering Latina teens in the Atlanta community by developing and nurturing their leadership, intellectual, and cultural potential — Maria's own daughter is her source of daily motivation. "There are many things that bring me joy from my volunteer work with the Junior League of Atlanta and LaAmistad, to my family and friends. While those motivate me each day to mentor and love others, my greatest joy is my daughter Cecilia. After struggling with infertility and loss, a near fatal ectopic pregnancy, and then a very high-risk pregnancy — all while working a demanding job, my fierce and opinionated little girl is my ‘why’ for everything." LaAmistad is so grateful for Maria's support of its mission and involvement with its initiatives. Check out her interview below!
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