September 2020
In this issue: LaAmistad Afterschool Online Underway, Aldi Smart Kids, Gala Sponsorships Now Available, ESL Fall Registration, Delta Community Credit Union, The 2020 Census, and more.
LaAmistad Afterschool Online Begins! Limited Volunteer Slots Remaining!
After much preparation, LaAmistad Afterschool Online kicked off this month with volunteers meeting students for their first official tutoring sessions of the 2020-2021 school year. The day marked the culmination of months of research, assessment, and construction by LaAmistad staff and supporters. Staff met with each of our nearly 200 families in the weeks prior to kickoff, pairing each student with a volunteer who will assist them throughout the year. Based on the needs uncovered in family meetings, LaAmistad provided Student Toolkits (above) containing whiteboards, sanitizing gel, headphones, and a range of other critical items. Research is already showing gaps in distance learning achievement along socioeconomic lines.

It is LaAmistad's duty to make sure our students do not fall behind unnecessarily due to lack of resources. Moreover, with the pandemic exacerbating many of the issues that led to LaAmistad's foundation back in 2001, ensuring that Afterschool students continue to receive the supplementary academic support that has helped them be successful is our main objective.

In initial sessions of LaAmistad Afterschool Online, Site Directors laid out expectations for the coming virtual year, discussing with parents, volunteers, and students what the year would look like and how all parties can help students to be successful.

While we are proud of what we've accomplished so far, there are still about 30 LaAmistad Afterschool students waiting to be paired with a dedicated volunteer to invest in their academic success this fall. Can our students count on you to tutor them this year?

Click the button below to be part of LaAmistad Afterschool's digital journey!
If you've previously served with us please email [email protected] to let us know you're interested in online tutoring this fall!
LaAmistad Awarded ALDI Smart Kids Grant to Fight Food Insecurity
LaAmistad received the support of ALDI this month as the organization secured more funding for its efforts to fight food insecurity. Monies were donated in the form of gift cards and will be distributed to LaAmistad families based on individual needs. ALDI's Smart Kids grant initiative is dedicated to supporting the health and wellness of children in our communities by supporting local organizations that encourage kids to be active in the areas of education, physical activity, nutrition, socializing, and the arts. Click the button to read more about ALDi's efforts to support local communities.
Tickets and Sponsorships for LaAmistad Annual Gala Now Available!
Support our Heroes March 13th, 2021
An elegant evening of dinner, a silent auction, and celebrating community heroes is set for March 13th! Join us at the Four Seasons Hotel as we celebrate the amazing people making a difference in Atlanta's Latino community. Purchase your tickets and sponsorships below, and help us celebrate the heroes of our community!
Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta
March 13, 2021
Cocktail Reception: 6:30 pm
Dinner: 7:30 pm
LaAmistad ESL: Fall Registration Open Now!
LaAmistad's ESL Virtual Classroom keeps our community together even when we're forced to be apart
Listen to how much Ana enjoys her level 4 classes!
Registration for fall is now open! You can register with this link: https://www.laamistadinc.org/Forms/ESLRegistrationForm
Dates: Our online sessions run very similar to that of our in-person English classes. Sessions last for 7-10 weeks, leaving room for extra testing time or time to review the curriculum before students move on to the next level.

Fall session begins the week of October 5th

Cost: You can sign up to take English classes online by paying a small registration fee of $30. Students will purchase their own books through Amazon. 

ESL is always looking for volunteers and program assistance. Do you think teaching virtually is for you or would you like to provide support? Please reach out to [email protected]!

You can also support this program by donating: https://www.laamistadinc.org/Giving/ 
Share this opportunity with friends and family!
Delta Community Credit Union Awards LaAmistad $5K for COVID-19 Relief
This month, LaAmistad received a grant from Delta Community Credit Union to support its COVID-19 relief efforts throughout Atlanta. LaAmistad's COVID relief efforts continue to have profound impact for the students and families of our community. Through the collection and distribution of necessities like meals, rent assistance, and school supplies, LaAmistad has given new hope to one of the communities hardest hit by the pandemic. The award comes as part of Delta Community Credit Union's Community Support Initiative, and will be used to advance LaAmistad's mission to prepare Latino students and families for success through academic and life enrichment programs.

Delta Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative with a mission of providing better service and value on the products consumers use to manage household expenses and save for the future. Since presenting its first awards in 2014, the Delta Community Philanthropic Fund will have invested $630,000 with the distribution of the 2020 awards. Find out more about Delta Community Credit Union's philanthropic efforts with the button below!
Time is Running Out to Complete the 2020 Census!
Since the beginning of the year, LaAmistad has been encouraging the participation of the families it serves in the 2020 Census. It is now more critical than ever before that the Latino community be accurately represented in the data. Federal resource allocations, like the one designed to ease the economic impact of COVID-19, will be based on the collected data for the next ten years.

We must not forget that, even during this time of crisis, participation in the 2020 Census carries profound longterm implications for the students and families we serve.

Click below to respond to the 2020 Census!
Success Spotlight: Community Partners Instrumental to LaAmistad COVID-19 Relief Efforts
Partner(s): United Way
Donation: Student Incentive Bags Containing Snacks and Books
Partner(s): Compassion Kitchen Project
Donation: Salads, Tacos, PBJ Sandwiches, Fruit and Veggies
Partner(s): Second Helpings Atlanta
Donation: Goldberg's Bagels
Partner(s): Second Helpings Atlanta, Mercedes Benz Stadium
Donation: Prepared meals to feed a family of 4
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