Latin American Association

For over 50 years, the Latin American Association (laa) has been the region's leading agency representing Georgia's latino community. Laa empowers Georgia's latino communities, particularly those with low-incomes, limited english proficiency, and risk of homelessness. The laa does not discriminate in our service provision. The laa offers a compehensive and holistic blend of services that helps latino individuals assimilate and become contributing members of Georgia's community. The laa provides over 43,000 services every year to individuals and families. The laa does this by assisting clients in sorting through all available direct and emergency relief options. Importantly, the laa provides all services in spanish and in an environment that is culturally responsive to them. The laa's team of fully bilingual case managers support each client by meeting with them to determine their goals for increasing well-being, and ensuring long-term stability. Laa staff directly provide services and referrals for resources, such as food, shelter, clothing, case management, and domestic violence mitigation. Once a client is stabilized and all basic/emergency needs met, the laa offers comprehensive program opportunities to help clients reach self-sufficiency. These programs include job training, job fairs, esl classes, latina empowerment program, and industry specific trainings. Depending on the client's needs, the laa continues to provide assistance through youth services programming and the immigration services department. The full scope of laa programs provides help pull the latino community toward social equity by ensuring financial stability and opening doors for future success. Laa services are free or are offered at a reduced rate to ensure all clients have access to the programs they need. The laa offers subsidized legal fees through the support of generous donors. Additionally, many individuals and families are still experiencing the long-term effects of the covid-19 economic and social crisis. The laa continues to play a critical role in providing support services and emergency relief. The laa food pantry continues to see increased demand and in 2022, provided food for over 12,000 families. The laa continues to see increased need for immigration services with roughly 40 new client consultations taking place every month. Additional statistics include 1,200 adults enrolled in english-as-a-second-language classes, 700 students attending the latino youth leadership conference, and more than 600 individuals attending job fairs.