Nonprofit Spotlight: Latin American Association

We’re proud to spotlight our incredible nonprofit partner, the Latin American Association (LAA). With roots that stretch back to 1972, LAA has grown into a dynamic hub of opportunity, connection, and empowerment for Georgia’s Latino communities.

At LAA, it’s all about building a future where everyone thrives. They’re tearing down barriers and opening doors, providing immigration legal services, education, entrepreneurship support, and family resources that spark lasting change. Their work isn’t just about services; it’s about strengthening communities, creating hope, and making opportunity possible for all.

Learn more about LAA in our interview below!

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Tell us about your organization – what’s your mission, and what does it mean to the our community?

Our mission is to empower Georgia' Latinos to adapt, integrate, and thrive. Our vision is opportunity for all. Our mission brings connection, resources, and hope to our community.

Can you share some impact stats or comments about the work being done by your organization?

In 2024, we delivered 69,000 services to over 24,000 individual clients and their families. We have: - provided 168,726 pounds of food to 4,474 families through our food pantry and food distribution events - Instructed 1,814 adult English language learners - Hosted 2,559 job seekers at our job fairs - Equipped 1,204 job seekers with job readiness through employment orientations & resume reviews.

What’s the history of your organization? How and why did it get started?

The Latin American Association (LAA) was founded in 1972 to support Atlanta’s growing Latino community, initially offering job and housing assistance from the trunk of a car. Today, it operates from a 45,000-square-foot facility on Buford Highway and additional service centers in Gwinnett, and northwest Georgia, providing immigration legal services, adult education, citizenship support, entrepreneurship programs, and family well-being resources—serving as a vibrant hub for Georgia’s Latino communities.

What kind of programming do you offer to the community?

The Latin American Association (LAA) empowers Georgia’s Latino community through five key service areas: Immigration Legal Services: Legal consultations, assistance with DACA, TPS, naturalization, family petitions, and more. Adult Education & Workforce Development: ESL, Spanish literacy, computer classes, job readiness training, and small business support. Family Stabilization & Well-Being: Emergency assistance, homelessness prevention, connection to community and government resources, working with victims of domestic violence and case management. Youth Services: After-school programs, college access support, youth leadership development, and summer enrichment. Economic Empowerment: Financial education, entrepreneurship programs, and services tailored to Latina business owners. These programs are complemented by community engagement initiatives, including citizenship clinics, health fairs, support groups, clubs, and cultural events.

What problem is your organization trying to solve, and can you tell us more about the issue?

Many Latino families in Georgia face practical challenges that limit their ability to fully contribute to the state’s economy and civic life. These include language barriers, limited access to workforce training, and difficulty navigating legal systems. The Latin American Association provides tools and resources that help individuals become self-sufficient, productive members of their communities—supporting stronger families, a more prepared workforce, and a more connected Georgia.

How do volunteers support your mission? What impact do they have on your work? What difference do they make?

Volunteers are the heart of our work at the Latin American Association. They help bring our mission to life by showing up with compassion, consistency, and a shared commitment to community. Whether they are helping a job seeker prepare for employment, organizing and distributing food in our pantry, calling clients for follow-up, assisting with ESL classes, or hosting community gatherings—our volunteers provide the hands-on support that strengthens families and builds trust. Their presence ensures that every client feels seen, supported, and connected. By giving their time and talents, volunteers expand our reach, deepen our impact, and help create a more welcoming and empowered Georgia for all.

What’s your biggest highlight or success from the past year?

March 1, 2025 we held a food distribution with the Atlanta Hawks + CareSource. We had over 75 volunteers sign-up to help out and we provided over 10,000 pounds of fresh produce and shelf-stable ingredients to 479 families.

How many volunteers do you need every month, and can you describe the experience of serving with your organization for the volunteer? What do they do? What’s a day in the life as a volunteer with your organization?

We average about 130 volunteers a month. Absolutely! Here's a shortened version with the same warmth and detail: Volunteering at the Latin American Association means becoming part of a welcoming, mission-driven community. Whether you're organizing food donations, helping job seekers polish their resumés, supporting ESL classes, or calling clients for follow-up, your time directly supports families on their path to stability. Each day brings meaningful, hands-on opportunities to connect with others and make a tangible impact. Volunteers work alongside dedicated staff and fellow community members who share a passion for service. It's a chance to give back, build relationships, and help create a more inclusive Georgia for all.

What types of projects do you offer? What are your biggest projects available, and needs from volunteers? Tell us about a few different offerings.

The Latin American Association offers a variety of meaningful volunteer projects that support our programs and connect directly with community needs. These include: Workforce Support: Help clients prepare for employment through resumé reviews, job fair assistance, and mock interviews. Education Support: Assist with ESL classes Food Security: Sort, organize, and distribute food through our onsite pantry and special distribution events. Community Engagement: Support cultural events, resource fairs, or host community-building activities. Client Follow-Up & Outreach: Make calls to check in on clients, remind them of appointments, or share information about available services. Biggest Ongoing Needs: Volunteers for job fairs and resumé review days Regular support with food pantry organization and distribution Bilingual volunteers (English/Spanish) to assist with ESL classes and client communications Help with event setup, hospitality, and logistics at outreach events and community celebrations

Who is your volunteer manager, and what’s their favorite thing about working for your organization?

Catherine Warren wears the hats of director of operations and volunteer program lead - her favorite thing about the volunteer program is seeing volunteers make connections with the LAA's staff and clients.

What do volunteers love about working with your organization?

Volunteers love the sense of purpose and community they experience at the Latin American Association. They feel valued, supported, and inspired by the impact they make—whether it’s helping someone find a job, practice English, or access food for their family. Many appreciate the welcoming environment, the opportunity to connect across cultures, and the chance to work alongside passionate staff and fellow volunteers. Most of all, they love knowing that their time directly supports families working hard to build a better future.

What’s going to be happening with your organization in 2025 that you’re really excited about?

We're launching our capital campaign to update our 20+ year old facility.

Let’s leave our readers with a list of ways they can jump in and get involved. Tell us how we can support you!

Volunteer, donate, attend a coffee hour - every other Wednesday at 5:30 pm to practice your Spanish or help native English speakers practice their English.

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ATL is in Good Hands - the 2025 High Five Party

On April 17—yes, actual National High Five Day—we threw up our hands (literally) and celebrated Atlanta’s all-star volunteers the only way we know how: with food, fun, and a whole lotta gratitude.

The High Five Party made its triumphant return, this time doubling as a fundraiser to fuel the fire our volunteers light in communities across the city. We packed out The Painted Pickle with ping-pong, pickleball, putt-putt, and pure joy. There were good eats (seriously, the waffle fries are insane), cold drinks, great music, and more than a few friendly competitions (shout out to our own Trey Stanley aka Mr. Discovery for the Highest High Five).

But the true highlight? Our awards program, where we hit pause on the games to shine the spotlight on some of Atlanta’s most inspiring changemakers. Let’s meet the winners:

Left to right: Jay Cranman, Monica Taylor, Jennifer Smith, Predita Lundy, David Jernigan

🎉 Corporate Champion Award: Jennifer Smith, OneDigital

Presented by the incredible Elizabeth Chrane, this award recognized Jennifer’s unwavering dedication to corporate volunteerism and creating a culture of service at OneDigital.

🎉 School Legacy Award: Monnica Taylor, Kindezi at Gideons

Presented by the amazing Angeleria Willis, Monnica was honored for going above and beyond to empower her students and bring meaningful volunteer partnerships into the classroom.

🎉 Nonprofit Legacy Award: Grady Health

With words of admiration from Hands On Atlanta Board Chair, Adrienne White, we celebrated Grady Health for its deep-rooted commitment to health equity and community partnership that spans decades.

🎉 Founder’s Award: David Jernigan, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta

Presented by none other than Michelle Nunn, this special award went to David for his visionary leadership and lifelong devotion to building brighter futures for Atlanta’s youth.

These honorees aren’t just names on plaques—they’re the heartbeat of this movement. The ones who rally teams, ignite change, and make it their mission to leave Atlanta better than they found it.

And speaking of impact… in just the first few months of 2025:

• We’ve activated 60,000 volunteers

• Our 52 AmeriCorps members clocked over 250,000 service hours

• 30 Civic Leaders engaged 2,000+ neighbors

• And our top volunteers contributed thousands of hours to local causes

So yeah, a party was very necessary.

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The High Five Party means we can give high fives all year long at volunteer projects, events, meal distributions and more.

Give here to keep the good work going.

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To everyone who came out to celebrate, to cheer, to play, to give—thank you. This night was for you. And to everyone who supports this mission year-round: you’re helping us build an Atlanta where service is second nature and high fives are a love language.

Until next time… high fives all around. 👋💥

Thank you to our Host Committee

• Michelle Nunn & Ron Martin

• Elise Eplan

• Amber & Frank Hall

• Allyson Eman

• Jay & Brendalee Cranman

• Tara and Rahul Naya

• Barbara and Nick Costides

• Beth Cabrera

• Chloe Barzey

An extra special Thank You to our sponsors