Over the past few years, many Atlanta colleges and universities have helped LaAmistad fulfill its mission of empowering Latino students and families through educational programming. Let's take a look at some of the ways these schools have contributed.

Kennesaw State University sent us two interns this fall, Heath Kaminer and Ashley Tracy, who are both fluent in Spanish. Heath comes on Mondays and Wednesdays to help with our new after-school students who speak little English, while Ashley will have given 150 hours of service to LaAmistad by the end of this semester. We also partner with VKSU, Kennesaw State's volunteer outreach program, to build our teams of volunteers.

 

Georgia Perimeter College also has partnered with LaAmistad this past year. Dr. Ursula Thomas has gathered a team of volunteers from the school's education department that has provided LaAmistad with countless hours of educating LaAmistad students.

Emory University teams up with LaAmistad each fall when they host the Latino Youth Leadership Conference. Please see the photo below of this year's group that attended from LaAmistad After School on Saturday, November 9.

Last quarter we were proud to tell you about our Peachtree Presbyterian Church location. To volunteer at Peachtree Presbyterian Church, please email Wesley Dennard at wdennard@laamistadfriendship.org. Today, we're glad to announce that our other two locations, Church of the Redeemer and Westminster Presbyterian Church, are thriving as well!

 

To volunteer at Church of the Redeemer, please contact Jimmy Brock at jimmy@redeemeratlanta.org.

 

 

To volunteer at Westminster Presbyterian Church, please contact Jennifer O'Pry at jopry@laamistadfriendship.org.

 

LaAmistad English for Successful Living began its fall class schedule on September 23 with a bang by welcoming back 5 teachers recruited for our summer program. Having dedicated, skilled, energetic, and caring volunteer teachers is necessary for the success of our program.

 

This fall we have approximately 50 registered students. Ongoing recruitment efforts are in the works to add to this number. To expand our offerings, Director Glynis Terrell has added a G.E.D. preparatory class to our current class lineup. This will be taught by one of our veteran teachers, Stefan Fatzinger, who accepted the challenge with enthusiasm. We look forward to the future of the ESL program and growing both our student base and class offerings!

 

If you would like to volunteer as an English teacher with LaAmistad English for Successful Living, please email esl@laamistadfriendship.org.

CNN brought you a story earlier this year of LaAmistad's impact on the Ortiz family, headed by Gaby Ortiz (right). Gaby has three very bright children, all who attend Pace Academy here in Atlanta. One of the feature's highlights was Gaby's pursuit of her G.E.D. Today, we are happy to announce that Gaby's goal of a G.E.D. has become a reality. She recently passed all necessary testing, and thanks to the tutelage of LaAmistad, is on her way to fulfilling her dreams. View the CNN feature on Gaby and her relationship with LaAmistad here. Your hard work and perseverance are inspirational to all who know you, Gaby.

Have you ever wondered if your company will match your donation to LaAmistad? Now is the time to find out! Click on the Double the Donation logo on the right or go to doublethedonation.com/laamistad to explore ways your organization may double, triple or even quadruple your giving. Some companies even pay an hourly rate to LaAmistad for any employee who volunteers for us.

Our annual Christmas Celebration will take place on Thursday, December 19, from 4-6pm at Peachtree Presbyterian Church in Fellowship Hall. LaAmistad students, volunteers and supporters are all welcome. Come enjoy a delicious feast prepared by none other than the parents of the LaAmistad students, festive Christmas music, and an appearance from Santa himself when he gives gifts to our students!

Register today for the 2014 LaAmistad Buckhead 5K. Lace up those running shoes and help us make miles of progress on closing the education gap for that severely impacts Latino youth! You run, we tutor, kids learn! The race will take place on Saturday, February 22, 2014, with start and finish lines at Peachtree Presbyterian Church. Click here for more information.

Thank you again for your support, and we look forward to a wonderful 2014.

3434 Roswell Rd, Atlanta, GA 30305 · 404-842-2183