LAA Helps Domestic Violence Victim Get a New Lease on Life

Immigration remedy opens new world of opportunities for single mom of four

When Gladys G�mez first came seeking help to the Latin American Association in 2009, she was in the process of getting a protective order against her husband. A victim of domestic violence, the mother of four was at an all-time low as she navigated the courts and went through a separation.

But five years later, G�mez, 38, has a new lease on life. With the help of the LAA's Immigration Services Department, she applied and got approved for a U visa, which gives victims of certain crimes temporary legal status and a work permit for up to four years. Thanks to the U visa, she was able to bring her two oldest daughters from Guatemala to reunite with her and her two boys, who were born in this country. A work permit opened up new employment opportunities. She recently came by the LAA to show paralegal Silvia Manfredi the new Toyota Corolla she purchased for her new job as a taxi driver.

"When she came to see me, she had a big smile on her face," says Manfredi. "I have seen her go through a lot of suffering, through many ups and downs. Gladys is going to be OK. She has now found her way."

Working as a taxi driver has afforded G�mez more time to spend with her four kids.

G�mez came by herself to the United States from Guatemala almost 20 years ago following her husband, who lived in Arizona. She immigrated here because she wanted to provide for her two daughters, one of whom required special care because she lost an eye days after her birth. It was not long before her husband started abusing her and she moved to Atlanta because she had family here.

"He would follow me and threaten me," G�mez says. "He got me kicked out of two jobs, and he wanted to take our two sons away from me. But I wasn't going to let that happen."

G�mez went to court to get a protective order against him. In court, she met Manfredi, who was working with other domestic violence clients on the behalf of the LAA. Manfredi helped G�mez get an arrest warrant and the Immigration Services Department assisted her in getting immigration relief in the form of a U visa. The LAA was by her side guiding her every step of the way, inside and out of court, until G�mez was able to bring her daughters with a visa to the U.S.

Now G�mez feels secure, self-reliant and happy. She has a Social Security number and a driver's license, and she is able to rent an apartment by herself. She is not afraid. She is working to get her permanent residency next year.

"My life has changed," G�mez says. "I thank God and the Latin American Association. Silvia was always with me."

And because she has a work permit, she has more employment options. Recently, she left her longtime job at a bakery because she was struggling to make ends meet. She decided she wanted to be a taxi driver so she could have more flexibility to take care of her kids and make more money. "I work at night and on weekends," she says. "I like it."

G�mez is feeling sanguine about her life and her future.

"Sometimes you think you can't get ahead unless you have a man by your side," she says. "It's easy to get carried away by a threat. It's not easy but I am getting ahead and I can do it on my own. I am feeling optimistic."

LAA Expands Advocacy Efforts

Director of advocacy position created to help shape policies that impact Latino families

The Latin American Association is expanding its efforts to advocate for Latino immigrants and impact policymaking.

Building on its 42 years of offering direct services to Latino immigrants in Georgia, the goal is for the LAA to play a bigger role in shaping policies that meet the needs of the Latino community.

The LAA has hired a director of policy and advocacy to position the organization as a leading voice representing Latino concerns and interests. The new director is David Schaefer, who has worked as an immigration attorney, university administrator, college instructor and grant writer.  Most recently, he was associate chief of staff to the chancellor at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro, where he worked developing policy and advocating for Latino students.

Schaefer leads the LAA's advocacy efforts.

"We believe the LAA should play a more active role in helping shape policy that affects the lives of Latino immigrants," said Anibal Torres, who chairs the LAA board's Advocacy Committee. "We work closely with the community day in and day out, so we know what the needs are. We are excited to have a dedicated staff person whose job is to advocate for the community."

Through the advocacy function, the LAA is targeting issues that are highly aligned with its mission of empowering Latinos to achieve their educational, social and economic aspirations. These issues include in-state college tuition and access for youth who are eligible for the immigration relief program known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA); comprehensive immigration reform; and assistance for unaccompanied children who are arriving from Central America.

The expansion of the LAA's advocacy efforts comes at a time when immigration issues are front and center.

"In recent months, we have seen an unprecedented humanitarian border crisis with thousands of Central American children fleeing violence and debates at the federal level around immigration reform," Schaefer says. "And we are expecting that President Obama will soon take executive action to expand the DACA program to millions."

LAA Volunteers Moved to Action by Surge in Unaccompanied Minors in Georgia

Children from Central America in need of more than legal services

Since January, more than 1,400 unaccompanied children crossing the border from Central America have arrived in Georgia. The LAA has been inundated with requests on behalf of unaccompanied minors for legal advice and representation in immigration court, and our immigration attorney Jessica Daman has been busy keeping up with the demand for immigration legal services. But in addition to legal counsel, these children are also in need of food, clothing, school supplies and other essentials. Some LAA friends and volunteers have responded to the need by launching their own donation drives.

Immigration attorney Daman represents unaccompanied minors from Central America.

LAA volunteer Abbey Wojno and her husband, Mauricio Lascano, organized a donation drive with their friends and coworkers. Over the course of a month, the couple collected more than $400 in grocery store gift cards to provide food for the families caring for these children. With the help of the community, they also collected school supplies and clothing.

"We're happy to donate our time and resources in the LAA's efforts to assist these kids," Wojno says. "We are grateful for the opportunity to assist, even the littlest bit." 

While taking her grandchildren shopping for school supplies, volunteer Yolanda Rahme thought of the children the LAA serves. She helped her two grandkids pick out two fully stocked backpacks ready for elementary school students in need. When Rahme and her husband came to the LAA to drop off the supplies, they found out about the LAA's work with unaccompanied minors and were inspired to purchase clothes, socks and underwear for them. When Daman called a client to tell her about the donation, the client was so touched that she was moved to tears over the phone.

"The unaccompanied minors coming to Georgia have fled violence-torn areas and endured traumas, both in their home countries and on their journeys to the United States," Daman says. "They often arrive in Georgia with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. These donations embody the U.S. ideals of being an immigrant country that welcomes and supports others seeking safety and a better life."

If you are interested in making a contribution or donation ($1,200 pays for legal representation for one minor) to benefit the unaccompanied minors the LAA is serving, please contact Caroline Daigle at [email protected] or 404-248-2238.

LAA Thanks Donors for Recent Grants, Gifts

The LAA is honored to have been selected as a winner of the Ford Driving Dreams Through Education grant made possible by the Ford Motor Company and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).  The $20,000 award in support of our youth program will help Latino students graduate from high school prepared for college and careers. 

The Ford Driving Dreams Through Education grant will support the LAA's youth program, headed by Lynnette Aponte, right.

The LAA also thanks the Atlanta Foundation for its continued partnership and its generous grant for $20,000 in support of our youth program.

A very special thank-you goes to Ramon and Carol Tome for granting the LAA's 2014 Extra Wish through The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. The $5,000 gift affords the purchase of much-needed equipment for the Language Department and will greatly enhance the learning experience of students taking English-language classes at the LAA. 

Thanks to the Nordson Corporation Foundation for its gift of $7,500 to support the Latina Leadership Institute, the LAA's new women's economic empowerment initiative launched with funds from The Coca-Cola Foundation. The program helps empower Latinas through education, vocational training, entrepreneurship and advocacy so they can succeed financially. 

Latin Fever Ball on October 11 Offers Taste of the Dominican Republic

Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Dominican Republic at this year's Latin Fever Ball! The LAA's annual fundraising gala will take place on Saturday, October 11, starting at 6:30 p.m., at the InterContinental Buckhead. Latin Fever Ball will feature a hosted bar, three-course dinner, live and silent auctions, live entertainment with Orquesta Nova Sound and other surprises. UPS is the presenting sponsor.

Steven Michael Quezada of the Emmy-winning TV show Breaking Bad will be special guest and master of ceremonies. Julie and Bob Jimenez are chairs of the ball.

Funds raised benefit LAA programs that empower Latino youth to graduate from high school and college, provide legal immigration assistance for low-income families and work to eliminate poverty in the Latino community.

For tickets or sponsorships, please contact Jennifer Solano at [email protected] or 404-638-1815. You may also purchase tickets or sponsorships on our website at https://thelaa.ejoinme.org/?tabid=541411

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Latino Youth Leadership Conference Marks 15^th Anniversary

The LAA's 15^th Annual Latino Youth Leadership Conference will take place on Saturday, November 8 at the Westminster Schools in Atlanta. Nearly 2,000 middle and high school students from across the state, teachers, parents and volunteers are expected to attend a day of motivational talks, workshops and much more. AT&T is the conference's presenting sponsor.

The youth conference will attract nearly 2,000 participants.

Keynote speaker is Dr. Victor Rios, a professor of sociology at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a motivational speaker who frequently talks to Latino youth.

Registration is required.

For more information, call 404-638-1810 or email [email protected]

For sponsorships or participation in the College and Career Fair, contact Jennifer Solano at [email protected] or 404-638-1815.