Images of Impact: The Work of Hispanic Alliance GA in Photos
Advancing the well-being of Latinos in Georgia through culturally grounded support services that foster adaptation, integration, and long-term success.
About Us
Our History
Hispanic Alliance GA was founded in 2016 by Vanesa Sarazua in response to the growing needs of Latino families and children in Hall County. Vanesa’s work as a juvenile court advocate through the CASA program and her role as a facilitator for the Migrant Education Program in Hall County Schools gave her firsthand insight into the barriers faced by Latino families.
Driven by her deep commitment to advocacy, social justice, and equitable access to services, Vanesa established Hispanic Alliance GA to address the critical gaps affecting low-income Latino children and families. Her passion for empowering the community continues to shape the programs and services that support their ability to adapt, integrate, and thrive.
Our Mission
At Hispanic Alliance GA, we strive to empower the Hispanic and Latino community through education, advocacy, and comprehensive support services. Our mission is to remove barriers, expand opportunities, and uplift families so they can achieve stability, growth, and long-term prosperity. We are committed to ensuring every member of our community has the resources and representation they need to adapt, integrate, and thrive.
Founder & Executive Director
Vanesa Sarazúa is the Founder and Executive Director of Hispanic Alliance Georgia, the only organization in Northeast Georgia dedicated to meeting the unique needs of Latino immigrant families living and working in the “World Poultry Capital” of Gainesville. Inspired by the resilience of Latino families in rural communities—many of whom face significant barriers despite their hard work—Vanesa established Hispanic Alliance GA to improve quality of life, foster inclusion, and promote multicultural understanding through community collaborations, strategic initiatives, and direct services.
Her longstanding dedication to families in poverty and crisis is rooted in years of hands-on experience with vulnerable populations. Vanesa has served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), assisted with refugee resettlement, and worked with the Migrant Education Program in Hall County Schools, supporting agricultural workers and their children.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she led one of the region’s most coordinated relief efforts—partnering with more than 30 local organizations to distribute essential food and supplies to over 10,000 families, including chicken, produce, milk, rice, beans, eggs, and tortillas.
Through her community education and outreach efforts, Vanesa has reached more than 30,000 individuals, providing life-saving and life-stabilizing information on the Census, COVID-19 prevention and care, substance abuse, domestic violence, legal assistance, and housing resources.
Her leadership has earned recognition across Georgia. She is the first Latina recipient of the 2020 Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Silver Shovel Award, a Mundo Hispánico Organization Award honoree, one of the GHCC 50 Most Influential Latinas in Georgia (2023), and named among the Georgia Trend 500 Most Influential Leaders (2025). She is also a graduate of Leadership Hall.
Vanesa holds a B.S. in Social Work and serves on multiple regional and statewide boards, including the Executive Board of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, the University of North Georgia Board of Trustees, the Regional Ninth District Advisory Board, and the HSDA Community Advisory Board at the University of North Georgia.
A proud advocate and a powerful voice for Latino families in Georgia, Vanesa is also a wife and mother of five. Her passion, persistence, and lived experience continue to shape programs and services that bridge critical gaps and uplift Latino communities across the state.
Our Board
Our incredible Board, dedicated team, and committed volunteers work tirelessly to improve the lives of Latino families across Georgia. Together, we open doors to opportunities, resources, and support that help our children and families thrive.
Think you’d be a great addition to our mission? We’d love to hear from you—contact us to learn more about how you can get involved!
Marco Valeriano
Dr. Antonio Rios
Elida Lopez
Brandon Fraire
Arturo Velasco
Alex Barrteto
Our Team
The strength of Hispanic Alliance GA lies in the dedication, compassion, and expertise of our team. Every day, our staff, board members, and volunteers work side by side to address the unique needs of Latino immigrants across Georgia. Their commitment ensures that families not only receive support in moments of crisis but also gain the tools and opportunities needed for long-term success.
Our team plays a vital role as trusted connectors—bridging language, cultural, and access gaps that too often prevent families from receiving essential services. Whether assisting parents, supporting students, advocating for vulnerable individuals, or coordinating community initiatives, their work is central to advancing equity, dignity, and inclusion for our community.
Our Work
Our Services
Hispanic Alliance GA provides a comprehensive range of culturally responsive programs designed to strengthen families, expand opportunities, and promote long-term stability for Latino communities across Georgia.
🟦 Family Support & Well-Being
- Family Well-Being & Stability: Assistance with basic needs such as food, diapers, baby formula, and Christmas toys.
- Triple P Parenting (Spanish): Evidence-based parenting classes that equip caregivers with tools to build positive, healthy family relationships.
- After-School Tutoring Support: Academic assistance and enrichment for students who need additional learning support.
🟧 Education & Skill Building
- ESL Classes: English as a Second Language courses for adult learners.
- Workplace ESL: Customized English instruction for workers to improve job communication and advancement.
- GED Preparation – Fastrack Spanish: Accelerated Spanish-language GED preparation to help adults earn their high school equivalency.
- Health Education & Outreach: Workshops and events focused on health, safety, prevention, and community resources.
🟩 Economic Empowerment & Employment
- Employment Services:
- Job Board with up-to-date opportunities
- Career Center offering resume support, job search help, and interview preparation
- Job Board with up-to-date opportunities
- Women’s Leadership & Entrepreneur Group: Supporting Latina women in building leadership, business skills, and economic independence.
🟪 Social Services & Navigation Support
- Benefits Application Assistance: In-person or phone support completing SNAP, WIC, and Medicaid applications.
- Immigration Services: Low-cost or pro-bono assistance for immigration needs, offered with professionalism and cultural sensitivity.
- Resource Referrals: Direct connections to trusted partners for housing, legal aid, health care, and additional services.
🟫 Civic Engagement
- Civic Engagement & Census Outreach: Education and outreach to ensure Latino families are informed, counted, and represented in local, state, and federal processes.
Family Well Being & Stability
We are committed to supporting families by meeting immediate needs and connecting them to long-term resources that build stability and well-being. Our services include:
🟦 Basic Needs Support
Providing essential items such as:
- Food
- Diapers
- Baby formula
These resources help families meet their children’s most urgent needs.
🟧 Benefits Application Assistance
Offering personalized, bilingual assistance—either in person or over the phone—with applications for:
- SNAP
- WIC
- Medicaid
We guide families through every step to ensure they access the benefits they qualify for.
🟩 Connections to Community Resources
Helping individuals and families get connected to additional supports through direct referrals to trusted local partners and service agencies.
🟪 Live Education & Outreach Events
Hosting live, culturally relevant workshops and outreach events that share important information on health, safety, resources, and community programs.
🟫 Newborn Kits for New Parents
Providing newborn kits filled with clothing, a blanket, and other essential items to support parents welcoming a new baby.
English Levels 1-2-3
1.
Assisting our adult population in acquiring English-language skills and opening pathways to better job opportunities and continued education.
2.
We help adults develop essential English-language skills that expand their access to employment, training, and educational opportunities.
3.
Our programs equip adult learners with the English proficiency they need to pursue stronger careers, higher education, and greater independence.
4.
Supporting adult community members as they learn English, empowering them to advance in the workforce and achieve their educational goals.
Mujeres Emprendedoras
As a business owner, Alma has found the support she needed to grow her business, strengthen her skills, and connect with other entrepreneurial women. Through our workshops, she has gained valuable knowledge and access to a network of successful Latina entrepreneurs who share guidance, encouragement, and real-life experience.
These workshops not only empower new Latina business owners with tools for business development, but also build a strong community of women who uplift one another, expand their networks, and create opportunities for collective success.
Immigration lower cost assistance
Maria’s mother was finally able to achieve her dream of becoming a U.S. citizen thanks to the support of a local Citizenship Clinic. In less than six months, after dedicated volunteers and pro bono attorneys helped her complete and submit her application at no cost, she received her appointment for her citizenship interview.
Her journey is a powerful reminder of how life-changing these services can be. Thanks to Hispanic Alliance GA (HAGA) for hosting these clinics and opening the door to new opportunities for families like Maria’s.
Despensa- an emergency food box
Our culturally appropriate food box, or despensa, program is designed to support Latino families living in poverty by providing nutritious, familiar, and culturally relevant foods. Many families in our community face difficult choices every month—choosing between paying rent, utilities, medical bills, or buying enough food to feed their children.
Unemployment, newly arrived immigrant families, reduced work hours in seasonal poultry and agricultural jobs, rising rent costs, and inflation all intensify the financial strain on households that are already burdened by language barriers, limited educational opportunities, and migratory agricultural backgrounds. Families in mobility, searching for stable employment, are especially vulnerable to food insecurity.
Our food program helps close this gap by offering fresh produce and healthy food options that families recognize and know how to prepare. By prioritizing culturally appropriate items, we ensure that families not only have access to nutritious meals but also maintain the dignity, health, and cultural traditions that are central to their well-being.
Health Outreach and access
We work to improve health access for underinsured and uninsured Latino families by connecting them with trusted local health agencies, clinics, and community partners. Our team helps bridge the gap in care through culturally responsive outreach, education, and direct support services.
What We Provide
🟦 Health Access & Navigation
- Assistance connecting families to healthcare providers, community clinics, and specialty services.
- Support for individuals who struggle to access care due to cost, language barriers, or lack of insurance.
🟧 Outreach & Education Events
- Community events designed to bring health services directly to families who need them most.
- Culturally relevant health education on prevention, wellness, and available resources.
🟩 Preventive Health Services
In partnership with local health agencies, we help provide:
- Flu shot outreach for adults and children
- COVID-19 vaccines and information
- Free mammograms
- Free health screenings, including blood pressure, glucose, vision checks, and more
These partnerships ensure that families receive preventive care that can reduce long-term health risks and improve overall well-being.
Our Impact
By removing barriers to care, providing trusted health information, and bringing services into the community, we help ensure Latino families in Georgia receive the support they need to stay healthy, informed, and safe.
After school Support -Reading & Mathematics Support /Mentorship
We provide tutoring support for elementary and middle school students in the areas of Reading and Mathematics to help strengthen academic skills and build confidence. Our program is uniquely rooted in community pride—our tutors are high-achieving Latino students who are committed to giving back and uplifting the next generation.
These tutors not only offer academic assistance, but also serve as mentors and role models, showing younger students what success can look like. Their guidance helps children stay motivated, build strong study habits, and see pathways for their own future.
Together, our tutors and mentors help create a supportive, culturally affirming environment where children can grow, thrive, and feel proud of their identity and accomplishments.
Career Center
Career Center
The Career Center contributes to long-term community well-being by:
- Increasing family income and financial stability
- Improving access to benefits such as health insurance
- Reducing reliance on crisis services
- Supporting pathways out of generational poverty
- Building confidence and expanding opportunities
- Connecting workers to workplaces that value diversity
In short, the Career Center empowers our community to pursue careers—not just jobs—so families can build stronger, more secure futures in Georgia.
Vaccination Events
Impact 2021