Images of Impact: The Work of Hispanic Alliance GA in Photos
Improving the lives of Latinos in Georgia to adapt and thrive in their pursuit of the American dream
Hispanic Alliance Georgia is one of the largest direct services agencies in the State, providing wrap around services specific to the Latino families in need in Hall County and surrounding areas In 15 Counties. Monthly we help 3000 families connect to a box of culturally appropriate nutritious food, prioritizing fresh and nutritious. Our services help our hard working families have some relief to pay for medicines, rent or utilities. We help our babies connect to diapers and formula and basic needs. We help our families connect to support networks and partner agencies, jobs, housing, as well as public benefits to improve their lives, on their road to self reliance and out of poverty. While the contributions of our community to our local economy and State economy are evident in the World Poultry capital of the world, our families face many challenges including extreme poverty, prejudice, limited English proficiency, transportation, housing and other barriers. HAGA is proud to serve over 50,000 individuals through our service center located in Gainesville, Georgia. We achieve our mission through five areas: Culture & Engagement, economic empowerment, education, family well being and immigration. Each area includes targeted menu of direct services, large scale events, and advocacy to realize significant community impact and affect systems change. Our sustainable goals are poverty alleviation, zero hunger, good health and well being, quality education, decent work and economic growth, reduced inequalities, and partnerships for goals.
We prioritize our most vulnerable families and children, living in poverty, with no other relief, with little or no support network, English language deficient, transportation barriers affected with unemployment, quarantine and illness.
In Hall County we have families living in poverty tracks of more than 50-75%.
Hispanic babies born in these rural enclaves are more likely to be impoverished than those in the city. And it’s harder for them to receive help from federal and state programs, such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Consistent health care also is hard to come by, particularly if their parents are undocumented and are fearful of being discovered and deported—even though the children are U.S. citizens.
As a result, many researchers say, many of these children may never realize their full potential and escape poverty.
“These babies are starting behind the starting line,” said Daniel Lichter, a Cornell University researcher and coauthor of a recent study on their situation. “And their opportunities as they move into adulthood are jeopardized. These are American citizens at risk of failing to thrive.” (https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2015/08/14/hispanic-poverty-in-rural-areas-challenges-states)
Monthly we help 3000 families connect to a box of culturally appropriate nutritious food. This helps our hard working families have some relief to Si pay for medicines, rent or utilities. We help our babies connect to diapers and formula and basic needs. We help our families connect to support networks and partner agencies, jobs, housing, as well as public benefits to improve their lives, on their road to self reliance and out of poverty.
About Us
Our History
Hispanic Alliance GA was founded by Vanesa Sarazua, in 2016, based on the needs of the Latino families and children in Hall County. Her service specifically focused on Latino families and children as an advocate in juvenile court through the CASA program and as a facilitator for the Migrant Education program in Hall County schools. Her passion for advocacy, social justice and social services specific to the Latino poor in Hall is the motivation behind programs and services to fill important gaps for the community.
Our Mission
Improve the quality of life and provide opportunities for our Hispanic community through services , collaborations, and initiatives in education, health, financial stability, and immigration
Founder & Executive Director
Vanesa Sarazúa is Founder & Executive Director of Hispanic Alliance Georgia. Driven by the tremendous need of our Latino families in rural Northeast Georgia, in the World Poultry Capital -Gainesville, she founded the only organization that addresses those specific needs for our hard working Immigrant Latinos. As Executive Director in the hub of the Northeast, she wishes to improve the quality of life of our Latinos in Georgia, promoting inclusion and multicultural understanding by collaborations, initiatives and services. Her extraordinary commitment to those Latinos living in poverty and suffering has been demonstrated in her long standing work through CASA, working and advocating with Latino families and Refugee Resettlement as well as working with the Migratory field working families facilitating the Migrant Education team at Hall County schools. Her commitment is demonstrated through her facilitation and collaboration with more than 30 local partners in helping serve 10,000 families through this Covid crisis, since -April through August- with produce, chicken, milk, rice, beans, eggs and tortillas. Her education and outreach in the community on topics of advancement, participation and engagement has reached over 30,000 individuals which were informed on topics like Census, COVID prevention and care, Substance abuse, Domestic Violence, legal and housing resources and prevention. First Latina Recipient of 2020 Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Silver shovel award, Mundo Hispanico Organization award and a graduate of Leadership Hall, her passion and commitment to our local Latino community is demonstrated in all the program and services created to fill gaps specifically for them. She’s a strong advocate and a committed voice for our Latinos in Georgia. Vanesa is married, mother of 5 children. She holds a BS in Social Work and a heart for our Latinos in Georgia. She serves on the Executive Board of Greater Hall County Chamber of Commerce, Board of Trustees for UNG, Regional Ninth District Advisory Board, Human Services Delivery and Administration (HSDA) Community Advisory Board at the University of North Georgia. and on Hall Family Connection Board. Recipient of 2023 Most Influential Latino Award of the GHCC,
Our Board
Our amazing Board, team and volunteers are committed to improving the lives of our Latinos in Georgia. We open doors of opportunities and access for our families and children. Think you would be a good fit? Get in touch for more information!
Our Team
World Poultry Capital of the World
Our Gainesville Community
Georgia’s agricultural sector is dominated
by the poultry industry, which contribute
$838 billion to the state’s economy.
On an average day, Georgia produces 29 million pounds of chicken, 6.3 million table eggs, and 5.5 million hatching eggs (University of Georgia 2012).
Latino Well Being in Georgia
Our Work
Our Services
Family Well Being & Stability
Family Well Being & Stability
Benefits application assistance
ESL
ESL Workplace
GED Preparation Fastrack Spanish
Employment services - Job Board & Career center
Health Education Outreach Services
Immigration Services (Probono and lesser cost)
Women Leadership Entrepreneur group
Family Well Being & Stability -Basic needs -food, diapers, formula, Christmas toys
Civic Engagement and Census
After School tutoring support
Family Well Being & Stability
Family Well Being & Stability
Family Well Being & Stability
Basic needs for food, diapers, formula
Benefits application assistance: Snap WIC Medicaid application assistance in person or over the phone.
Connection to other supports -referrals
Education and outreach events LIVE
Newborn kits Of clothes and a blanket, other needs.
ESL and GED Spanish prep
Family Well Being & Stability
ESL and GED Spanish prep
Assisting our Adult population acquire English language skills and obtain a high school equivalency gives them job & educational opportunities.
GED- Emilios story
Immigration lower cost assistance
ESL and GED Spanish prep
Emilió Ángel, a Native born Immigrant from El Salvador, obtained his GED in Spanish, with our Prep classes, in 5 months. He said this experience has helped him to see his future as a brighter opportunity in this Country. His dreams are to continue his Education, learn English and obtain better employment.
Mujeres Emprendedoras
Immigration lower cost assistance
Immigration lower cost assistance
As a business owner, Alma, has found the support she needs to grow her business, increase her support and network with other entrepreneur women. The workshops help support of new business development in our Latina women by providing knowledge, a network of successful entrepreneur Latinas and increase network among women.
Immigration lower cost assistance
Immigration lower cost assistance
Immigration lower cost assistance
Maria’s mother was able to finally become a US Citizen through the help of a Citizenship Clinic. In less than 6 months after volunteers and Lawyers had helped fill out her application for free and send it in, she received her appointment for her interview. Thanks to HAGA for those clinics.
Despensa- an emergency food box
After school Support -Reading & Mathematics Support /Mentorship
Despensa- an emergency food box
A culturally appropriate food box or despensa program tailored to support our community living in poverty. Families living in poverty have to choose between buying food and paying rent, utility, doctor bills. Unemployment, newly arrived families, less hours in seasonal poultry work and farming and costs of high rent & inflation to families already burdened with barriers and lack of opportunities due to education and language, migratory ageicultural background families in mobility seeking jobs, all contribute to this issue. Access to fresh and produce options to help our community eat healthier, nutritious food.
Health Outreach and access
After school Support -Reading & Mathematics Support /Mentorship
Despensa- an emergency food box
Health access & connections to local health agencies & clinics for underinsured and uninsured. Outreach and education events to help bring access and fill gaps. Flu shot outreach Adults and Children, COVID vaccines, free mammograms and free screenings with Partners who help our community with preventive screenings.
After school Support -Reading & Mathematics Support /Mentorship
After school Support -Reading & Mathematics Support /Mentorship
After school Support -Reading & Mathematics Support /Mentorship
Tutoring support for children Elementary and Middle School ages in Reading & Mathematics. Our tutors are Latino students who excel and want to give back to our community. Mentors- someone to look up to.
Career Center
Career Center
After school Support -Reading & Mathematics Support /Mentorship
Vaccination Events
Impact 2021