Hispanic Alliance GA

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 as well as highlighting the important contributions.

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, 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.

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!