Heroes 2020

Magazine of Revista de

Empowering others creates a lasting legacy

First Horizon understands that growth and progress can’t be achieved alone. We’re invested in our community and its people because we know that success is something you reach when you work together.

To learn more, visit firsthorizon.com

Š2020 First Horizon Bank. Member FDIC.

MANTENEMOS NUESTRAS COMUNIDADES FLUYENDO / WE KEEP COMMUNITIES FLOWING En Tennessee American Water, sabemos que las familias cuentan con agua limpia, segura y confiable.

Desde 1887, hemos estado entregando agua de calidad a los hogares de Chattanooga para que la vida siga fluyendo hoy y en el futuro. / At Tennessee American Water, we know that families count on clean, safe and reliable water. Since 1887, we have been delivering quality water to Chattanooga homes to keep

WE KEEP LIFE FLOWINGâ„¢ (AYUDAMOS A QUE LA VIDA FLUYA)

life flowing today and for the future. tennesseeamwater.com

EMPOWERING & CONNECTING CHATTANOOGA'S LATINX COMMUNITY

@LAPAZCHATT 1402 BAILEY AVE (423) 624-8414 LAPAZCHATTANOOGA.ORG

BOARD OF DIRECTORS JUNTA DIRECTIVA —

Staff / Personal

Brittany Faith Chair Grant, Konvalinka, & Harrison, P.C

Stacy Johnson Executive Director

Daniela Paz Peterson Vice Chair Trust for Public Land Corinne Henderson Treasurer Henderson & Gouger CPA Bilda Acuña Small Secretary Girls Preparatory School

Jessica Cliche Director of Community Education & Engagement

Ana Mancebo Social Impact Coordinator

Kelly Arnold Clínica Médicos Jay Elliott Kenco Rick Huffines Tennessee River Gorge Trust Carmen Quezada Hutson United Way of Greater Chattanooga

Angela Garcia Vivian Lozano-Sterchi

Director of Business Development

Director of Social Impact

Eric Myers Chattanooga Design Studio Erwin Ovalle Ovalle’s One Plate At A Time Catering MCS Luis Silva Squeaky Clean Chatt The Local Juicery + Kitchen

Lily Sanchez

Irma Velazquez

Communications Coordinator

Business Development Coordinator

David Steele University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

From the Executive Director, Dear La Paz friends and heroes, I can’t wait for you to see what Chattanooga is capable of—the amazing work of ordinary, everyday heroes. Prepare to be uplifted as you read about remarkable people doing heroic work in our city. I have been inspired by the response of our essential workers, first responders and our local nonprofit ecosystem.

While we always enjoy the warmth and good will at our annual Latino Leadership Awards banquet, we have been moved, like never before, by the selfless contributions of Latinos across our region.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the heroic work of the La Paz team, who have been working tirelessly and enthusiastically to ensure that our Latino community remains informed, included, and sustained, no matter what!

All of these heroes, either working individually or under the banner of their organizations, were here to help during the COVID-19 health crisis and the Easter tornados—as were you! You saw needs in our community and took action to address those needs.

No nonfictional hero fights alone. Everyone plays their part, and you make it possible for La Paz and those we honor in this keepsake publication to put on our capes in “normal” years— and even more so in 2020. Thank you for supporting La Paz and our Latino community. In the following pages, you’ll see a snapshot of all our organization and partners have accomplished during a year of many challenges. We hope these actions inspire you in the months to come, as we welcome 2021 and continue to navigate our world and the changing circumstances our community encounters.

We ask that you continue your heroic work and give to La Paz so we can continue to empower and educate our Latino community in the areas they need it most, and create a stronger Chattanooga.

We need and appreciate you!

Sincerely,

Stacy Johnson E xecutive D irector

P.S. A very special THANK YOU to the Heroes of La Paz Chattanooga; Jessica Cliché, Angela Garcia, Ana Mancebo, Lily Sanchez, Vivian Lozano Sterchi, and Irma Velasquez

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“No nonfictional hero fights alone.

Everyone plays their part... and

make[s] it possible for La Paz and those we honor in this keepsake publication to put on our capes.

Thank you for supporting La Paz and our Latino community.”

A BIG THANKS to all the 2020 Heroes!

P

list ing Specia g a k c a P d aperboar

27 s Since 19

www.sctray.com/Join-Our-Team

5

Staff & Board

9

From the Mayor

6 10

Table of Contents

12 14

16 18

20

22 24

From the Executive Director Our Latino Business Ecosystem in 2020 Compañía in 2020

Civic Engagement is for Latinos

Working with our Latinx Heroes

Engaging & Educating Through COVID-19 Clínica Médicos: Serving the Community Through COVID-19 and Beyond From the Board of Directors Heroes Spotlights

46 Testimonials 52

Giving students access to Internet - at no charge

55

McCallie School: Inspiring Boys to Be Their Best

54

56 58

60

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A Year Like No Other

At Tennessee American Water, We Keep Life Flowing

The Effect on the Justice System in the Face of COVID-19

La Paz Chattanooga Latino Community Center Groundbreaking

C O V E R I L L U S T R AT I O N : A L E X L O Z A P U B L I C AT I O N D E S I G N : E M I LY L O N G / D E LV E S T U D I O H E R O E S P H O T O S : E M I LY L O N G / D E LV E S T U D I O A D D E S I G N : E M I LY L O N G / D E LV E S T U D I O C O N T E N T C O L L A B O R AT I O N : A N G E L A G A R C I A , L I LY S A N C H E Z

From the Mayor, Friends, This year has been extremely challenging for our community. COVID-19 has taken more than 100 lives in our county, infected more than 12,000 Hamilton County residents, and many of our friends and family members have been impacted physically, mentally, emotionally, and economically.

The continued spread of the virus has disrupted our economy and our way of life. We’ve had to change the way we worship, the way we do business, the way our kids learn, and the way we work at our jobs. We’ve had to alter the way we cherish our loved ones during birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries.

Despite these challenges, I am confident we continue to persevere because throughout this pandemic we have continued to rise above the adversity by working together — ­ after all, that’s the Chattanooga Way. We can prevent the spread of COVID-19 by wearing face masks, practicing safe social distancing and good hygiene, and following the guidelines and recommendations of our local medical experts.

In addition to these everyday measures, the City of Chattanooga continues to support those in need. From offering rental and utility assistance, to small business support, and to our recent plan to create a new emergency homeless shelter, the City will always find ways to assist individuals and families in need who have been impacted by this pandemic.

Our community is best served when all our residents make their voices heard to the government. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office if you have questions or concerns that we can help with. There’s a few ways for you to contact my office, by phone at 423-643-7800, by email at mayor@chattanooga.gov, and you can

also find the latest information regarding COVID-19 testing, resources, and announcements by visiting cha.city/covid.

Working together is more important than ever, which is why I’m also grateful for the resilience of every member of our community. We’re grateful for the support and partnership of La Paz, who has worked with us throughout this pandemic to meet the needs of our residents. Earlier this year we saw that our city’s Latino community was disproportionately affected by the spread of COVlD-19. La Paz worked closely with us to create more public awareness about the pandemic so that we could flatten the curve -- which we did.

On behalf of everyone in the city of Chattanooga, please know how much 1 appreciate your dedication and diligence during these difficult times.

Together, we can overcome these challenges and come out of this more resilient than before. Thank you for all you do and please stay safe.

Sincerely,

Andy Ber ke Mayor Andy Berke City of Chattanooga

“Our community is best served when all

our residents make their voices heard to the government. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office if you have questions or concerns that we can help with.”

LAPAZCHATTANOOGA.ORG 9

Heroes2020

Our Latino Business Ecosystem in 2020

By Angela Garcia Director of Business Development

Early in 2020 we at Compaùía were facilitating many discussions around our city about how Latinos have become the fastest growing small business owners across the U.S., and how Chattanooga, in the last 10 years, has experienced this phenomenon.

For foreign professionals, continuing their careers when relocating is sometimes not a viable option so entering the entrepreneurial path is the only other way to go.

Latinos are oriented towards starting businesses and are doing it at a significant rate. If we examine the different economic areas in our city we can easily identify where these businesses are growing.

A recent study from Stanford University shows that over the past 10 years, the number of Latino business owners grew 34%, compared to 1% for all business owners in the United States.

The growing success of Latino small business owners comes as Latinos are increasingly becoming an economic force in the U.S. The same Stanford study from early 2020 found Latino-owned businesses contributed about $500 billion to the economy in annual

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sales and employed more than 3 million people.

When the coronavirus hit, small business owners were forced to navigate new territory and make difficult decisions – fully moving operations online, reducing staff or quickly creating new revenue streams.

Were these businesses ready to face this situation and make a realistic transition?

Navigating a new normality with limited resources drove Latino entrepreneurs to be among most small business owners directly impacted by the economic fallout from COVID-19.

Heroes2020

Compañia in 2020 As the local hub for Latino professionals and entrepreneurs, Compañía had started 2020 with constructive programming and engaging plans for our members that included monthly networking luncheons, after hours meetings, grand opening ceremonies, and professional development sessions to provide our members with tools to support their businesses and careers.

Our business development efforts were highly impacted in March, and we immediately had to shift our focus to Covid-19 response to make sure our clients, members and community members had what they needed to understand and navigate the new challenge 2020 has brought to many of us.

Advocating for our Latino business owners in different Covid-19 response groups, making the information available to our community, transitioning to virtual platforms, and doing the most we could with limited resources were just some steps we took to continue with our mission.

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RESOURCES WE HAVE PROVIDED: • Created a Blog with Resources for Entrepreneurs • https://www.companiachatt.com/covid-19 • Developed a Covid-19 Booklet in partnership with Hamilton County, Health Department, and City of Chattanooga.

Reach:10,000 copies, delivered to 60+ businesses • Developed a “Reopening your business” Double sided laminated flyer. 5,000 Distributed to Latino Owned Business.

• Community mask campaign – Videos • Delivered PPE to local Latino businesses.

Distributed 3,000+ Masks and 20 thermometers • Newsletter to 125 direct subscribers & organic reach through FB (prior to COVID-19 monthly, then daily and now weekly)

F R O M OUR M EM B E R S A N D PA RT N E R S

Vivian Anderson Barrera,

PROFESSIONAL MAYA SERVICES How have you seen these businesses affected?

Latino business owners were particularly affected by the onset of the pandemic, as their businesses are usually smaller and have smaller or no reserves to deal with a severe loss in revenue.

Additionally, the initial days of the pandemic saw essential workers having to be on the front lines helping the rest of us who were privileged to be able to work from home. Many were infected with the virus, some suffering debilitating illness, even death. Even so, by late summer, I saw a shift in people’s determination. They began to seek innovative ways to grow their business and seek opportunities brought upon by the new normal. Immigrants are resilient people, and Latinos in Chattanooga are getting the work done!

Have any of your customers closed their business? I saw the impact stimulus programs had on businesses locally. Those that could apply and receive small business loans and grants from local and state agencies were better able to weather the initial storm, keep their staff on payroll and avoid layoffs. Unfortunately, I did see many businesses have to close their doors as the aid did not arrive soon enough, if at all. I cannot underscore enough how important it is that local agencies take affirmative steps and action to help the local Latino business sector. We are an integral part of the local economy, but most importantly, we contribute to the richness and diversity that is making Chattanooga a growing region.

How are they thriving to navigate this new economy? Innovation and grabbing opportunities when they present themselves. For example, a client that owns a cleaning company shifted their services to work with residential homes and not just corporate offices. Restaurants have promoted to go services, while continuing to serve dining in. Again, as immigrants we seek opportunities, and while this year has been difficult, it has also presented new ways of running our businesses and generating revenue.

Dominique K. Brandt,

VICE PRESIDENT COMMUNITY IMPACT

UNITED WAY OF GREATER CHATTANOOGA As we seek to increase diversity in our companies and organizations while providing ever expanding opportunities for our Latinx community, Compania provides a rich network of professionals to support these goals in the Chattanooga area.

Frances Bayly,

ENTERPRISE PLANNING

TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY For the last five years, TVA has successfully partnered with La Paz’s Compania. Together we’ve strengthened understanding among TVA employees about their Latino colleagues’ positive impact on TVA culture. Through Compania, we’ve also learned more about the Latino community, its influence and how we can support each other.

Luis Contreras,

SQUEAKY CLEAN AND THE LOCAL JUICERY I have enjoyed all the lunch and learn events Compañía offers to their members. I have learned a lot from each educational meeting. I have always felt supported by their team and that gives us confidence in our business. I hope we get through Covid soon and be able to get back to all the fun and learning lunches. Networking is huge at these events. Thank you Compañía!

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Heroes2020

Civic Engagement

is for Latinos

By Ana Mancebo, S ocial I mpact C oordinator We all have an opportunity to make a difference in our communities. And one of the most important ways we can contribute to a thriving community is through civic engagement.

According to Civic Responsibility and Higher Education, civic engagement can be defined as “working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference.” Civic engagement may look different for each person or group. This year, La Paz created opportunities for civic engagement through its work around the 2020 Census and getting out the vote.

Throughout the first half of 2020, our focus was primarily around this year’s Census. According to a report by the NALEO Educational Fund, “approximately 400,000 young Latino children, ages 0 to 4, were left uncounted by the 2010 Census.” Also, “the net undercount rate for young Latino children was 7.1 percent, compared to 4.3 percent for non-Latinos.” With Latinxs now the nation’s second largest population group and one out of every six Americans, it is important for the Latinx community to be fully counted. That is why we partnered with TIRRC (the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition) and the City of Chattanooga to provide our community with the tools and resources to participate in the 2020 Census. Through phone banks, text campaigns, drive-thru events, and culturally relevant online content, La Paz engaged over 20,000 Latinxs in our area with Census education and information. Our efforts to promote the Census continued into the second half of 2020, even as some of our focus shifted into voter engagement around the November election.

Recently, the Pew Research Center reported that “Hispanic eligible voters were notably the largest contributors to the electorate’s rise. They alone accounted for 39% of the overall increase of the nation’s eligible voting population. Hispanic voters made up 13% of the country’s overall electorate in 2018 –

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nearly doubling from 7% in 2000.” As the number of eligible Latino voters increase, so will the need for culturally relevant information and resources to help engage Latinx voters. This election season, La Paz partnered with other nonpartisan organizations across the state including TIRRC, the City of Chattanooga, Civic TN and the League of Women Voters to do just that. La Paz volunteers made over 2,500 calls to voters in the Hamilton County area, we reached hundreds of individuals via text campaigns and in total reached over 15,000 people with voting education, information or assistance.

This year has shown us the importance of civic engagement. Voting and participation in the Census are just two ways to be represented in the decisions being made at government levels. However, as we look towards 2021, we can all go beyond this to make civic engagement a regular part of our lives.

Whether that is through participation in your neighborhood association, attending a city council meeting or educating yourself on issues that matter to you, small actions add up.

Each of us can make a difference while having our voices heard and our communities represented.

ROSA CANTÚ, ’18, ’20

UTC COVID-19 ROSA CANTÚ, ’18, Coordinadora del’20 Rastreo UTC de COVID-19 Contactos Coordinadora del Rastreo de Contactos

Rosa,Rosa, Un sincero agradecimiento porsu su dedicación dedicación yyliderazgo en la Un sincero agradecimiento dedeUTUTCCpor liderazgo en la lucha de University’s/la Universidad contra COVID-19. Gracias por lucha de University’s/la Universidad contra COVID-19. Gracias por hacer nuestro campus-y Chattanooga-un lugar más seguro. hacer nuestro campus-y Chattanooga-un lugar más seguro.

Rosa,

Rosa,A heartfelt thank you from UTC for your dedication and

leadership in the University’s fight against COVID-19. Thank you

A heartfelt thank from UTCChattanooga—a for your dedication and for making ouryou campus—and safer place. leadership in the University’s fight against COVID-19. Thank you for making our campus—and Chattanooga—a safer place.

utc.edu The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution.

utc.edu

Heroes2020

Working With our Latinx Heroes

By Vivian Lozano, Director of Social Impact

When COVID-19 cases in Hamilton County began to rise, it was terrifying to see that the Latinx community was 60-70% of the positive cases. There were multiple reasons for this increase, but the one that stood out the most was the fact that many in the Latinx community were essential workers. They were the individuals who are considered critical to ensuring that our state and city runs and functions smoothly. They are the workers who are making our food, cleaning our workplaces, working in construction, and harvesting the food that feeds our entire country.

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When I think of the heroes of 2020, I think of the unsung ones.

The ones who do not have the uniforms that are usually acknowledged and praised. It takes a lot for a city to run smoothly, for it to be able to function at full capacity. What the COVID pandemic has shown us is that there are important roles that are filled by those who are invisible but are still essential. We have witnessed and benefitted first hand from the hard work of these invisible heroes.

Many who didn’t have the luxury or the ability to stay home because their work was, and continues to be, imperative to the wellbeing of our communities.

In the eight years that I have worked at La Paz, it never ceases to amaze me how strong the Latinx

“What this pandemic has allowed us to

rediscover is that

in order to perform

heroic deeds you don’t need a uniform.”

community truly is. When we think about the barriers that are faced and how they are overcome, the

resilience that I see every day is beautiful. This year, the community came together to overcome hurdles that no one had prepared for or foresaw. When COVID-19 struck the Latinx community the hardest, I saw Latinx groups banding together to make sure their neighbors were being taken care of, to ensure that no one was forgotten. Clinics, organizations, agencies, churches, and entities came together to ensure that important information was being shared through trusted sources, COVID testing at trusted sites was readily available, food was provided for the food insecure, and financial relief was provided for families that were impacted directly

by COVID-19. It wasn’t perfect,but the Latinx community was there to help each other.

When we think of the hardships that 2020 has brought us, it is

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WE HELP YOU FROM BEGINNING TO END

Nos especializamos en > Inmigración > Derecho de Familia > Defensa Criminal > Derecho comercial o de negocios Años de experiencia y un profundo conocimiento garantizan soluciones personalizadas y específicas.

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We specialize in Immigration < Family Law < Criminal Defense < Commercial or business law < Years of experience and deep knowledge guarantee personalized and specific solutions.

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L U N E S A J U E V E S / M O N D AY T O T H U R S D AY 8 : 3 0 A . M . – 5 : 3 0 P. M .

5 8 1 4 R I N G G O L D R D S T E F, C H AT TA N O O G A , T N 3 7 4 1 2

easy to overlook the overwhelming good. For every difficulty that we have faced, the community has risen to create a solution. In a time of such decisiveness, many have chosen to come together and support each other. I am grateful for the dedication of our front line workers, who work is essential to our community, but I encourage our fellow Chattanoogans to not forget our essential workers. They are also heroes who are just as important to our everyday lives.

What this pandemic has allowed us to rediscover is that in order to perform heroic deeds you don’t need a uniform. Being a hero is something as simple as staying home when it was asked of you, following mask mandates in order to protect those around us, and continuing to do essential work. H20

•

•

V I E R N E S / F R I D AY 8 : 3 0 A M - 4 : 0 0 P M

423.508.8756

•

HOLIVENCIA@OCLAWTEAM.COM

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Heroes2020

Engaging & Educating Through Covid-19

By Jessica Cliche, Director of Community Education and Engagement Unconventional circumstances could become catalysts for exploration, innovations, adaptations as we prototype ourselves toward our future selves.

– Manuel Ugarte I’m sure we all can agree with the previous quote regarding the jobs we have and what we do. We all had to be adaptive and innovative for people going through extreme situations.

Back in March, during my last Cafecito Entre Nosotras gathering at Orchard Knob Elementary, I remember the emotion vividly when I was notified about the first Covid cases in Chattanooga and feeling fearful for all.

Life was about to change; I knew that much. The reality is that no one can be ready because things are new, and we know that in times of stress and uncertainty, the underserved communities take a big hit. We worked hard to communicate with our families without creating panic but trying to keep them informed. My job at La Paz has always been to create programs

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based on the needs of the community and to stay in close contact with them.

My passion is empowering Latina females through education. That is why I created Cafecito Entre Nosotras, to offer a safe space to share, celebrate, and support each other. The past months have proved to be challenging in many ways. The reality is that fear has been a big trigger, and we had to find a way to create programs that will motivate and help women thrive.

Online sessions were created to keep in touch with each other since isolation brought up issues that needed attention. Even though the in-person conversations over coffee had to be postponed, the virtual sessions continue to address topics such as mental health, finances, and stress reduction activities such as nature walks with family members. Over the past months, I’ve seen men and women extend a hand to those in need, people open up about depression, anxiety, and fear, and I have cried and laughed with them. I have seen the best and the worst, but the most important thing is that we, as a Community, kept going and searching and fighting, for ourselves, for our families, and for our community. This year

has been such a humbling time for all of us, but it has allowed us to slow down, think, create and appreciate the hugs and the closeness that we didn’t know we would miss someday. Every single day, we continue to be resilient, we continue to hope, and we continue to work hard. To paraphrase Ralph Waldo Emerson - we acquire strength from the hardships we have overcome.

H20

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Un lugar para todos, todos los días.

A place for everyone, every day.

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Clínica Medicos offers expert health care services you can trust at an affordable price, serving the entire community since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, regardless of your health insurance coverage, income, age, or gender. At Clínica Médicos we are always accepting new patients and no appointment is required, or medical insurance. We invite you to be a member of the Clínica Médicos family.

(423) 760-4000 | 1300 E 23rd St, Chattanooga, TN 37404 • Obstetricia con Cesárea / Obstetrics with Caesarean section • Anticonceptivos reversibles de largo plazo / Long-term reversible contraceptives • Exámenes físicos de inmigración / Immigration physicals • Fracturas y lesiones deportivas / Fractures and sports injuries • Pediatría / Pediatrics

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[ Advertorial ]

CLĂ?NICA MEDICOS

Serving the Community Through COVID-19 and Beyond

Without a doubt, 2020 has posed many challenges inside of our community, for patients, and for health care workers. Clinica Medicos, from the beginning, recognized early that the burden of COVID-19 would weigh heavily inside of the Latino community, which we care for so deeply.

The timeline of our efforts began in March 2020 when we placed ourselves on the frontline and administered our first COVID-19 tests. At that time, there was 20 LAPAZCHATTANOOGA.ORG

such a shortage of PPE supplies and tests to administer, along with high turnaround times for results, that placed real panic inside of the emerging pandemic. Our team recognized that those with already existing barriers to healthcare were going to be disproportionately affected and lost inside of a complicated medical system, especially those who were uninsured and undocumented. Our charge was to forge a path whereby testing and the

delivery of healthcare inside of the pandemic would be equitable and direct. Great strength arose from the many community partnerships that merged on account of trusting that we would remain open and reliable in the delivery of medical services to our Latino community.

In concert with the Hamilton County Health Department, La Paz, the United Way, the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, Baylor Laboratory, and

private donations, we forged a path to provide free access to all those who came to our clinic for COVID testing, symbolizing our mission to care for the most vulnerable in our community.

We built a dedicated site to testing, brought rapid testing in-house, too, specifically so that school children could return to school safely and promptly, workers could return to employment, and illness addressed quickly. And this mission reached beyond COVID-19 testing. For example, the entire month of April 2020, we gave free healthcare to anyone who walked into our clinic as we saw the trials facing our patients: lost wages, quarantine, confused messaging, jobs put aside to teach children, declining economic stability, and heightened anxiety. Our hope was that the measures taken on by our team and our partners would offer a point of stability inside of the lives of our beloved patients.

Through it all, despite the challenges of 2020, many wonderful things have still happened inside of the doors of Clinica Medicos: Children got ready to go back to school, patient’s medical problems were met with compassion and appropriate care, and pregnant women delivered health babies.

Our next initiative is to provide bilingual, culturally appropriate social work and mental health services to the Latino community to fill a large need inside of our city. So, the work continues.

It has been our honor for us all to serve through Clinica Medicos and to be a fixture of compassion seven days a week so that no one’s health is put aside and so that all have a medical home that feels like family. A sincere “thank you” to all who have supported our cause along the way!

“

In April 2020, we gave free healthcare to anyone who walked into our clinic as we saw the trials facing our patients: lost wages, quarantine, confused messaging, jobs put aside to teach children, declining economic stability, and heightened anxiety.

LAPAZCHATTANOOGA.ORG 21

Heroes2020

From the Board of Directors, As board chair, I’m so proud of the work that La Paz has done in the community, day in and day out - especially in the middle of a pandemic. La Paz Chattanooga quickly mobilized to meet the needs within the community when there were not resources in Spanish for our local Latino community. When there were not accessible Covid-19 testing sites, when there were not providers to distribute food boxesto the Hispanic population. La Paz has done what it does best; worked to meet community needs exactly where the community is.

Quickly after the pandemic arrived in Chattanooga, it became clear that our Latino neighbors were essential workers, putting themselves at risk to keep our community going. Because of their continued exposure they became the first group to be hit by the virus.

La Paz did not shy away from them; it did not treat them at an arm’s length.

But, La Paz socially distanced and air hugged the community. Providing the community with the resources they need to literally survive. Thank you, La Paz, for your service. I pray that the skills that we have learned are not repeated too quickly.

Brittany Faith BOARD CHAIR OF LA PAZ CHATTANOOGA ATTORNEY GRANT, KONVALINKA & HARRISON, P.A.

22 LAPAZCHATTANOOGA.ORG

“Quickly after the pandemic

arrived in Chattanooga, it became clear that our Latino neighbors were essential workers, putting themselves at risk to keep our community going.”

Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison es una firma de abogados de servicio completo.

Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison is a full service law firm.

Pictured/En la Fotografia: Brittany Thomas Faith & David M. Elliott, members of GKH’s Immigration Practice Group/ Miembros del grupo de abogados de Inmigración de GKH.

After providing over 20 years of service to our diverse immigration clientele, we pride ourselves on being on the cutting edge of immigration developments and in our ability to answer your questions about the highly complex world of immigration, during all phases of your case.

Después de brindar más de 20 años de servicio a nuestra diversa clientela de inmigración, nos enorgullecemos de estar a la vanguardia en los desarrollos de inmigración y de nuestra capacidad para responder sus preguntas sobre el mundo altamente complejo de la inmigración, durante todas las etapas de su caso.

Llame si tiene necesidades legales Call us for any legal needs

(423) 756-8400

Heroes Pablo Mazariegos Guatemala Chattanoogan since 2014

FRO M :

What do you do for work? Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your role in the community?

I am a Marriage Family Therapist at the Family Justice Center where I lead counseling groups in the schools. I am also founder of the Resilience Documentary Fund where I produce films on racial equity and the resiliency of immigrant youth in public education.

When we saw a crisis begin to strike our city, what were your first thoughts when deciding to step up for your community?

I felt alive when the opportunity came to help. Like many others, during the early weeks of the pandemic I felt trapped at my house. And I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop thinking about the needs of our community; particularly the families that experienced loss due to the tornado. So when a friend called me to help as a translator at Auburn Hills Trailer Park, I was ready to get to work! And seeing the residents of this neighborhood come together to rebuild their neighborhood has been incredible to watch.

Who are some of your own heroes that inspire you?

Public school educators. They serve beyond their job description and teach me that vulnerability is something beautiful and manageable.

What has been the greatest challenge for you in 2020?

The hardest challenges for me were experiencing the grief of losing my friend Miguel due to Covid, and managing the fears of almost losing my brother to Covid. Both of these occurred at the same time, and were painful to manage.

What has been the most rewarding part of 2020?

My church family - New City East Lake. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have an immediate family in Chattanooga, which is very odd for a Guatemalan, so my church family has been a blessing. Their love and support has kept me grounded.

What advice would you give yourself/what would you tell yourself as preparation for all that you would see and experience in 2020 before it actually began?

To be sincere with myself. One of the hardest things for me this year was dealing with my irritability, which was due to many unexpected changes. I had plans and projects that had to be canceled or postponed; and not being able to visit schools and engage with the students that I regularly see was difficult. Being honest with myself about the feelings that come with these changes would certainly help.

s 2020 Jacinta Oviedo Quintana

Ciudad Valles, San Luis Potosí, Mexico In the area since 2004 F R OM :

What do you do for work? What’s your role in the community?

I am known for being a volunteer for four years at La Paz de Chattanooga. today I serve my community through my church, Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) through the manager of service to the Hispanic community, Laura Moore.

When we started to see a crisis strike our city, what were your first thoughts when you decided to do something for the community?

I knew that something had to be done, in a difficult situation and in any situation of need and that if it is in our hands to contribute, it must be done. Through my church (OLPH) I received a proposal from Laura Moore to make masks and it was time to help contribute to this crisis, we started and I say we started because there was help through La Paz Chattanooga with sewing machines. I also had the help of a friend who collaborated with me, Edith Valtierra, thank you so much!

Who are some of your own heroes that inspire you?

My parents; my late father Rosendo Oviedo and my mother Benita Quintana, are my heroes, and they have always inspired me to try to be a better human being, to share what God gives us, to have character, but also simplicity and humility, always helping those who need it.

When you think about everything that has happened this year and what you have done, what message would you give yourself before all this happened?

My message to me, that I thank God for having this talent and that it serves to help others!

What has been the biggest challenge for you in 2020?

My challenge is the changes that as a family we had to make to protect ourselves from this pandemic, my children take online classes and are at home 24/7. But my biggest challenge is my commitment that I have as mother to Mariana Guadalupe, Sophia Montserrat, Ismael Jr. and as a partner to my husband, Ismael; my family is always my commitment, teaching and learning as a mother, doing good for my children and supporting my family as a unit.

What has been the most rewarding part of 2020?

Without a doubt, when Laura Moore says, “Thank you! You have no idea how many lives you have saved with this mask.” Thank you Laura for trusting me! Also when I received a thank you letter from President Jennifer Nicely from Memorial Hospital.

Paulo Hutson Solórzano

Born in South Carolina, raised in Managua, Nicaragua Chattanoogan since 2007 F R O M:

What do you do for work? What’s your role in the community?

A Medida LLC’s Co-founder and Managing Director for Southeast US Region and Central America. I am known in the community for our work consulting with Cempa Community Care in developing their Latinx Outreach Initiative. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I helped Cempa coordinate FREE Community COVID-19 testing.

When we saw a crisis begin to strike our city, what were your first thoughts when deciding to step up for your community?

There was little to no communication efforts geared toward the Latinx community causing the local Latinx population to be most affected by the pandemic. This was an injustice to our Latinx community that has greatly contributed to the reason we’re able to call Chattanooga “The best town” in the nation. There something needed to be done to empower and include our Latinx community in the fight against COVID-19.

Who are some of your own heroes that inspire you?

My missionary parents, Rubén Darío, Diane Raulston-Salcido, and every person that has ever advocated for equality and justice.

When you think back at everything that’s happened this year and what you’ve done, what message do you see telling yourself before all of this happened?

All of us were created equally and I am a bridge, a voice, to ensure that every person--regardless of color, origin, language or socio-economic status--deserves an equal opportunity in this fight against the virus.

What has been the greatest challenge for you in 2020?

Seeing the inequality in our community and how said inequality caused several friends and love ones to lose their lives to COVID-19.

What has been the most rewarding part of 2020?

Although there is inequality in our community and nation, it was most rewarding to see community members and organizations put aside their differences and come together to bridge the gap and advocate for our community needs—especially those greatly burdened by the pandemic and natural disasters that hit our city.

26 LAPAZCHATTANOOGA.ORG

Su Centro de Salud Comunitario

Ofreciendo Atención Médica Primaria Felicidades a Paulo Hutson Solórzano y el equipo de Cempa Community Care por ser nominado por La Paz Chattanooga como Héroes 2020. Gracias por su trabajo continuo y dedicación a la salud de nuestra comunidad.

Tome Control De Su Salud | cempa.org

Maria Imelda Quechol Varela Puebla, Mexico Chattanoogan since 1993-2000, 2015 - Present F R OM:

What do you do for work? What’s your role in the community?

Here in the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, I am the coordinator of the Hispanic community, but as missionary sisters we also help and give support to all those who need it, mainly forming people who are leaders in our parish and community.

Commonly everyone knows me as Sister or Mother Imelda.

When we saw a crisis begin to strike our city, what were your first thoughts when deciding to step up for your community?

My first thoughts were sad because many began to lose their jobs, several began to be infected and at the same time they infected their children and all their family. I saw several cases of families where everyone had been infected and could not go out to buy food or medicine, it was very sad to know that many suffered alone and the treatment they received from other people. That’s when we started helping everyone who needed food or money to pay for your bills. We also received help from several organizations that many times joined our cause or vice versa we joined theirs.

Who are some of your own heroes that inspire you?

My mom is definitely one of my heroes. She, with her example, taught me to be strong, responsible, honest, and through her life I learned to be that person who is never defeated, who fights and gets ahead despite difficulties. She was always faithful in her marriage and to her children. Sadly, my mom died in 2012, but I left the teachings of an extraordinary human being, as a mother, as a wife, as a woman, she always gave the best she had. My mom marked me with her love and kindness and her smile will always live in me.

Another of my heroes is Saint John Paul II. He was an exemplary person,

28 LAPAZCHATTANOOGA.ORG

always ready to spread kindness and peace. He was a truly good man who taught us to see the best in others, who always traveled and visited many countries looking for unity. He always fought for peace and the wellbeing of others. It is for all this that he is one of my heroes, and my inspiration to be someone full of love for others.

When you think about everything that has happened this year and what you have done, what message would you give yourself before all this happened?

Before all this happened I would have told myself that love for others is the most precious thing in this world because God presents himself in different ways for everyone and perhaps one of those ways is oneself giving hope to someone else.

What has been the greatest challenge for you in 2020?

The biggest challenge this year has been to be able to express to others that feeling of community and unity when for a long time we could not meet or when many times we cannot experience special moments together. And also being able to teach our community to not be afraid to ask for help if they need it. It is okay to admit that sometimes we need help, and you are not alone in this fight.

What has been the most rewarding part of 2020?

The most rewarding part has been being able to see the smile on someone who was perhaps in tears. The power to give a little hope to all those who perhaps wondered what they were going to eat tomorrow or a word of support to those who were ill and wondering if everything was going to be okay. So many sad stories have emerged during this time; in the pandemic, many lost loved ones, friends, children, parents, siblings, cousins and ​​ yet are willing to give others words of encouragement, the desire to keep going, and that despite the pain there is hope and that is something so important - empathy for others.

Ingrid Martinez Guatemala Chattanoogan since 2000 F ROM:

What do you do for work? What’s your role in the community?

I am currently the front office coordinator at Chattanooga Prep. I am a big help with our Hispanic families at the school and generally support anyone in the community or around my neighborhood with any support they need or help out in general with translation.

When we saw a crisis begin to strike our city, what were your first thoughts when deciding to step up for your community?

I stepped up helping the community at a young age and have been so happy to help anyone who needs help because it is tough when you don’t know the city you live in or need support to help your family. I remember helping my mother with doctor appointments or finding places where to get my siblings to register for school, etc. I may write a list, and the list can go on and on, and I knew that it’s not only my mother facing this situation but also others, and thinking of being on their feet is hard and never wish that on anyone.

Who are some of your own heroes that inspire you?

I had received significant help from the community in general. Still, one particular person who helped my family and me is Ms. Marisol Jimenez; when I was young, she worked as the ESOL teacher and East Side. I remember going to her class as if it was yesterday, and I could ask her anything, and would help us with anything. That is one big reason I stepped because we need more people like her to help the community and remember as a great role model.

When you think back at everything that’s happened this year, and what you’ve done, what message do you see telling yourself before all of this happened?

That it’s a challenging world out there, but a small grain of help you set aside will maybe not be a big difference in the world, but you know you helped someone out of the million families out there, and that is one less person in crisis.

What has been the greatest challenge for you in 2020?

The greatest challenge I have faced in 2020 is seeing many Hispanic families have lacked the information and support they are looking for help due to COVID and trying to meet something in the world they don’t know what they can do with the pandemic going on.

What has been the most rewarding part of 2020?

The most rewarding part of 2020 is knowing that there are communities all around us and are growing and helping more and more around us, and that makes me understand that the city is working stronger every day to help anyone in need!

30 LAPAZCHATTANOOGA.ORG

CHATTANOOGA PREP

Ingrid Martinez (en la foto de arriba) es una heroína para muchos. Ella es una verdadera líder de servicio que constantemente va más allá para ayudar a los necesitados.

Chattanooga Preparatory School is an all-boys public charter school located in the Highland Park community. The Level 5 school currently serves 6th through 8th grades and will be expanding into high school with the addition of 9th grade next school year. Chattanooga Prep is now accepting applications for new faculty and staff positions and will be accepting student applications November 15 - December 15.

VISIT CHATTANOOGAPREP.COM FOR MORE INFO

Heroes2020

Thank you for making it possible

for La Paz Chattanooga to be there

for its constituents in a year like no other! Here is a small look into the work we have done with your help:

We’ve distributed food and needed supplies (dry goods, fresh produce, diapers, bleach, masks and more) to 1,975

families

in partnership with the Chattanooga Area Foodbank as well as many other agencies, including the YMCA, the Bethlehem Center, the Hamilton Co. Office of Emergency Management, and EPB.

We partnered with Cempa Community Care, Clínica Médicos and

Alleo Health to provide access and availability to COVID-19 testing for more than 1,619

people. We are currently housing an

accessible testing site in our office five days a week, operated by Cempa, that will be open until November 25th.

Provided over $160,000 in direct financial assistance for approximately 300

families struggling financially

because of COVID-19 and the Easter tornadoes.

32 LAPAZCHATTANOOGA.ORG

Connected with and supported 200+

women from our Latina empowerment groups, more than 50 Latino business owners and 150 Compañía members through online workshops, mental health support groups, informational livestreams, and direct assistance and education.

We’ve amplified collaboration with the City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County, forming the Latinx

Outreach Working

Group for COVID-19, and are currently leading area-wide communications efforts for multiple agencies (#JuntosContraCovid).

Engaged up to 80,000

people through our social

media educational outreach efforts and campaigns.

Equipped nearly

20,000 Latinos to

complete the 2020 Census and provided voter education to over

1,000 Latino voters .

Finally, we broke ground and started construction on

Chattanooga’s first Latinx Community Center, located at 809 S Willow St. in the heart of Highland Park.

LAPAZCHATTANOOGA.ORG 33

DeVan Curry, M.S.

F R OM : United States Chattanoogan since 2000

What do you do for work? What’s your role in the community?

Incorporation, Business Coaching, Payroll Services, and Operations Management When we saw a crisis begin to strike our city, what were your first thoughts when deciding to step up for your community?

How best to make sure my clients obtained the federal PPP funding that was their fair share. I refused to believe that our TN Valley corporate citizens would not be able to continue their hard-won existence compared to their white counterparts. To date, four (4) of our Latino businesses received both SBA PPP Funding and SBA EIDL loans totaling over $300,000 due their partnership with my company ANCUR, INC. Who are some of your own heroes that inspire you?

John Leguizamo for his epic work in “Latin history for Morons.” Simply put, he made everyone proud. Also Napoleon Hill for his seminal work in selfhelp. “Think and Grow Rich”Father of Positive affirmations When you think back at everything that’s happened this year and what you’ve done, what message do you see telling yourself before all of this happened?

In 2019, my thoughts were centered on developing a one stop business development firm that was accessible to all for education, growth, and development. My desire was to build on my organization so that its main focus was to reduce the educational barriers to business ownership through application of concierge level business administration tactics and innovative operational strategies.

What has been the greatest challenge for you in 2020?

The greatest challenge was seeing several of my clients that were salon owners that lost their leases to their businesses. To see those owners being denied aide due to someone deciding they were “non-essential”. That was a mental devastation that I could not help to alleviate, especially when several were denied unemployment as well.

What has been the most rewarding part of 2020?

My most rewarding moment was seeing the looks on several employees faces to realize that due to SBA PPP/EIDL funding they would remain employed by my clients.

That was AMAZING!!

All Glory to GOD!!

Jaime Kerns

F R OM : South Florida, to a Cuban father and Caucasian mother Chattanoogan since 1st Grade

What do you do for work?

What’s your role in the community?

I am a public school teacher and public education advocate with UnifiED, HCU (Hamilton County United), HCEA (Hamilton County Education Association), and a PEF Advocacy Fellow for 2018-2019. I currently teach Spanish and have taught English as a Second Language both here and abroad.

I also created CHArlanooga, a language meetup (used to be at The Local Juice, now via zoom) to foster connections through speaking Spanish at all ability levels.

I have actively advocated for better access to district resources in Spanish (and other primary home languages), as well as increased access to world language opportunities for all students. In addition to my advocacy for parent resources being available in Spanish, I have advocated and supported a variety of local initiatives to share Spanish-speaking culture with public education students to promote better understanding of our diverse community, such as CultureFest, LatinoFest, Mercado Latino Americano (by Veronica Ramírez).

Many educators and decision makers know my passion for helping our community to become more globally minded.

When we saw a crisis begin to strike our city, what were your first thoughts when deciding to step up for your community?

As the crisis began to strike our city, my first thoughts were for my students and their families. Do they know what’s going on? Do they have food? Are they safe?

As I began to think of how to help and where I could be of service, I knew of the district’s limited Spanish language resources and I began to advocate loudly through all my advocacy channels for all of our Spanish speaking parents and their need to be connected and kept up to date regarding their children’s education.

Who are some of your own heroes that inspire you?

Who are some of my personal heroes? Locally I have always been inspired by people I am fortunate to call my friend like: Veronica Ramírez (for her work in the community & desire to share Venezuelan culture), Marilin Perez ( for her love of Cuba and teaching little ones- did you know Former Sec of Education Arne Duncan came to her class?!), and Alejandra Rivera (came from Mexico to serve God and Spanish-speakers here in Chattanooga).

When you think back at everything that’s happened this year and what you’ve done, what message do you see telling yourself before all of this happened?

The message I could see telling myself is that my voice doesn’t matter and that people don’t really want to hear about nor care about educational equity for ALL of our students. I always wondered why and figured my lack of attention because I’m ‘too white’ to fit their idea of Latina, I don’t have a ‘Spanish last name’, nor do I have an accent. Plainly put, I’m not Latina enough. I know

that I am not alone in this struggle of not being enough’ and I had let this get to me and my goal to be a bridge for culture and educational support.

What has been the greatest challenge for you in 2020?

I am fortunate that I have my job, my home, my health and that of my family, and that I can still worship, albeit online. My greatest challenge is not being WITH people. I am a social person. I love to connect with others and have them connect with others. I teach from home, so I don’t go to family gatherings (and I have 3 sisters and their children!!), nor am I am attending social, religious, or academic functions in person, nor am I going to the gym, and I’m not traveling abroad to see family in Cuba. So 2020 has been difficult in maintaining connections.

What has been the most rewarding part of 2020?

For me, the most rewarding part of 2020 is working from home and having time with my husband and my daughters (both who are working/going to school from home). I am thoroughly enjoying the slower pace of life. I am loving the use of Zoom for my meetings, as well as the challenge of finding ways to connect and help others.

And to be honest, I am happy that through this pandemic, our community is stepping up in ways as never before but STILL recognizes that we have a long way to go to make sure all students and their families and equitable access to learning, food, and work.

Educating the Next Generation of Heroes Cultivando la Próxima Generación de Héroes

chattanoogastate.edu 11-70-404002-76-10/20/jp - AD - Chattanooga State does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity or national origin, sex, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected class. See our full EEO statement at chattanoogastate.edu/eeo-statement.

LAPAZCHATTANOOGA.ORG 35

Mercy Kealey

“As the Director of Financial Aid at McCallie School, Mercy works tirelessly to provide access to high quality education to individuals of all backgrounds, and also uses her influence to expand opportunities for Hispanic/Latino boys to come to McCallie. I can’t count the number of hours she works in a normal year, and during the COVID-19 outbreak and Easter tornadoes, I’m not sure how she found time to sleep. So many families have lost their incomes, their businesses, or their homes, and Mercy listened to each of their stories and assisted them in applying for and receiving emergency hardship grants to keep their sons at McCallie. Mercy is truly a hidden gem! She is Cuban and served as a great example to everyone who meets her of just how hardworking, capable, and passionate Hispanic/Latinx individuals are and what an amazing contribution they add to our community.”

Liz Thompson, McCallie School Luz Bohorquez Colombia Chattanoogan since 2000 FRO M :

What do you do for work? What’s your role in the community?

I am a business owner, serving the Latino community.

When we started to see a crisis strike our city, what were your first thoughts when you decided to do something for the community?

I searched for a way to help out the community during the crisis we’re going through, the pandemic, and the tornado.

Who are some of your own heroes that inspire you?

Firefighters, police officers, doctors, the Health Department and nonprofit organizations that have been supporting the community during this pandemic.

When you think about everything that has happened this year and what you have done, what message would you give yourself before all this happened?

Keep calm and united in mutual support going forward, because God is in control of the situation.

What has been the biggest challenge for you in 2020?

Opening my second office at the beginning of a pandemic, and navigating the aftermath of the tornados, which significantly affected many of my clients.

What has been the most rewarding part of 2020?

Having the opportunity to help and support many people in a time when we are all living within the confines of a crisis.

36 LAPAZCHATTANOOGA.ORG

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Jessica Rodriguez

F R OM : Bolivia Chattanoogan since 2001

What do you do for work? What’s your role in the community?

I am the Parent Volunteer Coordinator at Hixson Elementary, and part of my job is helping Latino families at my school and in the area.

When we saw a crisis begin to strike our city, what were your first thoughts when deciding to step up for your community?

As I work at the school at the end of March when we went into quarantine, we began by helping mothers with the school assignments that were sent, helping them access the zoom meetings when the teachers asked for it, to keep tabs on the Latino families who asked for help with all the changes that happened at the end of the school year and I also volunteered with my children in the areas of the city that had been affected by the tornadoes.

Who are some of your own heroes that inspire you? I don’t have heroes myself, people I admire are all those who say they leave their comfort

and discomfort of their country to get ahead for their family in another country and that is almost all immigrants from any country. My admiration is for each of them.

When you think about everything that has happened this year and what you have done, what message would you give yourself before all this happened?

Hugging our loved ones more and making the most of time with them is what is important, and not postponing the trips you can make.

What has been the biggest challenge for you in 2020?

Not having been able to go to my country to see my family, I haven’t seen them in 9 years. That has been very difficult to assimilate. I already had the tickets purchased for June.

What has been the most rewarding part of 2020? Spend more time with my children. And to be able to vote for the first time in this country that is finally mine.

Janet Vidal

Miami, Florida, to Chilean parents, Chattanoogan since 1997 F R OM :

What do you do for work? What’s your role in the community?

I am a Licensed Insurance Agent and Manager of “Fields Insurance – Seguro que Si” – Chattanooga office.

When we saw a crisis begin to strike our city, what were your first thoughts when deciding to step up for your community?

There is no time to decide ... you just do it! Over the years, I have experienced many insurance claims that resulted from severe weather. When so many of my clients lost their homes, trailers, and cars to the devastating tornado in Chattanooga I knew that I had to hold their hand through the claim since many don’t speak or understand English. I also thought it was my duty to even help those that were not our clients so that they could understand their policy. It is easy to get lost in the claims process. An insurance contract is a scary piece of paper that you hope to never use and having someone explain what your coverage is gives you the peace of mind that is needed during uncertain times.

To be honest, I am given countless opportunities to be of service every day and that is what I love about my career! Over 90%

of our clients are Spanish speakers and specifically within this demographic I see the need to educate the public about what they really need with their coverage. I get to do that every time I meet someone new and they find out what I do!

Who are some of your own heroes that inspire you?

I have the honor and privilege of working with some amazing ladies in our agency and each one is a hero! They all have servant’s hearts and are here standing alongside me and helping me and our community every day. Their smiles, their commitments to our clients, and their friendship help me remember that serving the people of Chattanooga is our highest calling and that it is always the little things we can do for people that make the biggest difference.

When you think back at everything that’s happened this year and what you’ve done, what message do you see telling yourself before all of this happened?

It is the same message I have always told myself: Keep your faith strong and your family close; be patient and kind; love without condition, reservation or expectation and help when you can.

Most importantly it is not necessary that people know what you do if God knows what you have done!

What has been the greatest challenge for you in 2020?

Continually reminding myself and the staff that we do make a difference and that no matter what is going on we can shine a light and share a smile.

It has been difficult to watch so many suffer through the pandemic with loss of jobs and the economic impact that entails. We want people to know we care; beyond “business”!

We have had to learn to navigate so many things alongside our clients and must keep trusting that things will always work out for our good. I think that during hard times people have to join forces in a common goal and for the common good.

What has been the most rewarding part of 2020?

Seeing how my clients continually help one another even when they are going through difficulties themselves!

As I share the struggles that their “paisanos” are going through I am amazed how many of my clients still find it in their heart (and their pockets) to drop off a box of food for a hurting family; lend a hand to do storm and tree clean up, or take clothing to the children affected by the tornado!

The Latin community of Chattanooga is amazing in so many ways and I am rewarded every day by both being part of them; and being able to serve them. ¡Juntos somos más fuerte! Amen.

LAPAZCHATTANOOGA.ORG 39

Vivian Anderson-Barrera Guatemala Chattanoogan since 2004 FROM:

What do you do for work? What’s your role in the community?

I own Maya Professional Services, volunteer with the Chattanooga Track Club, serve as a trustee for the City of Chattanooga Pension Board and volunteer with a variety of local organizations whenever I get a chance.

When we saw a crisis begin to strike our city, what were your first thoughts when deciding to step up for your community?

I immediately thought about the gap in communication between the mainstream media and the non English speaking community in Chattanooga. I was consuming all this information via English speaking newspapers, and knew that there would be a gap for those who didn’t have access to these resources.

During one of Mayor Berke’s weekly Q&As sessions, he mentioned the need to

inform the entire community about the pandemic and ways to help keep each other healthy. I was so glad to hear him say that needed to include Spanish speaking Chattanoogan’s. But I knew we also need to target the large and diverse indigenous Guatemalan’s population that also lives here, and whose primary language is not Spanish. I knew it would be a challenge, but I mentioned it to him and was honored to be asked to sit on the Covid-19 Latino working group.

In my business, handling accounting and tax matters for many locally owned small businesses, I also had to step up to be much more than a financial advisor, and become a listening ear, cheerleader and advocate for clients who, like me, found themselves facing a public health crisis and the threat to their livelihood.

Who are some of your own heroes that inspire you?

I adore the women in my family, and feel that my desire to help others is deeply woven in the fabric of our family. My mother and sisters have always been an example to me as to how to serve others. It is a character trait that we have passed along to our own children, and now I truly admire my nieces, who are very active in politics and social justice movements in Georgia. I also admire Chicana author and journalist, Maria Hinojosa. I have followed her career and writing since my 20s and have always admired the way she stays true to her voice and speaks truth to power. Lastly, my clients really inspire me. I have the privilege to work with some of the most innovative, hard-working individuals.

And despite all the obstacles 2020 has put before us, they move FORWARD, and do it with grace, humility and ganas! I learn from them every day.

When you think back at everything that’s happened this year and what you’ve done, what message do you see telling yourself before all of this happened?

Be flexible! And give yourself a break! This truly is a marathon, as a runner, I know how important it is to pace myself on those long, solitary runs. When this all started, it was overwhelming, and I wish I had been able to take a moment to see the forest for the trees. Everything was changing and moving so fast, it felt like everyday was a new challenge.

There were moments of quiet, of calm, that I wish I had been able to allow myself to be in.

What has been the greatest challenge for you in 2020?

Meeting all my clients needs and sometimes failing. I’ve had to admit that I am not the right person to help everyone. When all my life I’ve wanted to help as many people as possible, this year has proven to be a challenge to realize my limits and to learn to say no.

What has been the most rewarding part of 2020?

Two things, spending more time with my daughter, Rosa, who is a senior in high school and will be going away to college next year. And my dog, Frida, whom we rescued the week before we went into quarantine, who makes me get off my computer every couple of hours to play with her. The change in our pace in life, no more running from one meeting to another, seeing each other only during dinner, or if lucky during the weekend, has allowed us to spend more time together.

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With 15 years of experience working with the Latino business community in Chattanooga and surrounding areas 15 años de experiencia trabajando con la comunidad empresarial latina en Chattanooga y sus alrededores

Vivian Anderson-Barrera, MA/MPA Maya Professional Services 6960 Lee Hwy Suite #200 Chattanooga TN 37421 423-899-1801

Woman/minority owned, Bilingual, multi-cultural Propietaria Bilingüe y multicultural, Empresaria minoritaria

As our city grows more diverse, it has become obvious that having services that are multi-cultural and bilingual are necessary to ensure successful business enterprises.

A medida que nuestra ciudad se vuelve más diversa, se ha vuelto obvio que contar con servicios multiculturales y bilingües es necesario para asegurar empresas comerciales exitosas.

Let our expertise in launching new businesses, bookkeeping, and accounting services, and respectful client relations translate into a solid foundation for YOUR business.

Deje que nuestra experiencia en el lanzamiento de nuevos negocios, teneduría de libros y servicios contables, y relaciones respetuosas con los clientes, se traduzcan en una base sólida para SU negocio.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:

NUESTROS SERVICIOS INCLUYEN:

• Guiding new businesses in all matters related to opening, including permitting, registration for all types of enterprises

• Orientación de nuevas empresas en todos los asuntos relacionados con la apertura, incluidos los permisos, el registro para todo tipo de empresas

• Bookkeeping, payroll, and accounting services • Tax preparation for personal and business returns • Insurance audits

• Servicios de contabilidad, nómina y contabilidad • Preparación de impuestos para declaraciones personales y comerciales • Auditorías de seguros

• Tax audits

• Auditorías fiscales

• QuickBooks set up and in-house maintenance

• Configuración de QuickBooks y mantenimiento interno

• Beer and liquor by the drink licenses

• Cerveza y licor por las licencias de bebida

Ezequiel Garcia

San Anotonio, Texas to Mexican Parents Chattanoogan since 2011 F R OM :

What do you do for work? What’s your role in the community?

I work at the Hamilton County Health Department with the communications team focusing primarily on the Hispanic community.

When we saw a crisis begin to strike our city, what were your first thoughts when deciding to step up for your community?

When the pandemic started, I was working with the pediatrician at the Sequoyah clinic, but realizing the need to communicate with the Hispanic community, the Department of Health approached me for help. At first I hesitated, not because I didn’t want to help but because of a lack of selfconfidence. He did not know if he could fulfill this great responsibility, especially as the rate of positive cases in the Hispanic community was increasing rapidly. During the first days in my new assignment I spent many nights without sleep because I wanted to do my job well, but above all to reach the Hispanic community. Thanks to the support of my wife, my co-workers and the team of interpreters and translators, I began to feel that I could fulfill this responsibility.

Who are some of your own heroes that inspire you?

There are two people who have always inspired me to help others and give my best, and those are my dear parents. From an early age they instilled in me the advice of the Bible such as “there is more happiness in giving than in receiving.” To this day they continue to be a great example for me. During the pandemic they have redoubled their efforts to help others. We all have an innate desire to want to help others, but their example and the biblical advice they instilled in me has allowed me to do so without expecting anything in return. Many times it is easier to share material things but for me it is more valuable to give of our time, love and compassion.

When you think back at everything that’s happened this year and what you’ve done, what message do you see telling yourself before all of this happened?

Don’t take your loved ones and friends for granted. Remember to do good and share what we have with others. This experience has helped me learn to be more patient with others, but above all with myself. Many times we expect more from ourselves than from others and when we do not achieve what we expected immediately we are very hard on ourselves. Now I strive to take one day at a time and not give up.

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What has been the greatest challenge for you in 2020?

One of the most difficult challenges in 2020 is not being able to hug and kiss my parents because out of love for our neighbors/community and for life itself we have decided not to meet until this crisis is over.

What has been the most

rewarding part of 2020?

By following the guidelines given by the Health Department to stay home as much as possible, I have learned to value my wife more. Together we have learned to enjoy God’s creation more when we go for a walk to combat mental fatigue. We have also learned to take more advantage of technology to stay connected with friends and family around the world.

Juan Camilo Florez Colombia Chattanoogan since 2000 F ROM:

What do you do for work? What’s your role in the community?

I am one of the shareholders of Top This Roofer, but I consider myself a problem solver and a creator. On top of the roofing, I enjoy helping other businesses grow and achieve their goals. The responsibility that comes with this is normally self-imposed, but I love being able to have the freedom to create businesses and products that in turn help a lot of people; the more the better. In Chattanooga and Atlanta I’m known as the “QR Code Guy”, this started off as a joke 2 years ago, but quickly turned into another passion of mine. Since the average person doesn’t sit around and talk about roofing, I had to get creative. With the help of QR Codes, I created a faster way to connect with others while leaving a lasting impression. No matter where I went people remembered the “QR Code Guy.” I quickly found out that bringing value to others and helping them solve their problems in regards to business was my way to build my network of connections, thus allowing me to be more than just Chattanooga’s Best Roofer.

When we saw a crisis begin to strike our city, what were your first thoughts when deciding to step up for your community?

QR Codes were one of the three concepts we came up with to help with this new normal. We saw the opportunity to show small businesses how they can go contactless with QR Codes, so they can continue to operate. A traditional city like Chattanooga was more difficult to convince than a bigger city like Atlanta, but within 6 months our plan worked. More and more businesses caught on and now over 65% of restaurants in town have adopted the use of QR Codes in their business. Many other types of small businesses are also contacting us to find out how they too can benefit from our services and go contactless. When the tornado destroyed our city in the spring, we spent the first 2 weeks in the affected areas clearing trees, providing water, and at one point passing out food to those that simply couldn’t leave. Our team drove to the affected areas every day until trees weren’t blocking the roads. From there we started tarping roofs with missing shingles and making small roof repairs so that the damage inside didn’t get worse. Little by little, we made progress and were able to make a difference in our community.

When you think back at everything that’s happened this year and what you’ve done, what message do you see telling yourself before all of this happened?

Okay, Juan things are about to get crazy so remember to invest more in the stock market when it’s down. Read more books during the lockdown. Don’t waste precious time, bring immense value to others, learn new skills, give more when times are rough, and be quicker to help others. Guard your mind and stay positive because this too shall pass.

What has been the greatest challenge for you in 2020?

My biggest challenge this year has been to continue to adapt daily. Things got complicated especially in the social and economic environment. There is no real way to have prepared for something like 2020, but It is important to continue educating ourselves so that years like this don’t hit as hard or for too long.

What has been the most rewarding part of 2020?

The most rewarding part of this year was being able to help other people and businesses stay alive during Q1 and Q2 of 2020 and set them up for success for years to come. Overall being able to take something as bad as this pandemic and writing a positive story really changes the narrative. The mainstream media is constantly feeding us lies and fear, it’s so important to step back and remember to smell the flowers and see the positive side. It may be hard at first but there’s a lot of things that went right for us this year. My personal growth, for example, is at an all-time high and I am happy that I was able to develop healthy habits instead of taking another path. We all write our own story, so be positive and keep your head up. One of my favorite people once said, “Take your 10-year plan, and do it in 6 months… you are going to fail, but you will be way further along than if you just sat back and accepted that it was going to take you 10 years.” -Elon Musk. Success leaves clues, it’s so important to never give up especially when things are at their worst.

In Memorium Andrés Francisco

Small business owner, Tienda La Guatemalteca

“Mr. Andrés was instrumental to the early Guatemalan community in Chattanooga. He was an early arrival, opening a store in 2004, which quickly grew to become a cultural hub for the growing Guatemalan community.

Through his service and example, he mentored many newcomers and encouraged many current business owners to take the plunge to open their own businesses. He was highly regarded by all those who knew him. He was kind, and giving and was a pillar of the Guatemalan community.

Through his store and the specialized products he sold, he allowed Guatemalan immigrants to keep a connection to their native communities. Through his friendly manner, he made newcomers feel welcomed in a new land.

As the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged our local community, Mr Andrés and his family organized food pantries to benefit his local neighborhood. Unfortunately, this same interaction and contact with his community likely led to his infection of COVID-19. He passed away this summer due to COVID-19 complications. His death has left a void in the local Guatemalan community. As one of the original Guatemalan entrepreneurs in Chattanooga, his passing is a loss not only to his family but to his neighborhood. He is survived by his wife, Maria, and his 5 children and many grandchildren, and the many business owners who were encouraged and mentored by his dedication to his community. May he rest in power.”

Vivian Anderson Barrera

Janet Miranda Community Volunteer

“Janet was an important figure in Chattanooga’s Latino community, and always had a soft spot for people in need. She was always present at our La Paz Cafecitos, even if that meant a long drive from her house to the sites. Janet was a volunteer for La Paz and helped the community greatly after the tornadoes back in April affected a largely Hispanic neighborhood. She took care of a lot of families by distributing food and water, and other needs. She helped La Paz to create a list of the tornado victims so we could contact them and begin case management to help them back on their feet. She helped us to distribute supplies to these families all while risking her wellbeing. We will always remember her passion and willingness to help, even when she was not feeling her best.”

Jessica Cliche, Director of Community Education and Engagement

Jonathan Hernan Acuña

Retired auto mechanic, community supporter, Bible teacher “Jonathan learned how to drive in 1969 when he first came to the U.S. In his native Colombia he was a surveyor, cobbler, and enjoyed repairing radios and TVs. He loved cars so much he taught himself how to be a mechanic and spent most of his life under the hood of a car. After he retired, he spent most of his time repairing cars for those who couldn't afford the repairs. He didn't mind not getting paid because he knew how much a family's well-being depended on good transportation. He was a friend to neighbors, the elderly, the sick. Many a time he went to hospitals to visit those who didn't have anyone else to care for them. On many Saturdays, you'd find him at church teaching from God's word or preaching. He was a life coach before that was a thing and many sought him for advice and encouragement. His hands were always ready to serve others.

My Dad passed away on June 15 from COVID-19. He loved being an American and had just celebrated 50 years in the U.S. He always felt blessed to live here and taught all of us the importance of giving back and helping others. He was my hero.”

Bilda Acuña Small

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T ESTIMONIALS

We are proud of our work with La Paz as weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve responded together to two crises in our community: the April tornadoes and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Together with La Paz, we were able to bring critical resources to the Latino community and support our neighbors, even in the toughest times. These moments show us that the power of generosity and partnership shines bright in Chattanooga.

Dw ayne Marshall VP of Community Investment Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga

The Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce quickly provided information and resources to small businesses, our members and community partners. We rapidly transformed our website to help employers navigate a variety of programs supporting local businesses - and we connected people seeking work with companies who were hiring. We continue to update the website daily.

Thanks to La Paz many resources are published in Spanish. They quickly offered to translate and shared helpful resources with their extensive network. As a longtime champion for the Latinx community in Chattanooga and Hamilton County, their reputation and trust with these individuals ensured access to needed resources for many who may have not had it without their support. The Chattanooga Chamber is grateful for La Paz and their leadership in service.

Miles Huff Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce

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My name is Jermaine Freeman and I’m the Deputy Chief of Staff to Mayor Andy Berke of the City of Chattanooga. Earlier this year as our city began to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, it became apparent that our local Latino community was particularly hard hit by the spread of the Coronavirus. At the direction of Mayor Andy Berke, I provided staff support to a group of local Latino leaders as they created a public awareness campaign in response to the pandemic. This group - led by Angela Garcia - tirelessly worked to make sure that all available current information about the virus - and resources for those infected and their families - was known and available to our local Latino community. By bringing together communications and business professionals, faith leaders, nonprofit and education leaders, and grassroots organizers, we were able to amplify a message about the magnitude of the threat posed by this disease. I will forever be grateful for their generosity, care, and commitment. I thank Angela and the team for allowing me to serve them and for allowing me to support and assist our Latino community.

Jermaine Freeman Deputy Chief of Staff Office of The Mayor, City of Chattanooga

The Enterprise Center and Tech Goes Home could not imagine more dedicated partners than La Paz. As COVID-19 has exacerbated the needs of our neighbors — highlighting the depth and breadth of the digital divide in our community — La Paz has been there every step of the way. From launching a new mobile computer lab; to hosting and providing interpretation for Tech Goes Home classes (including the first ever conducted remotely); to translating the websites and outreach materials for both public WiFi access and HCS EDConnect, powered

by EPB; to helping build an online small business resiliency kit, no aspect of this collaborative pandemic response would have been possible without the team at La Paz. Our community is much stronger and united for their leadership, and we look forward to working together long into the future.

Geoff Millener Senior Program and Operations Officer The Enterprise Center

LAPAZCHATTANOOGA.ORG 47

We greatly appreciate the partnership we share with La Paz and never more than in 2020.

La Paz has been a key component of our Children’s Cabinet whose mission is to provide key wrap around services to students outside the school day.

The advent of the Coronavirus highlighted the importance of this effort and as we transitioned to virtual learning this past spring, La Paz was there to ensure our Latino community was fully involved in the county and schools education outreach.

Additionally La Paz formed a working group to ensure the communications efforts of various agencies would also be inclusive to the Latino community as we continued our coexistence with Covid-19.

La Paz’s efforts have been invaluable to Hamilton County as we have dealt with this pandemic and we heartily thank them for their ongoing commitment to the residents of Hamilton County.

Jim Coppinger Hamilton County Mayor

We are so grateful to have La Paz serving the Latinx community especially this past year during the pandemic and in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday tornado. La Paz was instrumental in getting supplies out to the Latinx families at Auburn Hill, a trailer park destroyed by the tornado. With the Latinx community being especially hard hit by Covid-19, La Paz has worked tirelessly to educate the Latinx community and provide testing sites and supplies to those in need. When you have a handful of agencies providing limited services to the Spanish-speaking community the need becomes overwhelming. La Paz was part of strategic collaborations such as the United Way of Greater Chattanooga COVID Task Force calls, the City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County meetings that addressed specific needs within the Latinx community. La Paz worked with the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, United Way of Greater Chattanooga, and others to bring much needed relief to those who are not always eligible to receive assistance through traditional avenues. La Paz’s impact during these difficult times has been amazing. We are thankful for their passionate and dedicated staff who have worked tirelessly to meet the needs of the Latinx Community in Hamilton and surrounding counties.

Carmen Hutson, LCSW Director of Stability and Community Programming United Way of Greater Chattanooga

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Accelerator for America exists to develop and share solutions to economic insecurity with America’s cities, and we are proud to have partnered with La Paz Chattanooga to provide direct financial assistance to southeast Tennessee families hardest-hit by the COVID-19 crisis,” said Aaron Thomas, President and CEO of Accelerator for America. “Too many Latinx families have been left out of federal assistance programs since this crisis began, and our work with La Paz has helped fill a critical gap during this unprecedented time. La Paz does projects that are so very important for Latinos. We are so happy to support La Paz because we are all here to support you, the Latino community.

Daphne Kir ksey External Affairs Manager Tennessee American Water

La Paz has been an integral community partner for COVID-19 community testing with Cempa Community Care. Starting in May of this year, Cempa and La Paz partnered to provide pop up COVID-19 testing for the Hispanic communities in and around Chattanooga. Cempa relied heavily on La Paz to reach the Hispanic communities through their network and connections. Furthermore, in August of this year, La Paz and Cempa partnered again for a more permanent testing model, where COVID-19 testing was offered daily at La Paz. During the partnership with La Paz from May thru November, around 5,000 tests were performed with 20% of the Hispanic community being tested. The Partnership between Cempa and La Paz has been crucial in helping the Hispanic communities during this worldwide pandemic.

Loni How ard Mobile Clinic Coordinator Cempa Community Care

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OUR COMMUNITY HEROES AND PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS FOR STEPPING UP TO SUPPORT THE LATINO COMMUNITY THIS YEAR: Accelerator for America Alleo Health The Bethlehem Center Cempa Community Care Chattanooga Area Food Bank Clínica Médicos Collegedale Community Church Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga

50 LAPAZCHATTANOOGA.ORG

The Enterprise Center

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church

EPB

The Robert Finley Stone Foundation

First Horizon Foundation

Tennessee American Water Foundation

Hamilton County Health Department

Tennessee United

The Hispanic Federation

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

Latinx Hikers

United Way of Greater Chattanooga

Lifespring Community Health

We Over Me Chattanooga

The Osborne Foundation

YMCA

[ Advertorial ]

Giving students access to internet â&#x20AC;&#x201C; at no charge More than 28,500 students who live

in Hamilton County now have internet

access at home so they can complete their

schoolwork remotely.

52 LAPAZCHATTANOOGA.ORG

Making sure every student in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has internet access became more important than ever when the COVID-19 global pandemic swept through the area, forcing many children to complete their schoolwork at home for safety.

Students who were living in economically challenged house-

holds were left unable to engage with or complete their schoolwork, since many lacked a reliable computer and internet connection.

This was especially difficult since many classrooms require on-camera video conferencing to carry out socially-distant schooling, an online activity known for using up lots of bandwidth.

Determined to empower Chattanooga youth with equal opportunities to continue their education, EPB Fiber Optics partnered with Hamilton County Schools to provide low-income students with high-speed wireless internet for at-home use.

Determined to empower Chattanooga youth with equal opportunities to continue their education, EPB Fiber Optics partnered with Hamilton County Schools to provide low-income students with high-speed wireless internet for at-home use.

HCS EdConnect Powered by EPB Fiber Optics is a first-ofits-kind initiative to bridge the digital divide. Disadvantaged families receive fiber-to-the home internet with upload and download speeds of at least 100 Mbps, plus a professionally installed WiFi router, at no charge to them — all set up and provided by EPB Fiber Optics.

Families with K–12 Hamilton County students who qualify for the Federal Free & Reduced Meals program or SNAP benefits, based on their income, are eligible for HCS EdConnect.

Participants are also encouraged to take full advantage of this program by learning how to use and troubleshoot technology from the Tech Goes Home Chattanooga video library.

Parents and students can visit the Tech Goes Home website — techgoeshomecha.org — to watch videos to learn how to use apps like PowerSchool, HCS app, Gmail, Google Drive, and Classlink. You can also learn the

basics of computers, the internet, and using a Chromebook, as well as how to stay safe online.

HCS and EPB Fiber Optics also partnered to create EPB Quick Connect Free WiFi hotspots so families can travel to hotspot and connect from the safety of their vehicles, or while maintaining a distance of at least six feet.

Both parents and students are free to use these hotspots for their schoolwork, career, or other needs. Locate the nearest EPB Quick Connect hotspot at techgoeshomecha.org/epb or call EPB at 423-648-1372 to learn more about HCS Ed Connect and high-speed internet.

LAPAZCHATTANOOGA.ORG 53

Heroes2020

A Year Like No Other

By Marco Pérez

To say that 2020 has been a challenging year would be an understatement.

We began the year watching historical fires in Australia on TV, and what -at the time- sounded like the small threat of a virus that was spreading throughout Asia. By March of this year, what we had only seen in dystopian films was becoming part of our daily lives. We were being told to “Stay home and stay safe.” We were being asked to wear masks and keep socially distant from each other. Certain foods and items like toilet paper were becoming commodities. Those of us with children in school were trying to figure out how to continue with our daily responsi-

bilities, while our children were at home.

The terms uncertain and unprecedented became part of our daily language. What we originally thought might be a couple of weeks of inconvenience and discomfort has now transformed into eight months of “the new normal.”

At the same time, the subject that became central in our conversations this year was the topic of equity. People filled the streets decrying the unfair and unjust treatment of people of color at the hands of those called to protect and serve. The virus was affecting some groups disproportionately as those who were deemed essential workers were putting themselves in harm’s way. Some of our neighbors were financially secure, while others found themselves with no security and the risk of losing everything they had worked for.

We as a society are learning to adapt quickly, though. Within our school system, education administrators pivoted immediately, creating the option for remote learning. Teachers demonstrated their commitment to education by showing up as skilled problem-solvers and lifelong-learners. They adapted their lessons for online study on platforms that, for many, were brand new, and found ways to celebrate and connect with students while remaining safe from the virus. But the issues as a result of inequity were also experienced in education, here and around the world.

Safety must come first for students and

educators, but learning must also continue, and not all students have an environment to do that successfully. A host of barriers were exposed for us as a community to address: some families lack the right support or accessibility to be able to connect to their school in a timely and productive manner, and for some students whose parents may not be able to actively participate in their education during the school day, the safest and best place for learning may not be in their home.

As a community we have an opportunity to step up and find ways to serve.

Churches, nonprofits and community organizations have truly become an absolute necessity in the outreach to our neighbors, but their staff and resources have also been stretched to the limit. Health workers, teachers and other essential members of our community are tired, and need our support, beyond just prayers and applause. Let us not lose heart at this moment, and let us find ways in which we can serve those members who have served us tirelessly.

Let’s also remember that the best way to support everyone is to do our part to reduce the infections, especially as the promise of a vaccine is on the horizon.

2020 is almost over. We can hopefully look toward a brighter and more successful 2021. May we continue to be lifelong learners, even in the face of adversity. H20

A proud supporter of the La Paz Latino Community Center

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[ Advertorial ]

McCallie School Inspiring Boys to Be Their Best

At McCallie School, we believe an education is about more than teaching courses—it’s about teaching boys. Our faculty and staff approach with great passion every part of life here with the unique needs of boys in mind. Every class, activity and program is carefully designed to support boys and their propensity to play, laugh and make a positive impact. We inspire boys to become not only the best students, athletes and artists that they can be, but we also seek to instill in them the values that will make them the best men they can be.”

These words above rang true to me the first time I stepped foot on McCallie’s campus nearly 15 years ago, and I knew immediately that McCallie was home for me. Now in my role as Director of Financial Aid, I get to partner with hundreds of families each year to help make McCallie affordable for their sons. I consider it a great privilege to play a role in each boy’s journey here at McCallie and to see the men they grow up to become. I hope your family is next! If you want your son to be part of a community that cares as much about his character as they do his grades, I urge you to consider McCallie. Take the first step by visiting mccallie. org/primerpaso. I hope to see you soon!

Warmest Regards / Abrazo Fuerte,

Mercy Kealey DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL AID / DIRECTORA DE AYUDA FINANCIERA

En McCallie School, creemos que la educación es más que enseñar cursos, se trata de enseñar a los niños. Nuestra Facultad y Administración abordan diariamente con una gran pasión las necesidades y aprendizajes de los niños. Cada clase, actividad y programa está cuidadosamente diseñado para apoyar a los niños con su propensión a jugar, reír y hacer un impacto positivo. Inspiramos a los niños que no solamente sean los mejores estudiantes, atletas y artistas que pueden ser, también buscamos inculcarles los valores que los convertirán en los mejores hombres que ellos pueden ser”.

Estas palabras me sonaron verdaderas desde la primera vez que pisé el campus de McCallie hace casi 15 años, y supe de inmediato que McCallie iba ser mi nuevo hogar. Ahora, en mi posición de Director de Ayuda Financiera, puedo asociarme con cientos de familias cada año para ayudar a que McCallie sea asequible para sus hijos. Considero que es un gran privilegio ser parte de la trayectoria de cada niño aquí en McCallie y verlos convertirse en hombres. ¡Espero que su familia sea la próxima! Si quiere que su hijo sea parte de una comunidad que se preocupa tanto por su carácter como por sus calificaciones, le insto a que considere a McCallie. Da el primer paso y visita mccallie. org/primerpaso. ¡Espero verte pronto!

LAPAZCHATTANOOGA.ORG 55

[ Advertorial ]

Tennessee American Water supported the Hamilton County Health Department’s message to “Mask Up” with our iconic image on the Riverside Drive water tank.

At Tennessee American Water, We Keep Life Flowing

Since 1887, Tennessee American Water has owned and operated the Chattanooga water system that today serves nearly 400,000 residents. We are a diverse team of more than 100 employees, who live and work in the communities we serve.

We are vital to the lives of our customers, our communities, our economy and our planet.

At the end of every water pipe, we know that families trust our water is safe for their children to drink. At every fire hydrant, lives depend on us keeping the pressures and volumes just right.

Tennessee American Water has an exceptional track record in providing safe drinking water.

A team of water quality experts and plant operators monitor water quality around the clock to ensure water meets stringent drinking water guidelines. Water is tested at every stage of the treatment process and throughout the distribution system.

Every water treatment plant is a shield between our customers and water-borne disease. We are

56 LAPAZCHATTANOOGA.ORG

not just a utility service – we are a critical contributor to health.

As your neighbors, we work in partnership with over 40 diverse organizations to help promote education, watershed protec-

“

tion, workforce development and economic development.

We are proud to support La Paz and the important services they provide to the Latino population in our community.

Every water treatment plant is a shield between our customers and water-borne disease. We are not just a utility service – we are a critical contributor to health.

Your Partner in Janitorial Service & Building Maintenance

(423) 401 3000 www.mcschatt.com

Heroes2020

The Effect on the Justice System in the Face of COVID-19

El Efecto en el Sistema de Justicia Ante el COVID-19

By Hector Olivencia, Olivencia & Cribben Law The pandemic has paralyzed one of the pillars on which our system of government was founded, the judiciary.

No one has any doubt that the pandemic caused by COVID 19 has taken us by surprise, but the truth is that the resistance that for years they have offered to the digitization of legal documents, now forces us to act with haste to correct the faults that minimize access to justice.

In order to minimize the impact of the virus in the courts and / or government agencies, they began to make cases electronically without taking into account possible constitutional conflicts, either the right to speedy trial or the right to confront or to confront. cross-examine, etc.

However, court personnel and attorneys are still working, but access to the public is restricted. The Tennessee Supreme Court has been very proactive in handling cases, giving different counties the space to adapt their facilities to the new challenge.

In Hamilton County, judges have managed to keep their cases flowing either via video conference or conference calling.

Specifically, the criminal court has made it more flexible for clients to be in the offices of their lawyers. Likewise, in juvenile court, all hearings are by video conference, with the sole exception of emergency cases involving young people who have been detained during the last 72 hours, where the lawyers appear by video conference.

As for the immigration courts, most of them have remained closed. However, they have prioritized hearings where people are in the custody of the government. Specifically, the two most influential courts in our Memphis region remain closed for hearings, but open for the filing of documents. On the other hand, as recently as October 17, 2020, 58 LAPAZCHATTANOOGA.ORG

the Atlanta court reopened its operations in full.

Definitely, many of the changes that COVID 19 has produced are here to stay.

The question is not if the digitization of documents, television audiences and video conferences are adequate, but when we will have them permanent. We cannot close our eyes to reality. The technological evolution driven by COVID in our justice system will allow us to be more efficient and flexible.

Although it would be more reasonable to implement these changes for a prudent time. The reality has been different. At this time we have the possibility of transforming a problem into a great opportunity and it would be a shame if these advances were temporary.

••• La pandemia ha paralizado uno de los pilares sobre los que se fundamentó nuestro sistema de gobierno, el poder judicial.

Nadie tiene duda que la pandemia provocada por el COVID 19 nos ha tomado por sorpresa, pero lo cierto es que la resistencia que por años han ofrecido a la digitalización de documentos legales, ahora obliga a actuar con precipitación para subsanar las faltas que minimicen el acceso a la justicia.

Con el propósito de minimizar el impacto del virus en los tribunales y/o en las agencias de gobierno estos comenzaron a hacer los casos por métodos electrónicos sin tomar en cuenta los posibles conflictos constitucionales, ya sea derecho a juicio rápido o el derecho al careo o a contrainterrogar, etc.

No obstante, el personal de las cortes y los abogados todavía nos mantenemos trabajando, pero se restringe el acceso al público. La Corte Suprema de Tennessee ha sido muy proactiva en el manejo

de los casos, dándole a los diferentes condados el espacio para adaptar sus facilidades ante el nuevo reto.

En el Condado de Hamilton los jueces han logrado mantener el flujo de sus casos ya sea vía video conferencia o conferencias telefónicas. Específicamente, la corte criminal ha flexibilizado a que los clientes puedan estar en las oficinas de sus abogados. De igual forma en la corte juvenil todas sus audiencias son por videoconferencia, con la única excepción de los casos de emergencia por jóvenes que hayan sido detenidos durante las últimas 72 horas, donde los abogados comparecen por videoconferencia.

En cuanto a las cortes de inmigración en su mayoría se han mantenido cerradas.

Sin embargo, le han dado prioridad a las audiencias donde las personas están bajo la custodia del gobierno. En específico, las dos cortes más con mayor influencia en nuestra región Memphis se mantiene cerrada para audiencias, pero abierta para la radicación de documentos. Por otro lado, tan reciente como 17 de octubre de 2020, la corte de Atlanta reabrió sus operaciones en su totalidad.

Definitivamente, muchos de los cambios que ha producido el COVID 19 han llegado para quedarse. La pregunta no es si la digitalización de documentos, las teleaudiencias y las videoconferencias son adecuadas, sino cuando las tendremos permanentes. No podemos cerrar los ojos a la realidad. La evolución tecnológica impulsada por el COVID en nuestro sistema de justicia nos permitirá ser más eficientes y flexibles.

Aunque sería más razonable implantar estos cambios durante un tiempo prudente. La realidad ha sido otra. En estos momentos tenemos la posibilidad de transformar un problema en una gran oportunidad y sería una lastima que estos adelantos fueran temporeros. H20

Heroes2020

La Paz Chattanooga Latino Community Center Groundbreaking Photos by Delve Studio

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After a year of so much uncertainty, we end the year with so much to celebrate.

PROJECT SUPPORTERS

We had big plans to have a community ribbon cutting during Hispanic Heritage month this year, announcing the opening of our new center.

But, in March, our plans came to a screeching halt with the arrival of Covid-19. We just announced that La Paz was starting the bidding process and we had a contractors meeting on the schedule.

But, our team met that day in March, after the mayor issued an executive order to stay home and we made a plan to support the Latino community during the pandemic. We shifted 100% of our staff to relief efforts.

It’s been a hard year for the community, for nonprofits and businesses, for all of us…but this project is a reason to celebrate.

With almost a million dollars raised, we started the construction process in early October of this year. Our fundraising job is not quite over as we need an additional $500,000 to complete the project. We also know that our gathering space may become more of a Covid-19 space for testing, for food distribution…for something other than a meeting space for the near future, but we are prepared to raise the additional funds as well as shift to meet the needs of the community.

Together, we will build a center that will provide dignity and confidentiality for our most vulnerable community members.

A place of safety and guidance for those seeking refuge, a center for economic empowerment and we will transition this old firehall into a catalyst for community change.

This building will bring people from all walks of life, together…to learn from each other, to celebrate our differences and similarities and build true community.

Lyndhurst Foundation, The Maclellan

The Benwood Foundation, The

Foundation, Robert Finley Stone Foundation

Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, First Horizon

Foundation, Hamico Foundation, George R. Johnson Family

Foundation, Charlie Brock, Clínica Médicos, The Weldon F. Osborne Foundation, Church of the Good

Shepherd and numerous community members

PROJECT TEAM David R. Barlew Architects, Inc. Tyson Construction

Learn & Support www.micasachatt.org/

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BUILT FOR BOYS.

Tennessee es parte de nuestro nombre y de nuestro corazĂłn.

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Community Trust is honored to celebrate local outstanding leaders by supporting La Paz Chattanooga and Heroes 2020.

ŠBlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Community Trust, an Independent Licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association.

Avanzando juntos

Juntos apoyamos nuestros afiliados de la comunidad para ayudar a que nuestra ciudad crezca y prospere.