BROOKHAVEN
In conversation with Santiago Marquez of the Latin American Association BY SAMMIE PURCELL Over the years, the Brookhavenbased Latin American Association has become a staple in the metro Atlanta community, offering a multitude of services to the area’s growing population – and growing it is. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the Hispanic and Latino population in Georgia is about 10.5%, or Santiago Marquez, CEO of the Brookhaven-based 1,123,457 people. That Latin American Association. (Joann Vitelli) number represents a 31.6% increase, or Highway kind of serves as the commuan increase of about 269,768 people, since nity center for the community. This year 2010. In DeKalb County, where the LAA is alone, we’ve had Gov. [Brian] Kemp twice. based, the population grew by 20.1% – or Sen. [Jon] Ossoff, Sen. [Raphael] Warnock, 13,647 people – since 2010. Secretary [Janet] Yellen, all have come to When the LAA began in 1972, the state’s our building to meet with Latino leaders. Latino population wasn’t nearly this size, So it’s really seen as a community hub. said CEO Santiago Marquez. Then, I think of the services that we “There really weren’t that many Latiprovide, from social services, to economnos in Georgia in 1972,” Marquez said “So, ic empowerment for women. There are the idea that this organization was creatyouth services, immigration services – reed with a vision of what was coming, to ally critical services to stabilize the Latino me, is incredible. It says a lot about the family and the community and integrate founders.” them. I just think the LAA is kind of one of While on the road in Dalton – where those standards. A pillar almost. the LAA has another center – Marquez spoke with Reporter Newspapers. This Can you elaborate on the challenges the interview has been edited for clarity and Latin American community faces, and length. how those were compacted by the pandemic? Why do you think the LAA is the premier SM: So, let me talk about the commuHispanic organization in the state? nity that we serve. Because I want to difSM: The main building on Buford ferentiate. I don’t want to just generalize
the Latinx or the Latino community. Specifically the community the LAA serves tends to be single mom, two kids – average client, that’s who it is. Obviously they need help, that’s why they’re coming to us. So already, again, we’re dealing with a vulnerable population looking for help. By that I mean, it could be anything from needing help to pay rent, needing help with groceries, needing help with facilities, needing help with food stamps, SNAP benefits, Medicare, WIC. They might be a victim of domestic violence. They might be a victim of violence, period. Immigration status. They may be undocumented. They may have mixed status. So all of that comes into play. [Also a] lack of knowing the language and culture. Over the course of the pandemic, are there things you’ve had to change? SM: One hundred percent. We’ve learned how to do a lot of case manage-
ment virtually … Two is we’re learning what works well on a virtual platform and what doesn’t. Not everything works. So we’re looking at a hybrid model – some in-person, some virtual. What’s come out of all of this is how do we serve the community more efficiently, making sure that we’re not losing that connection – that human connection. Looking forward, what are some of your goals for the LAA over the next few years? SM: We’re looking forward to growing. The LAA – even though I consider it the premier organization in Georgia for Latinos – I want to grow our reach and deepen our impact. I think that we have an opportunity to grow up here in Dalton, where we are in this northwest Georgia territory. We have a real opportunity to grow our footprint in the metro area. This is a great time for us.
Luncheon planned for councilmember The Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce will host a luncheon Nov. 11 to honor Joe Gebbia, the District 4 councilmember. Gebbia announced earlier this year he would not run for reelection. The event will be held at the Doubletree by Hilton at 4386 Chamblee Dunwoody Road. It will commemorate Gebbia’s years of ded-
ication and support to the chamber, said President and CEO Alan Goodman. “We encourage all who appreciate [his] contribution since the very beginning of Brookhaven to join us in wishing Joe and his family the very best,” Goodman said. Tickets are available at Brookhavencommerce.org.
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12 NOVEMBER 2021 | REPORTER NEWSPAPERS
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