LaAmistad is such a great organization to volunteer with. It is well organized with good structure that makes it easy to serve. It is so rewarding to tutor a student and see them light up when they grasp a concept or teaching. I highly recommend them!
Look at where the money is going in this organization. It’s been a cash cow for the executive director for well over a decade now. The employee turnover rate is a testament to how staff are treated. There is a culture of tokenism and white saviorism. The volunteers drive this organization, and even then, they do it because the kids need help. But look at where the money is going. There is an illusion of laamistad generating more money than it truly does because all locations are reported as in-kind real estate. A majority of the money actually goes to salaries. With a majority of that salary expense going to the executive director’s six figures. The board needs to open their eyes to what is happening and take action, the students of laamistad deserve better.
Review from Guidestar
In all of my years volunteering for different organizations, LaAmistad has been the most well run, positive, consistent program I have come across. The attention to detail, follow-up, volunteer information and concern for each student is phenomenal. This is a wonderful organization and I can only hope I can find the equivalent on the west coast.
Thank you for the opportunity!
Review from Guidestar
When I knew about LaAmistad I was very impressed. The work and effort that this organization does isn't only organized and efficient but it is also done with love towards the children of the Hispanic community. They are always on the hunt to offer more afterschool programs so that they can exercise their love for soccer and other sports. The kids of LaAmistad are very talented children with a lot of potential.
This was my first time participating in LaAmistad, and I can just say it was a absolutely wonderful expirence! As you get to know the children you develop a sort of attatchement to them. Helping them be able to succeed and being able to let them have the same opportunity to do great things, which is paramount in this non-profitable organization. I would love to be a volunteer again and see how far the kids have come from just one year ago! (:
I have volunteered with many nonprofits. But with LaAmistad, I can actually see the impact of the tutoring program on the students as the year progresses. Volunteers receive direct feedback from parents, teachers and other volunteers. We know our successes when we see the improved grades at school. The program is so well organized. The volunteers love it and so do the children. They hate to miss a day!
Our school is lucky to be a part of LaAmistad. I have witnessed first hand the postive impact this program has on our students. Students are given tutoring and enrichment opportunities on a daily basis. The LaAmistad staff works with our staff to meet the needs of our students. Teachers are able to communicate directly with the volunteers. It is a great resource for our school.
As a volunteer and board member, I see how LaAmistad transforms so many lives - children and families. The after school program - for Latin American and other "first generation" students - provides invaluable tutoring, mentoring, sports, and other personal enrichment programs. The successful results of this program in impacting lives are quantifiably documented. LaAmistad also provides preschool enrollment for numerous children and offers a variety of adult education classes. "English for Successful Living" classes help meet the widespread demand for the acquisition of the English language, so families can live more fulfilling lives.
Our school works closely with La Amistad at the individual level and at the organizational level. La Amistad's positive effect and lasting impact for families is clear.
I cannot overstate the positive elements of LaAmistad and its very capable director. It has been a privilege to be part of this program for the past two years and actually see young lives being transformed. If anyone questions the merits of this program I would recommend that they shadow one of the classes next fall and experience LaAmistad in action!
LaAmistad recognizes that all children have potential and are important to our future but not all children have the support needed to excel in their schoolwork outside the classroom. LaAmistad provides a focused set of after school services primarily for Latino and other "first-generation" children whose parents may not yet be able to assist them with their studies. LaAmistad does not stop there, however, as they also provides and, in some cases, requires similar educations services for the parents such that they can alter the environment for their children in a positive way. The success of LaAmistad can be seen in the children themselves and the standardized test scores they achieve are remarkable.
I have just completed my first year as a volunteer at La Amasted. I tutored 5th greaders. I have been blown away by the quality of this program and the lasting effect it will have on these wonderful, bright children and their families. As a volunteer you are rewarded instantly as you see the bright smiles and giggles as your kids grasp new concepts. These children are truly amazing. The positive support they get here spreads to their homes and schools. It shows in their report cards as they continually out pace their fellow students.
I have enjoyed volunteering for a number of organizations in Atlanta; however, none have been as well organized and engaging as LaAmistad. The program is phenomenal! There are any number of ways to become involved and the program leaders make it extremely easy to find your niche. Volunteers are supported with training, supplies and pertinent information. You can give as much or as little of your time and talent as you wish-all is appreciated. Everyone is enthusiastic and extremely welcoming. It is a place where you not only help the community but make wonderful friends. I choose to help with after school study hall once a week. The children come in our classroom so excited and appreciative of the help they receive. LaAmistad fosters a genuine desire to learn and succeed in every child. As a volunteer you really get to know the children's learning strengths and weaknesses as you work with them one-on-one. More importantly, you get to know them as young people, as members of our community who really need and thrive with our support. I can not imagine anything more rewarding than the hugs I receive from the LaAmistad children or the thrill of sharing their enthusiasm for learning. I would highly recommend this program for anyone who can make time to give to our community.
LaAmistad creates an amazing place for these smart, enthusiastic kids to learn and get tutoring help. Their initiative and love of learning always seems clear, and the library, extensive selection of games, and organized plans help these goals to be met. The kids are bright and LaAmistad does a great job of helping to feed their educational needs. Although my schedule was busy during the week, I found LaAmistad to be flexible and enjoyable, with plenty of different opportunities to volunteer and ways to help. Instead of feeling uncomfortable or hesitant as a new volunteer, I was welcomed and quickly shown how I could help. It felt great and I could tell that my presence was valued immediately through both the kindness of the staff and the enthusiasm of the kids themselves. Although they seek out the games, they easily settle into learning and follow any lesson or instructions. LaAmistad is a wonderful organization which greatly helps these kids every single day, making it an incredible place to volunteer and form connections with the kids.
I arrived back home after living abroad for 2 years, adjusting to Atlanta as a brand new business professional. I wanted a way to stay connected and involved in the Hispanic community and La Amistad did not disappoint. It's very well organized, the kids are taught manners from the beginning, you feel like you're making a difference by helping them with their homework and just spending some quality time. Each volunteer plays a unique and important role. To sum, I highly recommend taking a look at them if you'd like to make a real difference.