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HOLA Lakeway
editHOLA Lakeway (Hispanic Outreach Leadership Association of the Lakeway Area) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Morristown, Tennessee. Founded in 2014, HOLA Lakeway's mission is to facilitate the positive integration of immigrant families in Hamblen County and the Lakeway area into the greater fabric of the community through educational initiatives and advocacy.[1]
History
editHOLA Lakeway evolved from the Latino Task Force of Morristown, which was established in 2014. The organization was created to address the growing Hispanic and Latino population in the Lakeway Area and to bridge cultural divides within the community.[2] In 2018, the organization expanded its focus to serve immigrant families from other parts of the world, including India, Micronesia, and Pakistan, in response to changing demographics in the community. This expansion led to a change in the organization's name, dropping the acronym and becoming simply HOLA Lakeway.[3]
Mission and Services
editHOLA Lakeway aims to empower immigrant and refugee families through various educational programs and community support initiatives. The organization offers:
Educational Programs: English and Spanish classes, RoboThinKids, STREAM Camp, GED programs Cultural Programs: Tertulias (cultural meetings with conversations and authentic foods) Community Support: La Tiendita (emergency food pantry for cultural food items) Youth Programs: College Conference and Fair Advocacy: Day on the Hill program for college students Welcoming Services: Comprehensive support for multicultural families entering the school system Workforce Development: Job interviews, resume workshops, and housing assistance[1][4]
HOLA Lakeway Sankofa Center
editThe HOLA Lakeway Sankofa Center, located at 1600 East Andrew Johnson Hwy, Morristown, Tennessee, serves as the organization's primary hub for welcoming and supporting multicultural families.[3] In 2023, HOLA Lakeway expanded to a larger facility to increase its capacity to provide services to more people.[5]
Partnership with Hamblen County Schools
editHOLA Lakeway has established a strong partnership with Hamblen County Schools to enhance its role as a multicultural welcome center. Through this collaboration, HOLA Lakeway:
Serves as the primary welcoming center for multicultural families entering the school system Provides comprehensive support during school registration and orientation Offers linguistically accessible resources to ease the transition into the community Acts as a cultural bridge between families and schools Enhances early literacy support for multicultural students[6]
Lakeway International Food Festival
editHOLA Lakeway's flagship event is the annual Lakeway International Food Festival, which began in 2015. The festival has grown significantly since its inception, becoming a cornerstone of HOLA Lakeway's community outreach and cultural celebration efforts. The festival typically features:
Food vendors representing cuisines from multiple countries, including Honduras, Indonesia, Philippines, Mexico, San Salvador, United States, Colombia, and Venezuela Cultural performances including traditional dances, music, and interactive activities Community engagement opportunities with local organizations and government entities Arts and crafts vendors
The 2024 festival, celebrating HOLA Lakeway's 10th anniversary, was scheduled for August 31 at Morristown's Downtown Green and Farmers' Market. The event included performances by various musical groups and dance ensembles, representing diverse cultural traditions.[7] Willie Santana, HOLA Lakeway co-founder, emphasizes the festival's importance: "This event embodies our vision of building community through shared experiences, showcasing the beautiful diversity that enriches the Lakeway Area."[2]
Impact
editAs of 2023, HOLA Lakeway reported serving more than 16 countries and had become an essential resource for the growing immigrant population in the Lakeway Area. According to Betsy Hurst, the Executive Director, "31% of the population now is an immigrant population based on Hamblen County Schools statistics."[5] The organization's work is particularly significant in Hamblen County, where the Hispanic and Latino population was reported to be 14.7% as of 2021.[4] Since 2018, HOLA Lakeway has served over 4,000 people, ensuring that they are given the skills and tools needed to be empowered.[6] As of 2022, HOLA Lakeway reported a revenue of $149,000 and expenses of $128,000, demonstrating the organization's growing impact and financial stability.[8]
Leadership
editAs of 2024:
Betsy Bonilla Jimenez-Hurst serves as the Executive Director of HOLA Lakeway[1] KC Cuberson Alvarado holds the position of chairwoman of the HOLA Lakeway Board Willie Santana is a co-founder of HOLA Lakeway and served as its first chairman[2]
References
edit- ^ a b c "Profile in Education Equity – Betsy Bonilla Jimenez-Hurst, Executive Director, HOLA Lakeway". The Education Trust. 2022-01-20. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
- ^ a b c Melanie Vásquez Russell (2022-10-13). "Comida y cultura: Food and culture central in Hispanic & Latino East Tennessee community". WATE 6 On Your Side. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
- ^ a b Melanie Vásquez Russell (2022-04-20). "HOLA Lakeway's international 'mercadito' begins Saturday". WATE 6 On Your Side. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
- ^ a b Lexi Spivak (2021-10-11). "Hola Lakeway making Morristown feel like home to newcomers". WATE 6 On Your Side. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
- ^ a b Olivia Dague, Fernando García-Franceschini (2023-11-04). "HOLA Lakeway expands services to meet needs of the growing Latino community". WBIR. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
- ^ a b Wade Littleton (2024-08-14). "HOLA Lakeway hosts county officials". Citizen Tribune. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
- ^ "HOLA Lakeway's International Food Festival Returns Aug. 31". The Greeneville Sun. 2024-08-22. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
- ^ "Hola Lakeway - Nonprofit Explorer". ProPublica. 9 May 2013. Retrieved 2024-08-22.