Hispanics of Lenawee Alliance (HOLA) was founded in 2006 to serve the Lenawee County community. As a community-focused organization, HOLA’s mission is to advocate for and support all marginalized community members, with a special emphasis on the Hispanic population.

At the heart of HOLA’s work is personalized, one-on-one support that connects community members with vital resources. The organization serves as a bridge, bringing together those in need with available assistance.

Our aim is to shed light on challenges facing our Latino community, celebrate our successes, and work together towards a more inclusive and prosperous future for all in Lenawee County.

The changing face of Lenawee

Our county, like many across the nation, has seen significant demographic shifts in recent years. The Latino population in Lenawee has grown, bringing with it a rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and potential. However, with this growth comes the responsibility to address the unique challenges our community faces.

Education: The key to empowerment

One of the most critical issues we’re tackling is education. While we’ve seen improvements in high school graduation rates among Latino students, we still face hurdles in college enrollment and completion. 

At HOLA, we’re working to bridge this gap by:

• Partnering with local schools to provide mentorship programs.
• Offering bilingual college application workshops.
• Connecting students with scholarship opportunities.

Our goal is to ensure that every Latino student in Lenawee County has the support they need to pursue higher education and achieve their dreams.

Workforce development: Building pathways to success

As the Director of Community Relations and Development for Align Center for Workforce Development, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of job training and skill development. Many in our community face barriers to employment, including language difficulties and lack of recognized credentials.

To address this, we’re:

• Offering ESL classes tailored to workplace communication.
• Providing vocational training programs in high-demand fields.
• Collaborating with local businesses to create internship opportunities.

By equipping our community members with the skills they need, we’re not just helping individuals — we’re strengthening the economic fabric of Lenawee County as a whole.

Health equity: A pressing concern

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the health disparities that disproportionately affect our Latino community. Limited access to healthcare, language barriers, and cultural stigmas around mental health all contribute to these inequities. HOLA is committed to:

• Organizing health fairs with bilingual providers.
• Promoting awareness about preventive care and chronic disease management.
• Advocating for increased cultural competency in local healthcare systems.

Looking ahead: A call to action

As we move forward, it’s crucial that we come together as a community to address these challenges. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a newcomer, whether you identify as Latino or not, your voice and support matter.

I invite you to join us in our mission. Attend a HOLA event, volunteer your time, or simply engage in conversations about how we can make Lenawee County a place where everyone can thrive.

¡Juntos podemos! (Together we can!)

Ben Negron is the founder and executive director of HOLA and the director of community relations and development for the Align Center for Workforce Development. For more information about HOLA, go to holalenawee.com.