Back in April, 2003, our organization decided to focus on a few projects that could have the most impact. After much debate, we decided to produce a bilingual publication in Spanish and English. It’s hard to believe we have fulfilled our first goal with the release of The HOLA Journal. We hope it serves to inform and educate the community about who we are, what issues are important to us, and what we are doing.

The HOLA Journal or El Periódico HOLA, in Spanish, is published bi-monthly in two separate, complementary editions, one in Spanish and one in English. HOLA strives to be a high-quality publication. For the English edition, its mission is to inform the public about issues important to Hispanics in Lake and Ashtabula County, educate about Hispanic culture and publicize the contributions of the Hispanic community to northeast Ohio. The Spanish edition will serve to disseminate information to the Hispanic community and provide a forum for Hispanic voices. Circulation is estimated to be 5,000.

We will use the internet as a vehicle to communicate to a wider audience focusing on important issues for the Hispanic community.

What other activities is HOLA involved in?

In addition to publishing a free, bilingual newsletter, HOLA:

• Hosts an annual Christmas party for Hispanic kids together with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots
• Partners with Lake Erie College, Painesville, Ohio, to hold annual Tax Clinics in Spanish
• Hosts “Information Fairs” to inform Hispanics about issues in healthcare, housing, legal matters, employment and services; and provide a forum for businesses and agencies to reach the Hispanic community.