Who We Are
About OLA
Founded in 2002, OLA of Eastern Long Island, Inc. (Organización Latino Americana) is nonprofit Latino-focused advocacy organization working in the five East End towns of East Hampton, Southampton, Riverhead, Southold, and Shelter Island.
OLA’s work is rooted in the belief that our entire East End community benefits from an inclusive approach that involves respectful dialogue and shared accountability.
The change we want to see happens only through the solidarity of as many community members as possible. Building this solidarity is central to the way we work and to creating an East End that fully recognizes and embraces the contributions, energy, and dynamism of local Latinos.
Our Mission
OLA of Eastern Long Island works to create a more equitable East End for Latino immigrants through advocating for just and inclusive government and school policies; protecting families; nurturing power and unity among Latinos through leadership workshops and other programs; and building bridges among different sectors of the East End community through celebrating arts and culture.
What We Do
Through advocating for just and inclusive policies, creating healthier communities, addressing the immediate needs of community members, and providing educational and arts programming and events, OLA works to create a more equitable, safe, and vibrant East End for all.
Advocacy
OLA’s policy, legal, and general advocacy includes fighting for local and state legislation that benefits immigrants, connecting people to trusted attorneys, and advocating on behalf of individuals.
Education
OLA provides educational programs, including mini-courses in English and Spanish, arts workshops, and youth empowerment gatherings.
Health and Wellness
OLA works on several fronts to ensure that people have access to health care and mental health care.
Systemic Change
OLA works to ensure that local institutions such as town and county governments, police, and schools treat Latino community members fairly and respect their rights, regardless of immigration status. We also work to increase health care equity and access, with a focus on improving local youth mental health care services.
Crisis Response
Whenever possible, OLA helps people who are experiencing financial hardship with their most basic expenses such as food, shelter, and utilities.
Arts and Culture
OLA values the arts and produces events that bring community members of different nationalities and ethnicities together to celebrate Latino artists and art forms and build bridges within our community.
Our Impact
These are some of the ways OLA is making a difference on the East End.
6,200+
People Vaccinated Against COVID-19
800+
Rides Provided to Medical Appointments
$1.9 M
in Chromebooks and Wi-Fi Donated to Schools During Pandemic
$1.1 M+
Distributed or Recovered in Crisis Aid and Rental Assistance
35
Youth Empowerment Events Held
275
Police Officers Engaged in OLA Trainings
Meet The Team
Board of Directors
Become a Partner or Sponsor
OLA is grateful for the support and collaboration of our many committed community partners, generous donors, and foundations.
We are proud to partner with our area’s major organizations and institutions, including houses of worship, health care facilities, art spaces, libraries, schools, governments, and other nonprofit organizations to achieve our goal of creating a more equitable, strong, and healthy East End.
By sponsoring an OLA community-building event, you contribute directly to our signature annual events such as our Latino Film Festival of the Hamptons and our Pachanga as well as events designed to educate and inform.
If you are interested in partnering with OLA or learning more about sponsorship, we’d love to hear from you!
Financials
All contributions to OLA are tax-exempt to the full extent provided by IRS regulations. Our Federal Tax ID # is 43-1997489. A copy of our latest financial statements may be obtained from the Office of the Attorney General, Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271 or at NYS Charities Bureau.