Dear Donor, 

After a long winter, the spring brought with it a renewed hope. Many Esperanza Academy students returned to in person learning in April, while others continued online. Recently, we celebrated the graduating class of 2021! With your support, they have been equipped as the future producers, advocates, and leaders of tomorrow. We know that they will make a tremendous impact in our barrio and wherever they go.

April also saw Esperanza become a federally-funded, City of Philadelphia Community Vaccination Center (CVC). In 8 weeks, more than 22,000 vaccines were administered in Hunting Park, of which more than 50 percent were Latino. This was a significant increase from the vaccination rates for Latinos elsewhere in the city and an important step in addressing disparities in access to COVID-19 related resources.

In May, Esperanza Immigration Legal Services hosted its virtual event, Celebrating Hope for New Citizens. More than 100 individuals joined us as we recognized former EILS Board Chair Sondra Miller-Wein, and Peter Gonzales of the Welcoming Center. Together, we secured a vital $20,000 match for citizenship services!

Your support has sustained incredible programs during these critical months. As neighbors begin to safely interact around shared projects and we all plan for warmer days, we remain confident that our community will thrive.

Sincerely,

Christine Nieves, CFRE, VP of Development                      

Esperanza Academy graduated on May 27, 2021.

Raising awareness about the urgent need, Esperanza's facilities became home to Philadelphia's 2nd Community Vaccination Center April 9 - May 25, 2021.

Partner Spotlight: Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation

Esperanza is grateful to the Comcast for its commitment to supporting diverse communities and to empowering people through education and entertainment. Comcast has provided resources that make it possible for Esperanza to provide high-quality audio and video equipment for a new conference center, El Gran Salon. Completed in 2020, the space will be an important center for connection, learning and celebration. This funding also support's Esperanza students to receive excellent education in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math; and for both Esperanza and other neighborhood youth to have access to community-based STEM programming. ¡Gracias!

Advancing Latinx Early Childhood Education

Anysia gains experience at Esperanza Arts Center.

Student, Mother and Proud Latina Empowered by The Arts

Anysia's passion for the media and production field was clear to Esperanza College professor, Dr. David Hurtado. Esperanza has built a strong network of institutions, programs and resources that make up an "opportunity community" within its North Philadelphia campus. Because of this, Dr. Hurtado was able to connect Anysia with the Esperanza Arts Center, which boasts a state of the art theater and equipment and strong support for the next generation of Latinx artists and producers.

Anysia joined Esperanza Arts Center's Mentor Fellows Program, working as the Production Assistant and Esperanza Art Center Onsite Coordinator for the Lullaby Project, in collaboration with Carnegie Hall. This was a new start for Anysia, as both a student and a mother looking to build a strong future career. Anysia made connections within the arts industry and deepened her appreciation of how the arts can serve the community. We are cheering her on!

Cellist, violinist and songwriter Daniel de Jesús performs his piece, The Journey, for Esperanza Immigration Legal Services' Celebrating Hope for New Citizens event.

Celebrating Hope for New Citizens

On May 13th, Esperanza Immigration Legal Services (EILS) hosted its first virtual fundraiser! With the support of individuals and law firms, we raised more than $48,000 for citizenship services. EILS provides bilingual services at low or no cost to ensure that immigrants are able to overcome barriers to becoming new citizens. As the campaign prominently featured, "It's not enough to see a problem - we are compelled in dark times to take action. Generosity inspires us. Community and connection move us forward."

To view the program and our incredible sponsors, click here!

EILS Civic Impact Honoree, Peter Gonzales and The Welcoming Center, and EILS Champion Honoree, former EILS Board Chair, Sondra Miller-Wein of Immigration Law Options, LLC, shared from their rich experiences of dedicated service to immigrants!