With a dedication to improving health and restoring hope, Arizona-based nonprofit, Esperança, has been transforming lives since its inception in 1970. To date, the organization has expanded its global footprint, serving some the poorest communities around the world including Mozambique, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Peru and Bolivia. By working with indigenous partners, team members and volunteers are able to provide these communities with health education, disease prevention, food sustainability, access to clean water and medical procedures performed by volunteer surgeons - some of which are a matter of life or death. While continuing its mission abroad, the organization began to realize there were so many others that could benefit from these services— including those in our own backyard. In year 2000,Esperança officially launched its domestic program in order to serve the most under-resourced children, adults and seniors across Maricopa County. With help from bilingual and bi-cultural health educators, the nonprofit is able to provide oral health literacy, referrals for free or low-cost dental care, chronic disease prevention and management, physical exercise, proper nutrition, healthcare education and parent ambassador training—all at a level and a language they can understand. With such a strong impact on both a local and global level, Esperança has truly become the symbol of hope for those that once lived hopelessly.
