There aren’t many places in my community I can call a second home. Esperanza has set up a safe environment which I call my second home. Esperanza to me means exactly what it translates into: hope.

       I have increased my vocabulary, I have learned better study skills, and I have excelled in computer skills. I have made new friendships and bonds between peers and the staff of this organization. One of the most special bonds is with my mentor through Esperanza.  Every day after school there are volunteers who can help us with our homework. This is a huge help because there aren’t many people we know and trust to help us with something as important as our grades.

     Another thing Esperanza stresses is how important it is to graduate high school and go to college. They encourage us to dream big and set goals for ourselves. The staff and volunteers motivate us to become something greater in life. They believe in us. With the help of this organization, I see graduating and college as a possibility for myself.

      While being just one of the many students that are a part of these programs, I have felt more special and attached to the people here than any other place in my life. There is nothing more that I’d like to do other than give thanks to Esperanza for everything they have done for me.

                                                                                           by Elizabeth
     

Esperanza has helped me since I came here. I was not sure about joining but once I started I never wanted to go home. They helped me with my classes and taught me how to be a better person in life and how to help the community.

Thanks to Esperanza I passed the O.G.T test with just one year in the United States, was a straight A student at the International Newcomers Academy. Now I am starting college; one more time Esperanza helped with their scholarship.

The whole staff have become like a second family for me, because a family helps me reach my goals and teaches me the skills to obtain them and that is what Esperanza has done for me. They helped me to improve my grades, my English and my leadership skills. I hope to give them back what they continuously give me.

I hope you join Esperanza and make a difference as I am doing.

                                                                                        by Jose’