La Esperanza Founders will Retire

Three women crucial to our immigrant community are saying goodbye. 

The trio that started a non-profit 20 years ago to serve Sussex County will move to Washington, D.C. by the end of the year, but their legacy will live on. One Sister, Maria, says it's been a fulfilling journey. 

"When you give your life to help others, its a joyous life so I invite them all to take this life."

That's why 20 years ago, these Sisters Maria, Ascension, and Rosita started La Esperanza. Sister Ascension says God has used them in a special way. 

"Because sometimes people from English world are afraid to speak with people they don't understand. But we are like a bridge between one and the other." 

People who work with the sisters say their vision to start this nonprofit has grown over the years and helped countless people in Sussex County.

La Esperanza means "Hope" in Spanish.

And it was established to address the needs of people, folks who needed help with immigration, housing and childcare in Delaware.  

Sister Rosita says she's thankful for the life she's lead.

"I thank God all the time for calling me to this life. If I had to live it again, I would do the same. Give my life to help others because you receive a lot of joy."

The women have worked for over 60 years in three different countries and will retire officially from the organization that grew from one room to an entire building on Race Street in Georgetown.

And on September 15th , they will all move to Washington, D.C. When asked how they will spend their days now, Sister Maria had this to say. 

"To tell you the truth, the first thing we do is do nothing."

The sisters say there are no nuns available to pick up where they left off, but they are confident that               La Esperanza will thrive without them.

Senator Tom Carper was one of the people who partnered with the group to create the non-profit. 

If you'd like to find out more about the organization, click here.