Georgetown center serves as hub for Latino community in Del.
La Esperanza is known as the hub of Southern Delaware for the Latino community. Twenty years ago, three nuns had the vision of establishing a non-profit center that would help the Latino immigrant population adjust to life here in the U.S.
Kevin Andrade, a Maxima radio host says, “Everyone who arrives through Delaware in some how, in some point we all go to la Esperanza. I remember 12 years ago when I arrived my first question about immigration was at la Esperanza.”
Maria Porter, La Esperanza Program Director says, “you know that when you come here there will be someone to greet you with a smile and if we we’re not able to help you here we can refer you put.”
La Esperanza started with offering immigration services to the community, such as legal counseling from on-staff immigration lawyers to guide anyone though the path to citizenship.
“Any letters that they may receive and understanding the process to become a citizen, we offer citizenship classes,” says Porter.
Over the course of their twenty years , the services at La Esperanza have grown to include helping victims of domestic violence and sexual assault as well as family empowerment services
Porter says, “We offer prenatal services, we have our PASA youth program, PASA stands for prevent alcohol and substance abuse and we reach ages 12-17.”
The staff at La Esperanza says services like these bridge the gap between Latino and American culture and support the integration and empowerment of the Latino community.
