Nov 8, 2024
Learn how Esperanza United mobilizes and serves Latinas and Latin@ communities through innovative projects to end gender-based violence for the last 40+ years
We spoke with Cristina Escobar, Director of Communications and Marketing at Esperanza United, to gain insight into the organization's impactful work.
What is Esperanza United?
Formerly known as Casa de Esperanza, Esperanza United is a nonprofit dedicated to mobilizing Latinas and Latin@ communities to end gender-based violence. Founded in 1982 by a group of determined Latinas as an emergency shelter in St. Paul, Minnesota, the organization has since expanded its reach, serving Latin@ communities locally and across the nation.
“We ground our work in the strengths and wisdom of the community,” Escobar explained, noting that Esperanza United partners to offer wrap-around services to address the diverse needs of survivors and community members. In the Twin Cities area, these services range from job training and affordable housing assistance to educational programs.
Esperanza United's Mission
Esperanza United’s mission is to “mobilize Latinas and Latin@ communities to end gender-based violence.” According to their website, their vision is “for Latinas, their families, and communities throughout the world to recognize gender-based violence and act to end it by creating communities rooted in honor and respect.”
The organization uses a strength-based approach, sharing on its website: “We know Latinas are strong and acknowledge—with our actions—that each woman knows what is best for her and her family.”
Escobar further highlighted this belief, stating, “Survivors are the experts. We provide them with options, pathways, and support. Our goal is to give communities the tools they need to create lasting change.”
Approach to Change
Esperanza United implements five core strategies to support its mission:
2. Prevention and Social Change
3. Training and Technical Assistance
These approaches empower individuals, communities, and organizations to take action against gender-based violence and better support Latina survivors.
To read more about Esperanza United’s approach to change, click here.
Services for Survivors and Communities
For domestic violence survivors and the broader community, Esperanza United offers a range of services, including:
A 24/7 bilingual hotline for the Minnesota area
Direct support for survivors with wrap-around services, such as family advocacy and leadership training
Programs that train community members to be first responders to domestic violence
For organizations, Esperanza United provides training, resources, and best practices for law enforcement, policymakers, domestic violence organizations, and more. Their training emphasizes language access, cultural sensitivity, and immigrant rights.
“We work nationally to ensure Latina survivors receive culturally responsive, trauma-informed support in the language they know best,” added Escobar.
Featured Projects
Youth leadership is a key focus for Esperanza United, with an annual teen-led youth conference designed to “emphasize the importance of acknowledging and celebrating one’s heritage and identity as the foundation for successful and healthy relationships and leadership.” This work is equipping young people with the tools to lead within their communities and advocate for change.
In addition to youth programs, Esperanza United's newsletter is a great source of information, providing updates on their latest webinars, conferences, trainings, and resources, all aimed at educating and engaging the Latin@ community on gender-based violence and encouraging activism (you can sign up for the newsletter on their website).
One standout offering is Conversations over Cafecito, a podcast series where experts, practitioners, researchers, and advocates in the field of gender-based violence come together to share insights and wisdom. The series provides listeners with a thoughtful dialogue on pressing issues, offering practical advice and diverse perspectives in English and Spanish.
Esperanza United also hosts, ¡Adelante!, a dynamic event designed for Latin@ advocates to have in-depth discussions on pressing issues related to their work and personal well-being. The event fosters growth and connection within the advocacy community.
Through these initiatives, Esperanza United is a driving force in the movement to end gender-based violence within Latin@ communities.
For more information about their services or to subscribe to their newsletter, visit their website.
Social Links
You can connect with Esperanza United and view their advocacy work here:
Donations
You can donate to Esperanza United here: