This year marks the 25th Anniversary of Esperanza’s founding in 1989 on North Fifth Street in “El Centro de Oro,” the heart of North Philadelphia’s Latino community. From September 22nd through the 26th, Esperanza’s staff, patients and community residents celebrated together at all of our sites—Fifth Street, Kensington & Allegheny, and Hunting Park.

Events included face painting for children (with a special visit from Elmo!), traditional Puerto Rican appetizers, gifts for children and adults, and festive music. We’re thankful for God’s faithfulness in sustaining Esperanza, and for our many faithful partners in ministry over 25 years. Thank You!!

Taekwondo Classes Begin at Esperanza!

  
This fall, something new is happening at our Hunting Park gym! Him Martial Arts is a new program in Taekwondo, a traditional Korean martial art, for children ages 7 to 14. The twice-weekly classes are led by Tony Gonzalez, Esperanza’s Community Programs Coordinator, who holds an advanced black belt degree. Says Esperanza’s Christe Lee, who co-leads the classes: “The Korean word 힘 (pronounced ‘him’) means strength, power and vigor. Jesus is our strength, power and life, and because we find our strength in Him, we chose the name ‘Him Martial Arts’. Our prayer is that the program enables us to connect with young people and that God will be glorified, as we interact around this fun and challenging discipline!” 

We are excited to welcome our newest primary care provider, Family Nurse Practitioner Kristin Romeo, CRNP! A native of Hammonton, NJ, Kristin is a graduate of Rice University and Thomas Jefferson University, where she received her Masters degree in Nursing. While serving in the Peace Corps in an indigenous village in Ecuador, she saw the effects of healthcare disparities there, which led her to pursue nursing. Kristin has also served with Doctors Without Borders in South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Honduras. Says Kristin, “I’m thrilled to be here in North Philadelphia, where I have the privilege of learning, growing, serving, and witnessing the work that God is doing!” 

Your Gift Makes a Difference!

Every day at Esperanza, we’re committed to providing high-quality, compassionate bilingual care to our patients—without regard for their ability to pay or insurance status. With your help, this year we’ve served nearly 1,000 new uninsured patients through September. A gift of any amount will enable us to care for those in need. Thank you!