One of the things we look for in charity choices is variety, we are trying to have a god mix of what our highlighted charities are focused on. A bonus that crops up every now and then is an organization that strikes a bit of a personal chord with (at least one of) us. Our charity in Maryland, the Esperanza Center hits the mark on both counts.
In addition to being the first charity we have focused on that deals with immigrant issues, there is also a personal connection for me as my father and the rest of his family immigrated from Denmark during the second world war and I am, therefore, a first generation american. This, of course, brings the immigration issue a little closer to my heart.
Quoting the web site “The Esperanza Center is a comprehensive immigrant resource center that offers hope and essential services to people who are new to the United States.” Esperanza provides a variety of services for immigrants ranging from generic “client services” to healthcare, education, and legal services.
The legal services branch typically has about 700 open cases and obtained 244 work authorizations and 71 green cards in the last fiscal year. Healthcare Services provided 1,438 walk-up medical visits for uninsured immigrants and saw a total of 114 dental patients over the same time period. Through their educational efforts in the same fiscal year 427 adult, as well as 98 youth, students enrolled in ESL classes.
For a more personal look at the work being done at The Esperanza Center, take a look at this article from the Baltimore Sun.
We really appreciate the diversity of the programs this organization has put together to help ease what can be a very difficult process for so many people. I know from first hand stories how difficult it can be to assimilate to every day life when, despite your best efforts, you are not yet up to speed on the language or versed on the system and how to maneuver within it.
Check out the centers web site for more information, including how to donate or participate in other ways.