La Esperanza
La Esperanza (hope), hosted by Holy Spirit, is an outreach program that serves Latino families/400+ individuals in Madison, Buncombe, and Yancey counties. The majority are first and second generation immigrants from Mexico, Guatemala, Chile and Honduras. This ministry includes:
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Health and Wellness Program:
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Interpretation/Translation
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Economic Assistance
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Community Associations: Partnerships with the Racial Justice Coalition, PAGE program in Madison County, Literacy Together, Muddy Sneakers, Pisgah Legal Services, Mars Hill University, Mars Hill Baptist Church, Madison County Schools, and other community organizations.
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“Unplugged” Youth Group/ “Unplugged” Summer Camp
Executive Director Rebecca Sharp has worked with the Latina families in Madison County since 2001, founding La Esperanza in 2015. She is committed to serving Latina families with particular focus on women and children and the health and wellness of the community. She is fluent in Spanish and is trained as a Spanish medical interpreter and community health worker.
(828-329-0675)
lalaesperanza20@gmail.com
Co-director Ana Laura Gaspar Lara was born in Mexico City and moved to North Carolina when she was 10 years old. She previously worked as an interpreter at the Yancey County Health Department and had volunteered with La Esperanza for about 2 years before becoming co-director.
