Esperanza United

06/10/2026

We are grateful to our dear partner Sheila Kennedy and the team at Southside Community Health Services for advancing survivor-centered, culturally responsive care in our community. As Vivian Huelgo President and CEO of Esperanza United shared in Sahan Journal, too many survivors face barriers that prevent them from seeking the care and support they deserve.

This work matters because every survivor should be able to access healing, justice, and dignity without fear. Together, we are building pathways to care that are trusted, accessible, and rooted in the strengths of our communities.

Southside Community Health Services, which recently opened a clinic on Lake Street in Minneapolis, is offering s*x assault exams in a clinic setting, one step in its trauma-informed care.

06/04/2026

It takes strategic planning, courage, and care for a survivor of domestic violence to request a protective order from the courts.
The tragic case of Gemillies Lozada Navarro is just one where despite her request for help she was denied that help.
What followed was an act of murder that devastated a family and community and makes us work harder to restore hope in the legal systems and organizations that can help survivors of domestic violence.
At Esperanza United, we echo the voices of our sister organizations in Puerto Rico, and every survivor of domestic violence in saying: not one more.

Solicitar una orden de protección requiere planificación estratégica, valentía y un compromiso profundo con la seguridad de todos. Para las sobrevivientes de violencia doméstica, dar este paso representa una decisión difícil y significativa en su camino hacia la seguridad y la esperanza.
El caso trágico de Gemillies Lozada Navarro nos recuerda que, aun cuando una sobreviviente busca ayuda, el sistema no siempre responde de la manera que debería.
Negar brindarle protección fue seguido por un acto de violencia fatal que devastó a una familia y a toda una comunidad.
Esta tragedia fortalece nuestra determinación de trabajar con los sistemas de justicia para que sean más accesibles, sensibles y eficaces para las sobrevivientes.
En Esperanza United, nos unimos a las voces de nuestras organizaciones hermanas en Puerto Rico y con todas las personas que han sobrevivido la violencia doméstica. Afirmamos con claridad y convicción: ni una más.

05/26/2026

Stigma keeps too many people silent about their mental health.

Fear of judgment, shame, or not being understood can stop people from reaching out for support or sharing what they’re going through. But every honest conversation helps create more empathy, connection, and healing.

At Esperanza United, we believe stories have power. When people feel safe enough to speak, communities become stronger and more compassionate.

Have you ever felt judged for speaking about mental health?
💛 = Yes
💙 = No

05/19/2026

We’re excited to continue our Leadership in Community series with Esperanza United President and CEO Vivian Huelgo, J.D.
In this powerful conversation, Linda Lopez, JD, Deputy Director of the Center for Battered Women’s Legal Services at Sanctuary for Families, reflects on Latina leadership, mentorship, community advocacy, and the importance of creating opportunities for future generations of Latina leaders.
Together, they explore what leadership means, the challenges Latina professionals continue to face, and what a violence-free future could look like for all communities.

Read the full interview https://esperanzaunited.org/en/leadership-in-community-with-vivian-huelgo-and-linda-lopez/

05/11/2026

Building strong relationships is at the heart of sustainable leadership.

Join us for Engaging new stakeholders, the first session of our Executive Director Series, where we’ll explore how to connect, build trust, and expand your network with intention.

🗓️ May 15
⏰ 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. CT
Be part of the conversation and strengthen your impact.

🔗 Register here: https://esperanzaunited-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/Lea7o2lVQ8SUOlZeghy1Og

05/10/2026

Being a mother is having your heart walking outside your body.
It’s learning to love in ways you never imagined, to adapt, to listen, and to show up even when every day looks different.
At Esperanza United, motherhood shapes how we lead, how we support, and how we build community. It deepens our understanding of strength, resilience, and care.
Today, we celebrate the mothers who carry that love into everything they do — leading with wisdom, holding space for others, and helping create a future rooted in hope.
💛

**********
Ser madre es tener el corazón caminando fuera del cuerpo.
Es aprender a amar de formas que nunca imaginaste, adaptarte, escuchar y estar presente incluso cuando cada día es diferente.
En Esperanza United, la maternidad transforma la forma en la que lideramos, apoyamos y construimos comunidad. Nos permite entender la fuerza, la resiliencia y el cuidado desde un lugar más profundo.
Hoy celebramos a las madres que llevan ese amor a todo lo que hacen – liderando con sabiduría, sosteniendo a otr@s y ayudando a construir un futuro lleno de esperanza.✨

05/08/2026

When a parent is supported, families begin to rebuild.
Laura asked for help.
It should have gotten easier from there.
It didn’t.
She was separated from her children.
Denied housing.
Systems around her didn’t respond in ways that worked.
Until she found Esperanza United.
Her story changed because the support connected with her reality.

→ Read Laura’s story https://esperanzaunited.org/en/lauras-journey-from-challenging-time-to-healing/

05/07/2026

leadership, growth, and community impact

Strong leadership doesn’t happen in isolation — it grows in community.

Join our Executive Director Series, a three-part virtual space created to support leaders who are building impact, strengthening relationships, and growing sustainable organizations.

✨ May 15 | 1:00 – 2:00 PM CT
Engaging new stakeholders

✨ May 29 | 2:00 – 3:00 PM CT
Own your value

✨ June 5 | 2:00 – 3:00 PM CT
Fundraising and diversifying funds

Three sessions. Real conversations. Tools you can use right away.

Save your spot and be part of the conversation:
🔗 https://esperanzaunited-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/Lea7o2lVQ8SUOlZeghy1Og

05/07/2026

What does leadership look like when it’s rooted in identity and community?
In our latest Leadership in Community conversation, our President & CEO, Vivian Huelgo sits down with María C. Pabón Gautier, Chief People Officer at Project for Pride in Living, to reflect on Latina leadership, representation, and the power of investing in the next generation.

A conversation that reminds us: leadership is not just about leading — it’s about opening doors and making sure others can walk through them.

Read more 👉 https://esperanzaunited.org/en/leadership-in-community-with-vivian-huelgo-and-maria-pabon/

05/06/2026

Join us for an interactive Q&A discussion exploring the nuances and challenges of providing culturally responsive and trauma informed services to survivors of domestic and s*xual violence . This space offers an opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, and collaborate through group discussion. Participants can gain new perspectives, practical insights, and supportive strategies for survivor-centered advocacy.

Register here: 👉 https://ncjfcj-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/ecOG0rclQLCR-cdRG1DzJA #/registration 👈