Esperanza: More Than Three Decades Serving the Latino Community in Dutchess

From its very first steps, Esperanza understood that access to information in Spanish was essential. In collaboration with local churches, volunteer lawyers, and with the support of Vassar College, the organization began by offering homework help, one-on-one tutoring, and summer programs. Little by little, it expanded its work to parents, with English classes and integration workshops, recognizing that the progress of children needed to be accompanied by opportunities for adults.

The focus was always clear: not to depend on the government, but on the strength of the community. To sustain its programs, Esperanza turned to creativity and collective effort: homemade food sales like tamales, arroz con gandules, or empanadas; community fairs; and the creation of Sofrito Kitchen, a space to generate income while keeping Latin American culinary traditions alive. These initiatives not only financed programs but also strengthened cultural and social ties among neighbors.

Today, Esperanza offers a wide range of services, such as the Compadres y Comadres program, which provides support and recreational activities for seniors; individual English classes for immigrants seeking to better navigate daily life; legal and interpretation assistance for families facing language barriers; loans of medical equipment like wheelchairs or hospital beds for those without insurance; and community celebrations on special dates such as Christmas or Three Kings Day.

The impact is measured in generations. Young people who once participated in Esperanza’s summer programs or tutoring now return as leaders, teachers, and dedicated professionals. For Vizcarrondo, the greatest reward is seeing them come back: “My God pays me when the kids return and say they found a career, that they are helping others, that they continue the struggle.”

SIDEBAR: Community Service Awards this October

As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, Esperanza will hold its Annual Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Poughkeepsie. The event will include a brunch and, later, a Latin music party with buffet, open to the public.

During the ceremony, 11 local leaders will be honored for their work in opening doors and driving change in the region:

Deborah Belding, community educational programs.

Benjamin (Benji) Bruno, promoter of migrant youth projects.

Mioshi Burrows, holistic wellness instructor.

Carrie Decker, health and wellness initiatives, director of Crazy Over Arts.

Luis Flores, promoter of Latino culture.

Rosa Gómez, community leader in immigration services with Catholic Charities.

Laura Alessandra González, singer and COO of LOUD.

Inginia Jackson, teacher and co-founder of Camino al Éxito org.

Lorena Meléndez, community caregiver and youth activities leader.

Laura (Lala) Montoya, supporter of local economic development with Poughkeepsie Farm Project.

Daniel Villegas, Latino poet, writer, instructor, and conga player.
 

The evening will also feature a speech by Carlos Alamo-Pastrana, Dean and Professor at Vassar College, who will share a message on leadership and perseverance. For more information and tickets, call Norma at (845) 392-4388, or Isis Benítez at (845) 750-4706.

The event will also be a celebration of identity, unity, and resilience. Vizcarrondo emphasizes: “The only way to grow is by supporting one another.”