Hard work, perseverance and hope inspired a group of Mexican-American parents from Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood to create Esperanza School on April 25, 1969. These parents could not find schools with appropriate educational programs for children with developmental disabilities. One of the parents, Guadelupe Reyes, and Dr. Ogletree, a professor from Chicago State University, combined their efforts to create this special school called Esperanza which means "hope" in Spanish. In the early seventies, the school program moved to the West Town community where it grew to serve the Near West Side, East and West Garfield, North Lawndale and Humboldt Park communities. Over the past 40 years, the school has grown into a comprehensive social service agency. Today Esperanza Community Services serves individuals from 5 years of age to adulthood who have mild to profound developmental disabilities, emotional disturbances, behavior disorders, autism and other forms of cognitive challenges. Esperanza Community Services is accredited by the Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission (CARF), is licensed and funded through the Illinois Department of Human Services, and is accredited by the North Central Association of Schools. Esperanza – friends and visitors agree – is a remarkable and loving place. Its growth and success have more than rewarded those whose hopes, hard work and dedication inspired its creation. We invite you to visit us and see for yourself.