Derived from the Portuguese word for “hope,” Esperança has been dedicated to transforming lives since its inception in 1970. An Arizona-based nonprofit, our work began abroad, serving the most under-resourced and poverty-stricken communities throughout the Central Amazon Region. While providing health education and volunteer medical care, including surgical procedures, Esperança quickly became known as a symbol of hope to those that have learned to live hopelessly. Today, Esperança continues to provide medical missions and community development projects in clean water, food security, health education and ecological home-building to such places as Peru, Mexico, Mozambique, Ecuador, Bolivia and Nicaragua. In 2000, Esperança began servicing the growing health disparities Arizona. Our domestic work follows partnerships with Title I schools, dental clinics and community centers, using bilingual and bicultural health educators to provide children, adults and seniors with education on oral health, chronic disease management and prevention, nutrition, physical activity and more. What makes Esperança unique? Our model is to partner with in-community or in-country organizations that know and understand the specific needs of the area. This sustainable, culturally competent approach transforms lives one community at a time, taking measured steps toward our vision of health equity for everyone