As we close out the semester and look ahead to the months ahead, we are filled with gratitude and excitement. From the generosity that continues to fuel opportunity, to moments of connection and celebration with our students, and resources that help families prepare for the season ahead, there is so much to be thankful for.
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A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported Esperanza on Giving Tuesday. Because of your generosity, students, families, and adult learners across Northeast Ohio continue to gain access to education, mentorship, workforce development,and life-changing opportunities.
Your support directly fuels our programs, scholarships, and resources that help individuals move forward with confidence, purpose, and hope. Every gift makes a meaningful difference, and together, we are strengthening our community through education.
Missed Giving Tuesday? It is not too late to give. You can still make an impact by supporting Esperanza today! Join our growing community of supporters and help ensure that opportunity remains within reach for all. 💙 Donate today and continue the impact!
A Perfect Strike to Close the Semester
This week we wrapped up the semester with an amazing bowling trip for students in Esperanza’s Youth Leadership Program. More than 60 students from Cleveland Metropolitan School District schools Natividad Pagán International Newcomers Academy, Rhodes School of Environmental Studies, and Lincoln West High School came together for an afternoon filled with games, bowling, food, and so much more.
This celebration was a chance to bond and honor their hard work. For most of the students, it was their first time experiencing the fun of a bowling alley! Our President and CEO, Margaret D. Sanchez, joined in to enjoy the festivities with our students, which made the afternoon even more special.
A heartfelt thank you to our entire Youth Leadership team and all coordinators for your dedication. Your commitment creates spaces where students feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. We appreciate everything you do.
With Deep Gratitude to our Volunteers
We are proud to celebrate some of the most important people in our mission, our incredible volunteers. Throughout the year, each of them has shown what it truly means to serve with heart. Whether they performed at Fiesta of Hope, shared vital resources at our Back-to-School celebration, or offered a much needed pair of helping hands during our most demanding event days, their support has lifted our work in countless ways.
Together, we gathered at Esperanza to share gratitude, connect as a community, and celebrate the impact made possible through service and heart. From the talented Becky Avilés Art & Dance group, to the Corvette Club of Cleveland, to our dedicated Esperanza scholars and so many others, every volunteer reminds us that when a community comes together, hope becomes possible.
Your time, your energy, and your generosity empower everything we do. We are deeply grateful, and we celebrate each of you.
Want to get involved? Volunteer, mentor, or lend your skills to help strengthen our community!
A Winning Night for Esperanza
Earlier this season, Esperanza partnered with the Cleveland Charge for a special 50/50 Raffle during a home game, giving fans the chance to support local impact while enjoying an exciting night of basketball. Through the raffle, half of the proceeds were awarded to one lucky winner, while the remaining funds supported Esperanza’s work across Northeast Ohio and the Cavaliers Community Foundation.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who participated and helped make the evening such a success. Watching the total grow throughout the night was a powerful reminder of what is possible when community comes together in support of education and opportunity.
Thank you to the Cleveland Charge and the Cleveland Cavaliers organization for their continued partnership and belief in Esperanza’s mission. We also thank our dedicated team members who showed up with enthusiasm and helped make the night memorable. Congratulations to the raffle winner and thank you to all who took part.
Supporting You Through Tax Season
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal benefit that helps working individuals and families with low to moderate incomes keep more of what they earn. Depending on income and family size, it can provide a significant boost at tax time by increasing your refund. Last year alone, the EITC Coalition helped Cuyahoga County families claim more than $13 million in refunds, returning vital dollars back into our local community.
If you earned up to $69,000 in 2025, you qualify for free tax filing services through the EITC Coalition. Appointments can be scheduled at RefundOhio.org later this month! Our Esperanza team has been working hard behind the scenes to prepare for the upcoming tax season, and we are excited to begin scheduling free tax return appointments very soon. Servicio disponible en español.
You can also make a difference by volunteering your time. Volunteer training begins December 9, and sign-ups are now open at RefundOhio.org/Volunteer. Together, we can help “Refund the People” and continue empowering our community, one return at a time.
Join us in Empowering Northeast Ohio!
At Esperanza, We Translate to HOPE. Will you be Esperanza too?
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