Mission Statement
Esperanza Center believes that it is essential to recognize that each child and adult regardless of their abilities is unique in their own right. As an organization serving this valued community, we seek to empower each individual to explore their life and to live it to the fullest while receiving quality supports and services. In so doing, Esperanza Center will interact with individuals and their circles of support with honesty, compassion, and dignity, creating, celebrating and respecting diversity as well as striving toward excellence.
Description
Esperanza Center was established in 1952 to meet the social and educational needs of upper Manhattan’s Latino community. In 1973, Centro Social la Esperanza, Inc., opened a comprehensive daytime program for adults with developmental disabilities residing with their families.
Over the years Esperanza has expanded the programs and geographical area to encompass all of Manhattan and the Bronx. While the target population has increased to include children and the number and types of programs have grown to include residential, case management, recreational and others, the main purpose of the service has remained intact: the acquisition of daily living skills, social adaptation and enhanced motor skills. With these goals we assure the individual’s continued residence in the community, promoting independence and productivity.
Beyond the exposure to real life experiences, community inclusion and fostering of independence, we aim toward person-centered services. In coordination with Life Plans, Esperanza Center will focus on the realized importance and achievement of person-centered outcomes that include but are not limited to choice, health, safety, facilitation of social connections, relationships, rights, goals, dreams, employment and more.
