Gala to mark decade of aid

This agency is celebrating 10 years of aiding Hispanic immigrants in Georgetown. DP

Gala to mark decade of aid
By Gwen Guerke, Sussex Post

newszap.com: For a decade, La Esperanza has been a haven and support for new Hispanic immigrants, and that mission will be celebrated at a gala benefit on Nov. 11.

Zaida Guajardo, the agency’s executive director, says La Esperanza’s humble beginnings planted a seed that has grown into a landmark on Race Street in the county seat.

La Esperanza started as La Casita in a small house, also on Race Street, a project of the Sisters of Charity.

“La Casita is where it all began, and it outgrew that house too fast,” said Mrs. Guajardo, a native of Puerto Rico.

With assistance from a Washington-based foundation, the sisters bought a larger house that has been converted into comfortable offices to offer assistance in immigration issues, plus language, education and parenting and life-skills programs.

“We help them renew permits to obtain legal status,” Mrs. Guajardo said.

Although most of their clients immigrated from Guatemala and Mexico, Mrs. Guajardo says people from Honduras, El Salvador and the Dominican Republic have also requested help.

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