When Leighana Leighton was in high school, she rode the bus and saw people getting turned away. Leighana noticed that most of the people getting turned away were deaf or nonverbal. At 17, Leighana decided to learn sign language to help translate the community members’ needs to the bus driver. Now, she has served as …
When Terrell first walked through the doors of Esperanza School in 2017, he faced significant challenges and really struggled with his communication and behavior skills. Thanks to the unwavering support of our dedicated staff and the generosity of donors like you, his journey has been nothing short of remarkable. “Esperanza has been a wonderful addition …
The associate board consists of young professionals in their 20s and 30s who are passionate about advocacy, engaging in their communities and supporting the Esperanza mission to uplift and support individuals with disabilities. Current associate board chair and clinical director at Sage Therapy Chicago, Sadie Salazar, joined the board during a rebuilding phase, hoping to …
Esperanza through the eyes of the associate board Read More »
Esperanza Community Services began as a therapeutic day school in 1969 by Guadalupe Reyes. She was driven to help her son Bobby, and other children with intellectual disabilities, to learn in a manner that met the unique needs of each student. This past has been one of progress here at Esperanza while allowing us to …
Engaging with art is essential to the human experience. Art promotes freedom of creative expression, which helps students relax and think differently. Art also enhances fine motor, problem solving, and critical thinking skills. Due to budget cuts, Esperanza’s school students no longer have a formal art class. But you can help us change that. As …
When Esperanza occupational therapists James and Holly set out to create a dedicated sensory space, they did not envision the immediate impact they would see. “David*, who I’ve never seen relaxed, went into the sensory room and zened out immediately,” said James. “He laid down and looked up at the projectors on the ceiling. He …
Esperanza Community Services is thrilled to announce our selection as a Chicago Community Development Grant recipient. The award of $585,230 will transform our main school and adult program building in West Town by providing updated, efficient, and more accessible facilities. This grant will enable Esperanza to better serve our 250+ participants with developmental disabilities and …
Esperanza Community Services is excited to announce the 2022 honoree of the Bobby Reyes Award: Aixa Alfonso Dr. Alfonso served on the board of Esperanza for over twenty years, championing the Esperanza art program. The student pieces hanging in her home testify to the love Dr. Alfonso has for the Esperanza family. Dr. Alfonso, a …
Jose is just like any other young boy: active, curious, and playful. Jose loves riding his bike, jumping on the trampoline, and playing with his brother Avery. Jose was diagnosed with autism at age 2 ½, experiencing significant challenges that Jose’s previous school could not address. Additionally, due to the challenges with José’s diagnosis, Alisa, …
Celebrating Jose’s achievements this Autism Awareness Month Read More »
