Winter 2026 Esperanza Staff Retreat

On March 17th, Esperanza’s staff gathered at Calvary Chapel Word Of Life church for its Winter Retreat. Under the theme of “The LORD is truly the same forever - Psalm 102”, staff enjoyed a day of meaningful worship, powerful testimonies, and workshops led by fellow coworkers. The theme reminded staff that our Lord remains faithful and is a firm foundation. Staff-led workshops included, God Remains the Same, Even When We Don’t; The Woman That God is Forming; and The Blessing of Keeping Jesus Front and Center. Staff member Savannahlee Rice shared, “The retreat breakout group [The Woman That God is Forming] felt like an exhale–peaceful, grounding, and deeply restorative. There was something powerful about stepping away from our routines and responsibilities and stepping into a space, with women of diverse backgrounds, to be present, dissolve barriers, rediscover a sense of self, and build genuine connections.” With renewed hearts and a shared sense of purpose, we carry this reminder forward—trusting that the same faithful God who met us in that space continues to guide, strengthen, and unify us as we serve our community each day.

Reach Out and Read at Esperanza

For more than 35 years Reach Out and Read has been transforming pediatric check-ups from infancy through age 5 by teaching families the importance of reading, through books that are presented to children during their well-child visits. The program enables Esperanza’s pediatric clinicians to support caregivers in fostering early literacy and healthy relationships with their children, and to provide encouragement and suggestions about reading aloud to young children. Keri Duggan, CRNP, MSN, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Associate Medical Director of Pediatrics at Esperanza, shared, “Parents frequently let me know as I'm presenting a new book to their child that their child loves the books we provide. By the time a child is 4 or 5 years old, they know a book is coming and are excited to

see which one they will receive. Reach Out and Read books not only help to encourage parents to read with their children, but they help calm a child's anxiety and fear about the visit and aid in establishing trust between providers and families.” The program ensures that the books “reflect the widest possible representation of the children and families we serve, with stories that are relevant and engaging, accurately reflect and affirm a diverse range of identities, cultures, and histories, and contain illustrations that are colorful and recognizable to young children.”

Esperanza has now integrated Reach Out and Read into its Pediatric services for over 15 years. Said Dr. Tim Johnston, Internal Medicine/Hunting Park Site Medical Director, “With the high degree of pressure parents are under today to expose their children to early use of technology, books have a critical role in bringing parents and children back to the healthiest sort of relating: face to face conversation over a shared story. I have definitely seen the book change the tone in the room when I enter it and give it to the patient; it often moves them from irritability, crying, or fighting with siblings to immediate smiles and attention.”

Your gift of any amount to support our Reach Out and Read program at Esperanza will make it possible for us to give a new, age-appropriate book to each child and their caregivers at every well-child visit. With your support, you can make a real difference in a child’s life!

A group of Esperanza’s staff had the opportunity to attend the 2026 Christian Community Health Fellowship (CCHF) Conference from April 9-11. This year’s theme was “FEAR NOT, For I am With You”—it a time of encouragement for Christians in healthcare to learn, be encouraged, be in community, and worship together. Many of our own staff led some of the workshops, including: Susan Post, CEO; Tim Leaman, MD, CMO; Jennifer Leaman, MSM; Daniel Chen, MD, FACP, DipABLM; Cathy León; Mary Simms, LPC, RPT; and Sueihn Lee, LCSW, MDiv. Susan, in addition to her many workshops, paid tribute to the late Dr. John Perkins and Steve Noblett—testifying to the great work they both accomplished, the love of God spread through them, and their lasting impact on CCHF. Their impact was notable through every plenary speaker, workshop leader, and attendee–both who had known them, and who were only just hearing of them. Esperanza is blessed and grateful to be a part of this community.

Join a Mission-Driven Christian

Healthcare Ministry!

Whether it’s in administration or our clinical teams, we’re always looking to grow! We are seeking qualified, dedicated individuals for open positions, including:

• Clerical Assistant
• Dental Assistant
• Physician
• Nurse Practitioner
• Director of Behavioral Health and Social Services

These jobs are a wonderful way for individuals in your community to use their gifts in service, joining a team where faith and purpose intersect every day. If you know someone who may be a good fit, we’d be grateful if you would share our job openings with them. Thank you for helping us connect mission-aligned people with meaningful work in our community!

GIVE THE GIFT OF HOPE!

Support Esperanza Health Center by giving the gift of high-quality physical, social, emotional, and spiritual care to our patients, programming at our community wellness center, The CORE, and more! Your generous gift will enable us to provide a wide range of integrated services for our patients and others in our North Philadelphia communities, without regard for insurance status or ability to pay. Join us in extending compassionate care to those in need!

VOLUNTEER IN YOUR COMMUNITY!

Interested in volunteering? We have several volunteer opportunities to serve our neighbors this spring—please consider joining us! Currently, we have spots available for our 2026 Hub4Health Resource Fairs and Baby Goods Exchanges.

Click below to view our current volunteer openings and sign-up!

OUR MISSION

Compelled by the love of God in Christ Jesus, in cooperation with the Church and others, Esperanza Health Center is a multi-cultural ministry providing holistic healthcare to the Latino and underserved communities of Philadelphia.

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