August 2025

Updates From the Esperanza Family

Recognizing Uniqueness. Empowering to Explore.

August brought new ways to connect and grow. We launched our first Employee Spirit Days, joined the 33rd Precinct for community events, and our program participants continued to enjoy outings across the city.

Building on that momentum, we continue the early Friday dismissal pilot introduced earlier this summer. The added time and flexibility have made a meaningful difference, showing that when staff are supported in their well-being, it strengthens the work we do together and the way we show up for our community.

Your input helps guide our work. We encourage you to share suggestions with your supervisors or members of the executive team as we continue building Esperanza’s future together.

With September around the corner, we look forward to the season ahead and to coming together at our Third Annual Walkathon.

Thank you for the many ways you contribute to our mission. We couldn’t do this without you.

Upcoming Events:

The countdown is on! Our Third Annual Walkathon takes place Saturday, September 6, 2025, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park.

Enjoy Zumba, raffles, music, face painting, and more. Tickets include a t-shirt and food.

View flyer and details here - don’t forget to get your tickets!

Our Mission:

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.

Featured Highlights

National Night Out with the 33rd Precinct

We joined neighbors for National Night Out Against Crime with the 33rd Precinct, connecting with officers, community leaders, and elected officials including Senator Robert Jackson and Assembly Member Al Taylor.

Unity in the Heights

Our team and Board President Maria Luna joined the 33rd Precinct for Unity in the Heights, an event that brought together local organizations, leaders, and families to strengthen relationships across the community.

Spirit Days Kickoff

We kicked off our first-ever Employee Spirit Days this month, and it was a big success. From Twin Day to Crazy Hair Day, staff brought energy, creativity, and plenty of fun.

We’re excited to keep the tradition going and look forward to making Spirit Days a regular part of our year.

Esperanza Fun: Moments That Bring Us Together

Our program coordinators and staff continue to put in the work to create memorable experiences for participants, from planning dinners at City Island or Dallas BBQ to organizing Sports Day and other special events.

These are the moments worth doing the work.

Take a look at some of the highlights on our social media.

Community News/Events

What’s Next: A National Conversation on the Future of IDD and Mental Health Supports

🗓️ Wednesday, September 17, 2025

🕒 3:00 – 4:30 PM ET

📍 Online (Zoom)

NextGen Synergy Inc., in partnership with the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Coalition, is hosting a national roundtable on the future of supports for people with IDD and co-occurring mental health conditions.

🔗 Register here

Back to School Resource Fair for Individuals with Special Needs

🗓️ Saturday, August 30, 2025

🕘 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

📍 163 Saint Nicholas Avenue (between 118th & 119th Street), New York, NY

Families can access free bookbags and school supplies (while supplies last), and connect with agencies offering resources for individuals with I/DD.

📧 Info/Registration:

asdconsultantnyc@gmail.com

347-746-7547

Read OPWDD's Latest Updates

As we close August, we recognize National Wellness Month and National Nonprofit Day. Both are reminders of the importance of supporting ourselves, one another, and the communities we serve. The strength of Esperanza is found in these daily acts of commitment, reflected in the dedication of our participants, families, staff, and partners.

With the Walkathon just days away, we’re excited to step into the fall with renewed energy and purpose.

Thank you for being part of something greater than any one of us, and for helping to carry it forward with love.

212-928-5810

Newsletter

Updates From the Esperanza Family

Recognizing Uniqueness. Empowering to Explore.

Featured Highlights

Esperanza Fun: Moments That Bring Us Together

Community News/Events