A Word from PLF Leadership on Esperanza (Hope)

Progreso Latino Fund Advisory Committee Co-chairs Tara Davila and Yadira Ijeh, CREDIT: CHIKÉ PHOTOGRAPHY

Esperanza (the Spanish word for hope) is a hallmark of the Latinx community. When faced with adversity, we are carried by community, faith, and hope.

2020-21 challenged us in many ways with a global pandemic, health disparities, racial injustice, record-breaking job loss, and isolation from family and friends.

In the wake of this, we reflect on the Progreso Latino Fund’s (PLF) contributions fostering hope in our community and looking to bring changes that will move us closer to equity and justice. In the last year, PLF took steps to foster hope in support of equity and justice by granting over $20,000 to meaningful programs for Greater New Haven’s Latinx communities:

  • PLF’s Founding Funders Scholarship is sending two more Latinas, Gabriela and Melanie, to college — magnifying their hope for a brighter future.
  • The New Haven Pride Center received a grant to expand Latinx programming and create new opportunities for LGBTQ+ youth — increasing their hope that more teens will have access to resources when needed.
  • Ten local Latinx-serving organizations received a portion of PLF’s matching prize during The Great Give® in May — strengthening their hope of providing the best care possible for our local Latinx communities.
  • ARTE Inc. received a grant to support activities surrounding National Hispanic Heritage month — fortifying their hope of expanding recognition for and pride among the Latinx people.

Earlier this year, PLF held forums providing professionals the resources to lead engaging conversations about race, color and identity. In our continued effort to promote the socioeconomic wellbeing of Latinx communities, estate planning and wealth-building educational programs were also offered.

Our contributions to building hope and equity were made possible because of donors who support the Progreso Latino Fund. A gift from you to PLF will ensure that PLF can continue to spread hope for many more generations, and bring our community closer to equity and justice.

Thank you in advance for your ongoing support!

Tara Davila, Co-Chair & Yadira Ijeh, Co-Chair

Progreso Latino Fund Advisory Committee