ESPERANZA UNITED

Programs

1. The family advocacy team provides direct support for latin@s and their families, in the seven-county metropolitan area of the twin cities, minnesota, who are experiencing domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and sexual assault. Esperanza United provides a variety of options to best meet our families' needs including: el refugio (emergency shelter), a bilingual crisis line, transitional housing support, assisting with referrals to other resources and mobile advocacy. Through mobile advocacy, our latin@ family advocates meet survivors wherever they feel safe, to help them create safety plans, navigate legal systems, and accompany them to school, court, or medical appointments. During this last year, our crisis line received over 600 calls related to domestic violence. El refugio provided safe housing for 247 survivors and their children, 220 individuals received emergency and financial assistance, 2007 instances of interpreter services were delivered, and 654 instances of transportation services were provided. Our family advocacy team also served 278 youth. We also continue to deepen our advocacy for survivors and provided 563 cases of legal advocacy which included 137…

   $1,728,056 spentof which $285,589 as grants
   15% of program spending

2. The prevention and social change team focuses on developing the leadership and community capacity of latin@s of all ages to end domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and sexual assault. Over the last year we implemented 26 initiatives designed to engage youth, men, and community leaders in creating systemic change. Our work with young people, including leadership training and mentorship, impacted approximately 423 individuals, 90% of participants stated that they learned something new that they can apply to their lives. Additionally, 100% of participants shared that they are aware of how trauma and violence can affect them and their family. Our padres en liderazgo program empowered latin@ parents and youth by addressing critical topics such as domestic violence, mental health, and adolescent communication. This year, eight outstanding teen leaders organized tour annual youth conference, connecting with 34 local students in topics including healthy and unhealthy relationships, embracing change, hidden stories: empowering youth against human trafficking, unmasking drugs and substance abuse and healing through art. We also hosted recreational events, such as fishing outings,…

   $413,837 spentof which $4,967 as grants
   4% of program spending

3. The training and technical assistance team provides education, consultation and strategic support to multidisciplinary professionals, organizations and local government agencies across the country and puerto rico. During the past year, the training and technical assistance team provided 43 training programs, and 1,218 technical assistance consultations reaching over 1,342 individuals nationwide, as well as published podcasts, newsletters, and educational materials. Overall, our training and technical assistance services reached nearly 3,500 individuals, delivering culturally responsive and trauma informed approaches and equipping professionals across the country with tools to better serve latin@ survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and sexual assault.

   $9,463,616 spentof which $5,901,574 as grants$106,476 earned by the program
   82% of program spending

4. The research and evaluation team, through a partnership with the university of new haven, conducts participatory research and evaluation studies that elevate latin@ community strengths and leadership in violence prevention. The team provides training and technical assistance directly to organizations nationwide, including research summaries to inform best practice and feedback on the method and use of community needs assessments, program evaluations, and original research projects. This past year, the team's published work includes studies examining informal support networks for intimate partner violence and the relationship of maternal ipv experiences on adolescent internalizing behaviors. Peer-reviewed abstracts were accepted this year for presentation at conferences that include the violence prevention conference hosted by the university of new hampshire, and the american psychological association's society for the psychological study of social issues. These efforts address knowledge gaps and provide actionable insights to better support latin@ survivors. Through this advocacy, we helped expand the knowledge base on culturally responsive, trauma-informed practices, furthering…

5. The public policy department serves as a bridge between systems and latin@ communities, advancing survivor-centered public policy grounded in lived experience and community wisdom. We elevate survivor voices, build advocacy capacity, expand access to resources, and shape policies that promote safety, dignity, and justice through collective action and strategic partnerships to end domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and sexual assault. We advanced this work through sustained engagement at the federal and state levels. We partnered with u.s. Citizenship and immigration services (uscis) and the white house to inform upcoming policy changes related to the violence against women act. We conducted over 40 meetings with congressional offices and members of the minnesota state legislature to educate policymakers and uplift the realities facing latin@ survivors and the organizations that support them. We also mobilized rapidly in response to harmful policies impacting latin@ communities. As co-chairs of the alliance for immigrant survivors, we held community calls reaching over 400 individuals, attended congressional briefings, and submitted comments on rules and regulations.…

The 5 programs described on its FY2024 Form 990, listed largest first by expense. Program spending in total: $11,605,509.