In December we ran a drive to support Esperanza Academy, a free-tuition middle school for girls in Lawrence. We collected $880 in donations which has been sent to the school to be used to purchase items on their wish list.
Esperanza Academy was thrilled to receive this gift and sent the following thank you letter to the parish community.
Dear Rev. Eleanor, and Ellen, and Esteemed Parishioners,
On behalf of our students, faculty, and alumni, thank you for your generosity. Your gift of $880 will help purchase school supplies from our Amazon Wishlist through The Esperanza Fund. We are so grateful for Barbara's leadership and support through this year's drive! Because of your partnership, we can continue advancing our mission to provide an urban education built on justice and centered in joy. Your gift helps Esperanza students learn and grow in a space where they can redefine what is expected of them and take on challenges that will positively impact the trajectory of their lives.
Your contribution helps prove that a tuition-free, independent middle school can succeed in moving Lawrence girls out of the generational poverty cycle and into fulfilling futures through education. In addition, your support ensures our girls' success beyond the walls of Esperanza. Our 12-year commitment includes the Graduate Support program providing mentoring and targeted academic, social-emotional, financial, and career support. Since Esperanza's founding in 2006, we have graduated 224 students. We are proud to share that along with 100% of our alumni completing high school in four years, over 75% of our graduates are pursuing higher education at schools across the country.
Your impact is felt at each step of the wrap-around Esperanza experience. As a supporter, you join a community of family members, faculty, volunteers, secondary schools, and colleges committed to helping our students soar. Once again, I deeply appreciate all that you have done and continue to do for our girls by choosing to give to Esperanza Academy. I send you my very best wishes from Lawrence and look forward to having an opportunity to connect with you so that I may express my gratitude personally.
With gratitude,
Pati Fernández
Chief Development Officer
Esperanza Academy