Arizona-based nonprofit Esperança is dedicated to improving health and restoring hope for families living among the poorest communities worldwide. Although the organization is widely known for medical missions abroad, it also runs Phoenix health programs.
“Learning with a Smile,” for example, provides oral health education to 2,500-4,500 children and parents living within some of Maricopa County’s most under-resourced neighborhoods.
By partnering with Title I schools, dental clinics and community centers, Esperança’s bilingual and bicultural educators promote oral health literacy, provide age-appropriate smile kits and give referrals for free or low-cost care.
– Maria Valenzuela, Esperança