In 2004, residents of the low-income and primarily Latino neighborhood of Little Village in Chicago joined with administrators from nearby Saint Anthony Hospital to address the critical lack of accessible health services on the Southwest Side. Realizing that thousands of residents lacked quality medical services and relied on the emergency department for routine care, they decided to open a primary care clinic on South California Avenue and name it Esperanza, the Spanish word for hope.

Today, with seven sites and a team of more than 400 dedicated staff, Esperanza stands as a beacon of hope and health in the community. It is one of the most respected Federally Qualified Health Centers in the nation, delivering accessible, bilingual care to more than 50,000 patients every year. From adult medicine to women's health and pediatrics, as well as behavioral health services and wellness programs, Esperanza meets the needs of its community with innovation and an unwavering commitment to quality.

As we prepare for the Chicago Marathon on October 12, 2025, we invite you to join us in this journey. We are fundraising for Team Esperanza with a target goal of $2,100. Your support will help us continue providing essential health services to those who need it most. Together, we can ensure that hope remains alive in our community. Please consider making a donation today to help us reach our goal and continue this vital work.