La Esperanza

A colorful illustration featuring a large orange and red mandala flower at the center, with smaller purple, blue, and pink flowers below, and the words "La Esperanza" in orange text underneath.
Group of children and adults with holiday-themed decorations and quilt displays in the background.
A group of children dressed as angels and kings for a Christmas play inside a room with stone walls and wooden furniture.

La Esperanza was founded in 2016. We serve over 100 families in Madison, Yancey, Mitchell, and Buncombe counties. Our mission is to cultivate hope and build community through compassion, connection, and service. This ministry includes:

  • Emergency Relief Assistance

  • Latino Food Bank

  • Community Preparedness Classes

  • Immigration Consultations for families with Trusted Immigration Lawyers

  • Wellness Classes

  • ESL Classes

  • Interpretation Services

  • Family Gatherings and Events

Staff

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Rebecca Sharp
Executive Director

Rebecca has worked with the Latina families in Madison County since 2001, founding La Esperanza in 2015. She is committed to serving Latina families with particular focus on women and children and the health and wellness of the community. She is fluent in Spanish and is trained as a Spanish medical interpreter and community health worker. 

Email Rebecca
Email Rebecca
A woman smiling in front of a stone wall, wearing a sleeveless black top and gold hoop earrings.

Ana was born in Mexico City and moved to North Carolina when she was 10 years old. She previously worked as an interpreter at the Yancey County Health Department and had volunteered with La Esperanza for about 2 years before becoming co-director. 

Ana Laura Gaspar Lara
Co-Director

Email Anna
Email Anna