Impact and Give Back

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

There’s a saying that behind every good man, there’s a good woman. But really, it goes deeper than that. Studies have shown that, in educating and giving women a means of livelihood, families are given the chance to break out of the cycle of poverty and entire communities are lifted out of hopelessness. For Janet Hines and Lori Connell, the critical role that women play in their communities was never driven home so much as it was on a mission trip to Honduras during which they met in the summer of 1999. It was then that they saw an incredible depth of poverty that moved them to action—and then that the seed of an idea was planted in their hearts.

Three years later, the two women established Mi Esperanza in December of 2002 to serve the women of Honduras, working with the express mission of educating them and giving them the tools they needed to provide for their families. “After returning several times, we both felt a great need to help,” says Hines. “With education and skills training, these women would be able to create businesses and gain employment to support their families as they broke the generational cycle of poverty. Our mission is to elevate women and change the world. Mi Esperanza means ‘My Hope’ and brings hope to all women, both young and old, to provide educational and financial tools that enable them to change their lives and the future of their children.”

Over the lifetime of the organization, Mi Esperanza has brought hope to more than 1,500 women; and ten years ago, they began producing textiles and jewelry made by their graduates, whom they hired and trained. Their online store has great quality products that support their programs. Pre-COVID, 100 women were educated each year—though that number has currently decreased because of governmental restrictions. “Like many organizations, COVID shut down all activity at our training center in Honduras,” says Hines. “However, by June

GIVING HOPE

of 2021, the government granted us privilege to reopen with a small number of students and provided the policies regulating the educational community. Our board and supporters made a commitment to continue paying our employees through COVID. We paid them for fifteen months. This also covered their healthcare and provided much needed help with their families. During this time, we held virtual fundraising and cultivation events, and became even more adaptable. As a byproduct, the women and our supporters saw Mi Esperanza persevere and stay committed to its mission. Now, we are hoping for restrictions to be lifted so that our number of students can return to pre-COVID levels.”

Established as a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to the educational, social, and spiritual development of Honduran women, Mi Esperanza is based in Louisiana and depends on funding that originates in the U.S. “People who have a heart for women, children and community support us throughout the year,” says Hines. “We have a very focused vision for our future. We launched a $3.5 million campaign, ‘Women of My Hope,’ to

purchase a permanent building in Honduras for Mi Esperanza, support our current and expanded programs, and build an endowment. To date, we have raised almost $1.5 million. The challenge in front of us now is to raise the remaining $2 million so we can fulfill our vision.

“One of our best fundraising events, ‘Passport to Hope,’ originated here in Covington four years ago,” Hines continues. “The last two years, it has been virtual; but this year, it will be in-person at the Southern Hotel on September 15. It's a great event with excellent silent auction items and delicious, Honduran-themed food. The program details our current work, showing our classrooms, the communities our women live in, and their personal stories. It's an evening that will leave you inspired by their determination and the hope that Mi Esperanza provides.”

And it does, indeed, provide hope. “Our greatest accomplishments are found in the stories of the women we serve,” says Hines. “We have graduated women over the past 20 years and seen generational change as women send their children to private schools, college, and university. They are raising nurses, lawyers, and students with many degrees. Each of their stories tells of our successes and propels us to do the work we do. When we see the generational effects of our work, we know we are fulfilling our ‘Educate, Empower, Elevate and Employ’ model, not just for the women we serve, but for generations to come.”

For more information on Mi Esperanza and its fundraising events, call 985.630.3542 or visit thewomenofmyhope.org.

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