Esperanza Internacional: The Play That Changed the Game
Everything Began With an Unexpected Question
In 1985, while playing baseball in the Dominican Republic, Major League Baseball player Dave Valle experienced a moment that would change his life. After a game, several children approached him running. He thought they wanted autographs.
But they weren’t looking for autographs…they were hungry.
Dave bought all the food he found at a small restaurant nearby and shared it with them. But as he watched them eat, he understood something that would change his life:
In a few hours they would be hungry again.
That moment his wife Vicky asked a question that wouldn’t let him rest:
“How can we offer something more than temporary help?”
Ten years later, that question became an organization: thus Esperanza Internacional was born.
Everything Began With an Unexpected Question
In 1985, while playing baseball in the Dominican Republic, Major League Baseball player Dave Valle experienced a moment that would change his life. After a game, several children approached him running. He thought they wanted autographs.
But they weren’t looking for autographs…they were hungry.
Dave bought all the food he found at a small restaurant nearby and shared it with them. But as he watched them eat, he understood something that would change his life:
In a few hours they would be hungry again.
That moment his wife Vicky asked a question that wouldn’t let him rest:
“How can we offer something more than temporary help?”
Ten years later, that question became an organization: thus Esperanza Internacional was born.
A Vision That Began in 1995
Founded in 1995 by Dave and Vicky Valle, Esperanza was born with the clear conviction that people living in poverty beyond charity need opportunities.
Since then we have worked to restore dignity and open pathways of development for families that have been historically excluded from the financial system.
In 2005, Esperanza Internacional became an ally of HOPE International, a global network that today works in more than 27 countries, sharing our vision of liberating families from poverty while sharing the hope of Christ.
After nearly two decades of service and deeper integration, becoming an official program of HOPE International, we continue expanding our mission in the Dominican Republic.
A Vision That Began in 1995
Founded in 1995 by Dave and Vicky Valle, Esperanza was born with the clear conviction that people living in poverty beyond charity need opportunities.
Since then we have worked to restore dignity and open pathways of development for families that have been historically excluded from the financial system.
In 2005, Esperanza Internacional became an ally of HOPE International, a global network that today works in more than 27 countries, sharing our vision of liberating families from poverty while sharing the hope of Christ.
After nearly two decades of service and deeper integration, becoming an official program of HOPE International, we continue expanding our mission in the Dominican Republic.
Our Impact in the Dominican Republic
For three decades we have witnessed how an opportunity can change the future of a family. Our impact is integral: social, material, spiritual, and individual. When an individual transforms, their community benefits.
Branch Locations Serving Urban and Rural Communities
Years of Presence in the Country
Families Reached
Branch Locations Serving Urban and Rural Communities
Families Reached
Familias alcanzadas
But What Matters Most Is Who Is Behind These Numbers:
%
Percentage of Women in Our Portfolio
Schools Supported
Million Dollars Invested in Joint Educational Financing
Water projects developed
Million dollars invested in water and community health projects
Active water projects
Percentage of Women in Our Portfolio
Schools Supported
Million Dollars Invested in Joint Educational Financing
Water projects developed
Million dollars invested in water and community health projects
Active water projects
Each loan tells a story:
- The story of a mother who transforms a small sales table into a family business.
- Of a meal that grows to support an entire family.
- Of a community that gains access to clean water.
- Of a person who discovers that their work can also have purpose.
Our goal is not just to finance businesses, It is to:
- Restore dignity.
- Open opportunities.
- Share the hope of Christ.
With the integration into HOPE International and a renewed vision, we continue expanding our reach to better serve families in the Dominican Republic.
Because when a person receives an opportunity, a family changes, a community strengthens, and an entire generation can imagine a different future.
Each loan tells a story:
The story of a mother who transforms a small sales table into a family business.
- Of a meal that grows to support an entire family.
- Of a community that gains access to clean water.
- Of a person who discovers that their work can also have purpose.
Our goal is not just to finance businesses, It is to:
- Restore dignity.
- Open opportunities.
- Share the hope of Christ.
With the integration into HOPE International and a renewed vision, we continue expanding our reach to better serve families in the Dominican Republic.
Because when a person receives an opportunity, a family changes, a community strengthens, and an entire generation can imagine a different future.
“We met an immediate need. But they would be hungry again in a few hours.”
Dave Valle
