WHO WE ARE

Proud of our Community Development

Founded in 1977 in Loiza, Puerto Rico by the Company of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul, Centro Esperanza is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping the children, youth and families of Loiza and its neighboring towns. Historically, we work actively to respond to community needs and promote its development.

With an integral approach and academic education as the focal points of our work, we demonstrate our commitment through our core community programs: Montessori of the Sea, Life and Hope, Melodies of Hope, Mochila Alegre (Happy Backpack), and Heritage Tourism and Community Service.

Educators from the beginning

Our journey began by providing services to special education children from poor families in Loíza. Back then, the Loiza community lacked the teaching capacity and support required for children with special needs. Later on, in response to community need and demand, we began to offer traditional pre-school education, which subsequently lead to the Montessori philosophy.

Today, we offer high-quality, certified education services. In compliance with the Puerto Rico Department of State and Department of the Family, we operate a beautiful Montessori school for children 18 months to 9 years.

Addressing violence, drug addiction and school dropout

One of Puerto Rico’s greatest challenges is ensuring educational stability for children and youth, and Loiza is no exception. At the same time, we’re facing and tackling the pressing problem of school dropout and the adverse consequences of crime and drug addiction.

Promoting peace and mental health

We are deeply committed to serving the Loiza community and its neighboring towns through peace education, individualized music instruction, and mental health support. Centro Esperanza offers a welcoming space, a place of friendship, empowerment, solidarity, respect and freedom, where children and youth enjoy learning and enhancing their innate potential, as families find opportunities and experiences to achieve economic stability and healthy coexistence.