Nonprofit Spotlight: Esperanza

Our nonprofit partnerships play an important role in helping build stronger communities. Through this Nonprofit Spotlight series, we'll highlight the organizations we support and the meaningful impact make. By sharing these stories, we celebrate their contributions while reinforcing our commitment to giving back as a responsible community partner.

Dollar Bank is proud to highlight organizations that are building pathways to success for the Hispanic community. One such long-term partner is Esperanza. Founded 43 years ago, Esperanza's mission is to help communities flourish by creating opportunities for education and leadership development.

Esperanza offers assistance at all stages of life through its youth development programs, college access and retention initiatives, adult education classes, workforce development opportunities and community engagement efforts.

For President and CEO Zulayka Ruiz, who has spent the last 16 years with the organization, its mission is rooted in helping people recognize their value while embracing their culture and identity.

"We raise the community by providing education; this involves celebrating the people's individuality, accepting their culture and helping them to believe in their greatest potential."

Opening doors through education

Esperanza's youth programs support students from middle school through high school with after-school programming, leadership development and summer enrichment opportunities.

For college students and those about to start college, Esperanza provides guidance, mentorship, academic support and career-connected resources. From navigating campus life to building professional skills, students receive the tools and support they need to persist, graduate and succeed beyond college.

"We don't just help students get into college. We help them build networks, find mentors, develop professional skills and prepare for their careers."

Esperanza also helps students secure paid internships, allowing them to gain valuable work experience while earning income.

For adults, Esperanza offers an extensive range of services designed to remove barriers. Programs include English as a Second Language classes, GED preparation in Spanish, digital literacy training, workforce certifications, family engagement workshops and one-on-one assistance with job applications, resumes and technology.

"We help people understand the systems around them and find the resources they need to succeed," Zulayka said.

"They're a staple in the neighborhood. A lot of families rely on Esperanza and its resources to help better educate and support the community," said Dorothy Curtis, Vice President of Community Development in Cleveland.

The power of full-circle success

Esperanza has impacted countless lives. For Zulayka, some of the most meaningful success stories are the ones that come full circle.

"I have the pleasure of working with colleagues who were once students in our programs. I met some of these individuals when they were in high school, and now they have master's degrees and are helping lead programs that support the next generation."

She sees this impact even further during Fiesta of Hope, Esperanza's signature event where they award 100 scholarships to college-bound students each year to help bridge funding gaps for tuition, room and board, transportation, textbooks and other essential expenses.

"I'll see parents whose children participated in our summer programs years ago, and now those same students are receiving college scholarships. Seeing where they are now is one of the greatest measures of success," said Zulayka.

This focus on giving back to the community that Esperanza fosters is what keeps Dorothy and the Dollar Bank team continuing this important partnership.

"Esperanza teaches students how to give back. They don't just participate in programs and leave. Many of them come back to speak, mentor and support others. They never forget where they came from."

Being a bridge

For Carlos Irizarry, Group Banking Officer, this impact can be seen through the people Esperanza serves.

One story that stands out to him is a former Esperanza participant who immigrated from the Dominican Republic and utilized the organization's resources and support network to build a successful future.

"Today, he owns his own financial advisory company. To see where he came from and where he is now is incredible. Esperanza was that bridge that connected him to the resources and opportunities he needed," said Carlos.

For Carlos, stories like that demonstrate the true value of Esperanza's work and the impact it can have on an individual's future.

"That's the biggest impact. They're there. They keep their doors open, provide resources and give people access to opportunities they may not have known existed. They build trust in the community and help people see what's possible."

True community partnership

Dollar Bank's relationship with Esperanza stretches back decades.

Located directly across the street from Dollar Bank's Clark Office, Esperanza has long been part of the Bank's community footprint and outreach efforts - both literally and figuratively.

The partnership has existed in one form or another for more than 30 years, growing stronger as both organizations expanded their impact in the community. It is rooted in shared commitment to improving opportunities for Hispanic and Latino families.

"We stand for the same thing. The partnership is centered on creating opportunities through education, financial empowerment and economic development," said Carlos.

That shared commitment has transformed the relationship from a traditional sponsorship into a true community partnership. "When people think about partnerships, sometimes they think only about dollars, but partnerships are about relationships, services, expertise and working together to meet the needs of the community," said Zulayka.

She noted that Dollar Bank has consistently stepped forward to support Esperanza's mission in a myriad of ways, always willing to collaborate. "Whenever we have a project or a new idea, we reach out to partners like Dollar Bank and ask, 'How can we make this happen together?' Dollar Bank is a partner that is truly present in the community."

Dollar Bank's support extends beyond sponsorships to active involvement in programs that empower students and families. Through Esperanza's Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) Summer Program, Dollar Bank employees provide financial literacy education on topics such as budgeting, credit and homeownership to high school students participating in the program.

Dollar Bank also offers homebuyer education and financial wellness workshops for both participants in the program as well as the staff, providing all information needed to continue their financial journey.

In addition, Dollar Bank volunteers at community events such as Esperanza's annual backpack giveaway and has long supported Fiesta of Hope, the organization's signature scholarship event. Each year, Dollar Bank sponsors a scholarship for a deserving student and celebrates alongside recipients and their families.

"It's always a great feeling knowing that what we're doing is helping the future of students in the neighborhood. Seeing students receive scholarships and pursue higher education, and knowing Dollar Bank played a small role in that journey, is incredibly meaningful."

Together, Dollar Bank and Esperanza continue to support the neighborhood through visible community engagement, trusted relationships and accessible resources.

Looking ahead

As Esperanza continues helping students, families and adult learners build brighter futures, Dollar Bank remains proud to support its mission. Together, we are strengthening pathways to education, promoting economic empowerment and helping individuals unlock opportunities that can transform generations.

Thank you to Dorothy Curtis, Carlos Irizarry and Zulayka Ruiz for sharing their insights, and thank you to the entire Esperanza team for your unwavering commitment to opening doors, creating opportunities and helping individuals reach their fullest potential.

About Dollar Bank

As the nation's largest independent mutual bank, Dollar Bank has been empowering the communities and customers we serve for more than 170 years. Our more than 90 locations throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio and Virginia provide a comprehensive range of personal, small business and corporate banking solutions. We continue to invest in our customers and strengthen our communities through financial education programs and partnerships with organizations who share our dedication to building opportunities for all. As of January 2026, Dollar Bank reported total assets of $12.5 billion, total loans of $9.6 billion, and total deposits of $9.7 billion. For more information, visit Dollar.Bank.