ABOUT IEP

We are a community that believes in changing the world one person at a time.

Our Mission

TO INSPIRE HOPE IN PEOPLE IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD THROUGH HEALTHCARE, COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE AND EDUCATION.

International Esperanza Project Supports:

Long-term medical care, which includes general medicine, eye exams, dental treatments, and surgical interventions.
Greater health and hygiene through the installation of smoke-free stoves and water filters in homes.
Children and their families by offering primary and secondary school education, as well as vocational training for adults.

Our Vision

WE BELIEVE EVERY PERSON DESERVES TO LIVE WITH DIGNITY

Did you know that more than two billion people on earth lack access to basic goods and services, including clean water, sanitation, medical care, and quality education? By bringing communities in as partners in their own futures, we can foster true, lasting change and forge connections across cultures.

Our Story

International Esperanza Project CEO and Founder, Michelle Hollaender, first came to the United States from her homeland of Guatemala when her sons were still small. Disturbed by the poverty and lack of progress she’d seen growing up, Michelle pledged that one day she’d return and make a difference–to use the privilege she found in her new country to help children like her own reach a better future.

In 2017, Michelle founded International Esperanza Project with the mission of inspiring hope in people in the developing world through healthcare, community development and education. Since then, IEP has helped 7643 medical patients, prescribed 661 pairs of glasses, performed 442 surgeries, and installed more than 1800 smokeless stoves and water filters in the most remote and poverty-stricken regions of Guatemala. In 2019 alone, IEP coordinated trips for over 200 volunteers from the US, Mexico, Canada, Brazil, and Portugal.

By connecting donors in the United States with those most in need in Central America, IEP is realizing Michelle’s pledge and forging a path to greater change.

MEET OUR TEAM

Our programs

COMMUNITY IS EVERYTHING, AND IT'S THANKS TO OURS THAT IEP’S IMPORTANT WORK CONTINUES DAY AFTER DAY.

With the support of so many amazing partners, IEP’s reach is ever expanding. Without their backing, our teams couldn’t bring lasting change to communities in need.

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