ESPEROS is a charity organization based in Austin, Texas that began in the fall of 2011 with a goal of spreading hope.
More specifically, ESPEROS is an effort to aid less fortunate families of developing countries that cannot afford to send their children to school.
Those involved with the company believe education provides hope for the future of individuals, as well as families and communities as a whole.
It focuses on aiding less fortunate families of developing countries that cannot afford to send their children to school.
ESPEROS hopes to partner with other organizations that build communities within their respective countries.
Oliver Shuttlesworth, founder and CEO of the organization, said he founded ESPEROS after witnessing the effects of stagnancy in rural Central America.
"It was a combination of a few trips I took there to gain experience working at a dental clinic in the Dominican Republic and visiting family in Costa Rica and Nicaragua," Shuttlesworth said. "I thought of creating it after seeing some of the challenges they faced and what they desired for their children."
Currently, ESPEROS is working with Fonkoze, a non-profit for children in Haiti.
"Fonkoze was one big draw for us," Shuttlesworth said about choosing Haiti. "They've been on the ground in Haiti for about 20 years now and they work with all Haitians. It is an exciting partnership because we can actually see the impact it makes."
Shuttlesworth said that of the 865 Fonkoze employees, only seven are non-Haitians. This ratio empowers the people of Haiti to build the community.
ESPEROS sells canvas backpacks made in the US for $20 each. Profits go to Haitian children of the Chemen Lavi Miyo, or Pathway to a Better Life, a program that is sponsored by Fonkoze.
"Each backpack sold sponsors one year of a child's education in Haiti," said Kathy Recker, vice president of business operations.
According to Vice President of Community Outreach Jenna Hutchens, the company hopes to develop partnerships in areas of need in the U.S. as well.
The company also sells T-shirts that sport the ESPEROS logo, and totes will be available this fall, according to Hutchens.
Recker and Hutchens agreed the company's goal is to get as many people involved as possible.
"We keep the designs simple so that our products appeal to an array of people," Hutchens said.
According to Recker, ESPEROS has launched a campus club program to raise awareness of its existence and its platform.
Recker said her responsibilities include making connections with campus representatives to create an ESPEROS campus club at each interested college or university, as well as connecting with the community to raise awareness of the importance of education and the lack of access to it.
"We are excited to get other passionate people involved with what we do," Recker said. "We're always looking for help in spreading the word so that we can impact the lives of even more children."
Eight schools such as Georgia State and Oklahoma State are already participants of the campus club program.
Hutchens said the company is looking into other opportunities through the campus club program as well as in trade shows, farmers markets, and other events.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
