86% of Esperanza's loans are made to women in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The loans, which average $150, are used to empower these women with access to capital – the key to breaking the poverty cycle. Freed from local loan sharks, these women are able to grow their small businesses such as a fruit stand, and actually save their profits, allowing them to bootstrap their way out of poverty.

Almost all loans are made to a 'solidarity' group of five women. These groups go through business training provided by Esperanza, then make their loan payments together, supporting each other throughout the process. If one woman in the group cannot pay in full or on time, the other members are responsible for making the payment. This not only cultivates social bonds and trust, but accountability as well - the women tend to work together.

For example, one group included a woman that sold chickens, and another that used a small motorbike as a taxi. When the chicken supply in their town grew thin, the taxi driver helped out by driving the both of them to a neighboring town with an abundance of chickens. This allowed the chicken vendor to pay her interest on time. When loans have been paid back in full, the women are then allowed to borrow a greater sum of money, thus allowing them to continue growing their businesses.

In addition to Microcredit services, Esperanza builds computer centers through a partnership with Microsoft. These centers are built near small schools, and provide technical training to the kids after school - these skills are critical for the children to hold non-subsistence jobs as they grow older. In addition, the children are allowed to surf the web, through which they can explore a world outside of their small community. This allows them to dream, and in turn gives them something to work towards.

Finally, Esperanza provides all loan recipients - called Associates - with health care coverage. Complimentary medical screenings and preventative health and dental care services are offered, such as basic vaccinations for kids and PAP tests for women every six months. On top of complimentary services, Esperanza also arranges for special services such as OBGYN and HIV/AIDS testing. These benefits are offered to Associates for $1.50 per month, which covers their entire family for pediatric care, dentistry, physical therapy, and prescription medicine. In addition, Esperanza works with the Clinton Foundation and USAID to reach people infected or affected by HIV/AIDS.

Visit Esperanza's homepage at http://esperanza.org/us/.