Meet Roberta Espinoza of Project Hope CA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Roberta Espinoza.

Roberta, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in a home and community where violence was prevalent. I was exposed to abuse in many forms including being sexually exploited by a family member for much of my childhood years. I was introduced to the life of prostitution and a Dominatrix (A mistress for BDSM). It was a fulfilled fetish for men to have a younger person involved. Already traumatized, I was also bullied in elementary. I eventually became involved in drugs, alcohol and the gang life by the age of 12 as a way of escape.

I got involved in abusive relationships & became a teen mom. Not knowing how to be a mom, I made many mistakes. Things I still regret but I’ve allowed myself to forgive me. I’ve also forgiven the family members and people along the way who played a role in hurting me and scaring my life. The great thing about a scar is that it’s no longer a bleeding wound. Scars are proof that even though it was once a painful, bleeding open wound, it’s now a reminder that wounds heal. And that’s powerful! I’m not a victim or survivor….I’m a conqueror!

I’ve been able to succeed in my healing journey by the grace of God. My faith walk has played a huge role in who I am today. And I’m extremely blessed to have an opportunity to touch lives in communities that aren’t popular by demand. As a matter of fact, these communities have been impacted by violence, crime, poverty, death, abuse….just to name a few. Yet it is my mission field. My HOPE mission! And I’ve been privileged (along with my husband and an awesome team of volunteers) to be an extension of love and HOPE. Project Hope provides basic needs and resources to underserved communities in the inner cities of Los Angeles and beyond. Needs such as clothing, groceries, hair cuts, a hot meal, community resources, faith-based resources, free giveaways, a Concert, special speakers, kids zone & more! Most importantly we love on them and leave them with hope.

My journey isn’t a beautiful fairytale type of story. But it’s every bit of real life, with real scars and real pain but real healing. I like to say that my favorite “F” word is Forgiveness. To forgive is an act of strength. And Forgiveness is for me.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Nothing worth fighting for is easy. But it’s definitely worth it! It has not been a smooth process. True colors are revealed along the way and my circle has gotten smaller. I’ve learned the meaning of quality over quantity. And I’m ok with it. When you step out to do something that makes a difference; there will always be the naysayers. I’ve learned to let it be my biggest motivation.

Funding is also an issue. There are many organizations that have funding but not all of them apply it accordingly. It’s easy to talk the talk but to walk it is proof. My husband and I are grateful for folks who donate. But we understand that if money doesn’t come in, we have to use our own personal finances. We see it as an investment.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Project Hope Ca story. Tell us more about the business.
We are humbly proud of all that we do! It’s not easy but it’s worth it. Not only from my own personal life experiences but doing community work myself for the last 20 years in other organizations; I’ve seen first hand what our communities need. I believe what sets us apart is the depth of experience (lived and hands on) that we have as a whole. Also, no matter what opposition comes our way, we stay focused on our goal. To be an agent of Hope means being not just the voice but the hands and feet of it too. Project Hope Ca provides Guidance, Resources & other Social Support Services to individuals in underserved communities. Project Hope is much known for the Community Resource-Outreaches.

We also provide Case Management in which Participants are partnered with a resource specialist that will help identify immediate needs, set short and long term goals, and create an action plan to assist participants with meeting expected outcomes.

We also provide workshops & trainings through empowering curriculums. The awesome part of our Case Management and Workshops/Trainings component is that we we’re mobile! We offer these services in the communities that we’ve visited durimg our Resource-Outreaches. What that looks like is Project Hope is contacted in regards to the community’s needs/requests. We are then provided a space in that community so community members can have direct access to our services. Using a Strength-Based Approach, we are relational & intentional with each person we serve. We are blessed to do life & journey with so many people.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe in good luck/bad luck. I believe in you reap what you sow. If you sow good, you reap good. If you sow bad, you’ll reap it. I do my best to be intentional with being a good sower. I’m not perfect but my heart is in the right place. And even when tough moments hit me, it’s still an opportunity to learn from. Life isn’t always going to be a walk through the tulips. Without difficult situations how would I have an opportunity to develop strength. Life is full of teachable moments.

I can say that I’m a blessed woman. And Project Hope is blessed! Doors have open to us to go into these communities in ways that we know we walk in favor! When active gang members welcome you into their community with open arms, because they are grateful for what you’re doing; that’s favor! And that’s just scratching the surface of what we’ve seen.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.projecthopeca.org
• Phone: 5626164364
• Email: info@projecthopeca.org
• Instagram: @projecthopeca.
• Facebook: Project Hope Ca

Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.