Located near Laredo College, Casa La Esperanza is a pregnancy resource center that first began to serve women in 1997. The doors closed when the pandemic hit but finally reopened earlier this month after new board members worked to reorganize the center.
Rosamaria Vidaurri who has a degree in art therapy and years of business experience helping to run La Sposa Bridal Salon, was hired as the new executive director. What does a degree in art therapy have to do with assisting women facing unplanned pregnancies? For Rosamaria, the commonality is the opportunity to be of help to others who are struggling.
When Rosamaria’s sister-in-law told her that Casa La Esperanza was seeking an executive director, she hesitated to apply since she did not have direct experience working in an environment like the pregnancy center. After reflecting on her deeply-rooted Catholic belief that all human life is precious, and her struggle to have biological children of her own, Rosamaria felt God calling her to be a catalyst in the lives of preborn babies by offering support to their moms. She spent a couple of months renovating the center including painting the walls and rearranging some of the furniture to better accommodate clients. On September 10th, an “Open House” was held following a Mass and a blessing of the center.
Casa La Esperanza is located at 1903 Victoria Street, and is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1pm-5pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 9am-3pm. Rosamaria is seeking volunteers who have a heart to serve women, as well as donations of baby items.
Casa La Esperanza provides a safe, welcoming and non-judgmental environment to women, who for a number of reasons, are concerned about being pregnant. In addition to providing pregnancy tests, the center helps with baby items such as diapers and clothing. All services are free and confidential.
