Puentes de Esperanza — “Bridges of Hope” — has been honored with the Civic Award of the Year at the 2024 Adelante Awards, a celebration hosted by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro St. Louis on August 23rd at the Four Seasons Hotel & Spa in downtown St. Louis. The event, themed “Gateway to Growth,” recognized individuals, entrepreneurs, and organizations making extraordinary contributions to the region’s Hispanic and Latino communities.
This recognition underscores the growing impact of Puentes de Esperanza, a Hoyleton Youth & Family Services program serving immigrant families throughout Southern Illinois.
A Mission Rooted in Community
Founded in 2004 through a partnership between Hoyleton and the Illinois South Conference–United Church of Christ, Puentes de Esperanza began as a “church without walls” initiative designed to meet the needs of the area’s growing Hispanic population. Over the past two decades, it has evolved into one of the region’s most trusted service providers for Spanish-speaking families, especially those with limited English proficiency.
Today, Puentes remains committed to walking alongside immigrant families as they navigate new communities, cultural transitions, and essential support systems.
Expanding Services to Meet Growing Needs
Since 2020, Puentes has tripled the number of individuals served, expanding into rural regions and increasing access through virtual programming. In-person services are available at the Fairview Heights main office and at satellite locations in Fairmont City and Chester, Illinois.
The team continues to adapt as community needs evolve—delivering education, health awareness initiatives, and social service support that strengthen the well-being of families across Southern Illinois.
Honoring the Work Behind the Award
The Adelante Award celebrates not only the program’s accomplishments, but also the people and partnerships that make its mission possible.
"What an incredible honor it is for Puentes de Esperanza to receive the Civic Award of the Year. Our dedicated team of bilingual staff works tirelessly to provide care and support, advocate for individuals, and connect them to vital services and resources… This work cannot be accomplished alone or in isolation."
— Kristen Shinn, Director of Community Support Services, Hoyleton Youth & Family Services
Edda Berti, Immigrant Services Manager, echoes this commitment to shared progress:
“As our name suggests, we serve as a Bridge of Hope for many. Together, we can build a stronger future.”
Celebrating Community, Strength, and Hope
The 2024 Civic Award of the Year is more than recognition—it reflects the resilience, cultural strength, and unity of the Hispanic and immigrant communities Puentes de Esperanza proudly serves.
Puentes remains steadfast in its mission to empower families, remove barriers, and foster a sense of belonging for all who seek support. As the program looks toward the future, it continues building bridges—one relationship, one service, and one family at a time.
