Brenda’s next chapter, powered by community and possibility 

The young person featured in this story is using a changed name for privacy and protection. 

Sometimes a success story is not a headline. It is a small turning point that quietly changes a young person’s path, because a caring adult noticed their potential, a group made space for them, and a community kept showing up. 

This story comes from Esperanza United’s Prevention and Programs teams, who walked alongside a participant through a season of growth that led to a powerful milestone: Brenda was awarded an Ann Bancroft Foundation grant. 

The Ann Bancroft Foundation, based in Minnesota, offers grants of up to $1,000 to girls in kindergarten through 12th grade, including girls who are cisgender, transgender, and gender expansive youth, to help them pursue opportunities that support their growth and dreams. A unique part of this program is that applicants identify a mentor who supports them through the application and through the grant activity itself.  

After attending an Ann Bancroft Foundation summit, Brenda decided to apply. She asked an Esperanza United team member to be her mentor through the process, and she was awarded the grant. This support will allow her to continue violin lessons at Walker West Music Academy and purchase her very own violin, a milestone that opens new doors for her. Walker West is a community music school in Saint Paul offering instruction across instruments, including strings.  

Brenda first connected with Esperanza United earlier this year after attending our annual youth conference. At the time, she was very quiet, kept to herself, and chose not to participate much. 

Then she came back. 

She returned for our overnight girls’ camp even though she did not know anyone. At first, she was reserved again. Through team building and icebreaker activities, she was paired with two other girls and slowly began to open up. 

By the end of camp, something had changed enough that others noticed it too. During our closing activity, many participants shared how Brenda’s kindness and humor had truly brightened the group. 

Seeing her leadership potential, and with strong encouragement from her family, Brenda decided to join our youth leadership training. 

Within just a few sessions, she bravely shared that she had experienced trauma growing up. The care and support she received from the group became an important step in her healing journey. She formed healthy, meaningful connections with other youth leaders, and her growth soon became visible beyond our space. 

Her family shared that they noticed positive changes at home. Brenda was excited to talk about what she was learning, and she showed curiosity about making healthier, age appropriatechoices. 

After attending the Ann Bancroft Foundation summit, Brenda took another brave step by applying for the grant, with mentorship support through the process. When she received the award, it meant more than funding. 

It meant consistency turning into confidence. It meant community turning into momentum. It meant a young person being met with encouragement, and then choosing to keep going. 

Now, Brenda can continue her violin lessons at Walker West and purchase her own violin. It is an incredible milestone, and a reminder of what becomes possible when young people are surrounded by support that does not give up on them. 

Brenda’s journey is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when young people are met with consistency, encouragement, and community. We are proud of her, and grateful to witness the impact of our programs through moments like this, especially in times that feel heavy for so many. 

Name changed for privacy.