Esperanza United and Southside Community Health Services: Building care that reaches our community

Sexual violence affects our community at devastating rates. Latino survivors face unique barriers to care, including language, cultural stigma, and fear of systems that have not always been safe for us. Finding the right support after an assault should not be another obstacle to overcome.

That is why Esperanza United has been proud to partner with Southside Community Health Services as they open what is believed to be Minnesota’s first out-of-hospital clinic for survivors of sexual violence. Dr. Sheila Kennedy, Southside’s Medical Director, has spent more than 15 years working toward this. A place where survivors can receive forensic exams, mental health care, STI screenings, and community resources all under one roof. No appointment needed. No one turned away.

This is the kind of care our community deserves. And we are proud to be part of making it real.