Phoenix, Ariz., Oct 16, 2013 / 23:31 pm
An Arizona-based international development organization has announced its expansion into Peru to help impoverished rural families who live near the famous Incan sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
"For the past year, we've been looking at South America and planning our expansion," Tom Egan, president and CEO of Esperança, said Sept. 27. "The need in Peru is great and we're excited to bring hope to the people."
Esperança provides volunteer surgical missions, health education, training for community health workers, home building, clean water projects, business expertise, agricultural development, and dental programs. It helps send donated medical equipment and supplies to project sites around the world.
The organization was founded in 1970 by Phoenix attorney Jerry Tupper to help his brother, Franciscan priest Father Luke Tupper, serve the poor in South America.