Advance Community specializes in care, love and concern for people – beginning with the Latino community in Phoenix more than 50 years ago, and now serving in seven countries in Mexico, Latin and South America.

Committed to transforming lives in communities both locally and globally, the organization focuses on improving health outcomes for under-resourced communities through nutrition, health education, disease prevention, and medical care.

In Arizona, they provide nutritious meals and food boxes, health education, and disease prevention programs to vulnerable populations, including Latino seniors and families.

Internationally, they partner with local nonprofits in Nicaragua, Bolivia, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Peru, and Guatemala to deliver life-changing surgeries, health education, and support for health and breastfeeding, as well as access to clean water, sustainable agriculture, and ecological home-building. Their culturally responsive approach ensures that every initiative—from nutrition boxes to building water systems in remote communities, empowers individuals and builds lasting, healthy futures.

Advance Community’s work bridges gaps in healthcare access, and empowers individuals to lead healthier, more hopeful lives. Every initiative is intentionally designed to uplift the most vulnerable among us.

Jeri Royce has led the organization for the past eight years, as Advance Community’s first female CEO. Her extensive background in nonprofits includes serving as vice president and deputy director at Points of Light Foundation in Washington, D.C., and as an instructor at the ASU Lodestar Nonprofit Management Institute.

The organization’s original name – Esperança – means “hope.” Jeri and her passionate team continue reaching more people in more ways, because when communities thrive, the world becomes a better place for all.

We are honored to recognize Advance Community as the Rescuer’s 300th show.

Click here to learn more about Advance Community: https://advancecommunity.org/

Original air date: February 26, 2026.