La Mano of Hope was founded in 2011, birthed out of a vision to mobilize individuals willing to volunteer time and resource in an effort to meet real needs in communities where resources are limited. Its founder, Melissa Linn, formerly lived in Ecuador and worked with teams from all over the United States who came to assist missionaries in a variety of humanitarian outreach projects all over the country. Additionally, she traveled in missions work in multiple countries and cultures including Guatemala, Mexico, Malaysia, Cambodia, The Dominican Republic, and others.

Through her experiences, she was able to experience firsthand the effective work that can be accomplished through strategic partnerships and relationships. After working for six years in Maryland as a professional counselor, she founded La Mano of Hope out of a desire to partner mental health and medical professionals to reach out to assist organizations providing rehabilitative services for women and girls rescued from human trafficking.

As the vision was shared with other people with whom she had previously traveled in missionary work, the leadership team began to form. Dr. Jill Ciccarelli and Melissa had traveled to The Dominican Republic and Ecuador together directing medical teams. Dr. Ciccarelli shared the vision and helped incorporate the organization. Alex Ortiz-Cañas helped co-found and incorporate the organization, as well. As a native of El Salvador with a passion to serve others, Alex’s experience in leadership with other non-profit organizations reach the Hispanic Community. His impression in these communities, along with his expertise in the area of bilingual media communications, make him a great value to La Mano of Hope.