“I wanted to do something that was meaningful. I wanted to do something that was close to home—I grew up in this area—and I wanted to do something that allowed me to make an impact,” said Derrick Holman, Culinary Program Supervisor at Allie’s Place.

That desire to give back has shaped Derrick’s path both inside and outside of his work at HFH.

Before joining HFH three years ago, Derrick worked in marketing and advertising after earning a degree in sociology from Wesleyan University. While he originally embarked on a career in marketing, he found himself looking for work that would allow him to make a more direct impact in the neighborhood where he grew up. He joined Allie’s Place Family Residence in Soundview as an Outreach Specialist, a role that drew on his marketing experience by connecting families with diverse programming. He later became Program Specialist, supporting initiatives across the residence, and was recently promoted to Culinary Program Supervisor, where he will oversee the daily operations of the Culinary program’s employment and outreach team.

As Program Specialist, Derrick supported many programs throughout the facility, including Family Services, Afterschool & Recreation, and the Culinary Center at Allie’s Place. Whether coordinating events, helping families navigate enrollment, presenting at monthly housing meetings where residents receive housing resources and guidance, or representing Allie’s Place at community resource fairs, Derrick has played an important part in connecting residents to programmatic support across the site.

One of Derrick’s favorite parts of the role is seeing how those programs come together to support the entire family.

“We’ve had families whose children were in the Early Childhood Education program, then they participated in the Culinary program, or their kids are in Afterschool, and then I may be working with them during our housing meetings,” Derrick said. “It’s really important for all of us that we’re serving the entire family.”

For Derrick, that means recognizing that every family’s needs are different and meeting people where they are.

“Understanding that what each person needs is different,” he said. “Being there for people in the ways that they need to be supported, not just in the ways that we want to support them, is probably the most important part.”

That mindset is reflected in the way Derrick approaches his work every day.

“Derrick consistently shows incredible drive and strong organizational skills,” said Jayda Gabriel, Lead Chef Instructor for the Culinary Center at Allie’s Place, a job training and workforce development center that prepares adults for careers in the food and hospitality industry. “He’s always willing to jump in wherever needed and make sure everything is done right. His kindness, dependability, and teamwork truly stand out.”

Julissa Lantigua, Senior Administrator at Allie’s Place, has seen Derrick’s impact across the facility.

“There is no better person to express the services at Allie’s Place than him,” she said. “He knows how to present the programs and the great opportunities that people can take advantage of.”

She said his understanding of each program allows him to anticipate what staff need and support them wherever he can.

Whether supporting a program, assisting a family, or helping organize an event, Julissa said Derrick approaches every task with the same level of care.

Charima Thompson, Director of Family Services at Allie’s Place, has seen that same commitment through Derrick’s support of her department.

“He goes above and beyond,” she said. “Derrick is all over the place—he is helping everybody.”

The same desire to help others extends beyond Derrick’s work at Allie’s Place.

Outside of HFH, he remains active in his community through his local Community Board and other neighborhood initiatives. Having grown up skateboarding, Derrick became involved in an effort to bring the first skate park to Soundview after connecting with local Pastor Joel Grassi, who had already begun building support for the project. Since then, the two have worked alongside local residents, community organizations, elected officials, and Tony Hawk’s The Skatepark Project to help move the effort forward. Derrick hopes that one day children from Allie’s Place will have the opportunity to enjoy the finished skate park.

In addition, through his involvement with various industry organizations, including Together Hospitality NYC and Grassroots Hospitality, Joel helped connect Derrick and the Culinary Center at Allie’s Place to a network of professionals across the food and hospitality industries, opening doors to valuable relationships and resources.

“He’s very genuine, he’s very focused, and he brings the right connections together to help everybody’s quality of life move forward,” said Joel.

When he isn’t at work or volunteering in the community, Derrick enjoys fitness, writing music, and spending time with family and friends. A songwriter with an appreciation for all genres of music, from folk and pop to rap, he enjoys live music and visiting local jazz clubs.

“I thought I wanted to leave schools. But when I tried something else, I didn’t enjoy it because I wasn’t around kids,” said Sofia Gaston, Education Program Coordinator at Prospect Family Residence. “Then I finally found HFH, and it seemed like something that I would like to do.”

For Sofia Gaston, all roads led back to education. She began her career working at a group home for adolescent girls in New York City and later at a school for children with special needs.

“I’ve always liked working with kids. Even when I was younger, I did a lot of volunteer work. I worked with my church youth group retreats, and that led me to working in a group home and eventually becoming a teacher.”

After getting married, Sofia and her husband moved to Puerto Rico, where she spent nearly 20 years teaching first, second, and third grade. When she eventually returned to New York City, she continued working in school settings as a family coordinator at a charter high school and then as a parent coordinator at a public middle school.

Although Sofia later stepped away to pursue other interests, she found herself missing the work. She felt called back to education when she read about the Education Coordinator role at Prospect on a job search site. This June marks two years with HFH.

“It has been really good working with the kids,” she said. “It’s good to be back in a classroom setting.”

In her current role, Sofia oversees the Afterschool & Recreation program at Prospect. She manages staff, plans events and activities, and ensures that all program requirements are met. She currently works with team members who she says collaborate well and genuinely enjoy working with the kids, something she believes makes a big difference.

Lead Teacher Giovanni Yapor, who has worked with Sofia for about two years, says one of her greatest strengths is the way she connects with the entire Prospect community.

“When Sofia first came, she was curious to see how things ran here. She made it her business to get to know every person and every corner of this building,” he said. “I have seen her become more than comfortable and confident in this role. She truly believes in what we do and always looks for ways to help our students and their families.”

Marisol Santiago, Administrator at Prospect, emphasized Sofia’s team-oriented approach, noting that she actively incorporates staff feedback into the program. She added that she and Sofia share a strong vision for the program and build on each other’s energy and enthusiasm. Sofia’s dedication is clear in her relationships—not only with her coworkers, but also with the kids and their families.

“It feels like I’ve already been working with her for 15 years. We really mesh,” said Marisol. “She has a fantastic relationship with the parents. She comes in with a smile on her face, and you can see with the kids … she generates that positive energy in the program.”

While creating a fun and welcoming environment is key, Sofia also focuses on tailoring programming to meet the needs of each group—considering age, interests, and opportunities for skill-building.

“With every group, it’s a little bit different,” she explained. “Sometimes they don’t know how to play a sport together. They’re used to being alone or just with their sibling. So, we ask, ‘How are we going to work together? How are we going to build community?’ It’s important that they learn something and take something with them from being in the program.”

Her passion is visible across departments, and her coworkers consistently point to her positive energy and commitment.

“She’s excellent at running the Afterschool program,” said Keith Martinez, Housekeeping Supervisor, who helps maintain the program spaces to ensure they are safe, clean, and welcoming for the kids. “She works well with the kids and is very determined. She wants what’s best for them. It’s like she’s taking care of her own kids. There’s always a positive energy when it comes to her.”

According to Saira Andujar, Assistant Administrator at Prospect

“Being a people person really strengthens her in this role because she’s able to connect with the families. Her energy draws people in. They want to know who she is and what the program is about.”

For Sofia, it’s the sense of community that keeps her going, not just the kids and families, but her coworkers as well.

“[Prospect] is in my neighborhood,” she said. “Even when I’m walking around, and I’m not at work, I see the people that work here. It’s nice to see them, and it’s nice to see the kids. It’s nice to be around your community.”

She also finds motivation in the workplace culture itself.

“The people that work here—this is a place that people want to stay,” she said. “I’ve met people who have been here 5, 10, 15 years, and that says something. I like where I work. I enjoy coming here. I enjoy the people I work with, and I enjoy the families I work with.”

Outside of work, Sofia enjoys eating out at restaurants and traveling to new places with her husband of 30 years.

For Antione Newton, helping people is more than part of the job—it’s what drew him to the work in the first place. As a Driver at Williamsbridge Family Residence, Antione supports families and staff every day by ensuring residents can reach their destinations safely and on time. Drivers at HFH play a critical role in helping families access opportunities that move them closer to stable housing, and Antione embraces that responsibility with care. His steady presence and positive attitude have made him a valued part of the team since he joined in August 2024.

“I’m a people person. I like helping people out, so when I saw the job at a homeless shelter I thought, ‘Why not try?’” said Antione.

Antione’s role includes driving housing specialists and residents to apartment viewings, lease signings, and to pick up the keys for residents’ new homes—critical steps on a family’s path out of shelter. When he is not accompanying staff and families to these appointments, Antione works closely with Partnerships Manager Tierra Gunther to deliver essential items and donations to the shelters. He plays an important role in making sure that the items received from partners and donors are distributed to the families efficiently. He also assists with moving supplies and equipment. Around the building, he is known as someone who is always willing to lend a hand.

Many apartment showings and appointments are far from the shelter, sometimes in cold or difficult weather. Having a dependable driver helps ensure families can attend these important meetings to help them meet their goals.

One of Antione’s favorite parts of the job is accompanying housing specialists and residents to apartments. He enjoys seeing the different neighborhoods and buildings across the city, but what stands out most is seeing the excitement of the families when they are one step closer to having a place of their own. Being part of those moments reinforces the importance of his role in the broader mission of helping families move forward.

Housing Specialist Milagros Gonzalez frequently travels with Antione and describes him as both professional and compassionate.

“He is courteous and very polite to the residents we escort to different destinations. He is an asset to the housing team,” she said. “He travels near and far to get the job done.”

She also emphasized that Antione is intentional about creating a safe and supportive environment whenever he is transporting staff and residents. “He has always been very kind and approachable. If you ask him for help, he lends a hand. He makes people feel good when he interacts with them. He’s there for us, and I appreciate him for that. He is very valuable; we need him.”

Williamsbridge Administrator Alfonsina Gomez noted that Antione connects easily with staff across all departments and is frequently praised by coworkers.

“He gets along with everybody,” she said. “He’s always open to help, learn, listen, and understand. He is very respectful. He is always eager to do the job—and always with a positive attitude.”

Tierra Gunther highlighted his reliability, flexibility, and genuine enthusiasm for the mission behind the work. She also mentioned that donors and partners have commented on how friendly and helpful he is.

“He is always asking questions about programs, donations, residents—he’s not just there to work; he wants to know more about the people that we serve,” she said. “When I think of someone I can really rely on, he’s at the top.”

Each day, Antione aims to show up with a positive mindset. He focuses on “trying to bring in that good energy at work.”

Outside of work, Antione is family-oriented and enjoys spending time with his 14-year-old daughter and his family, which includes eight brothers and two sisters. In his free time, he makes hip-hop music and plays basketball.

“I love helping people progress,” said Carl Richards, Director of Security at Saratoga Family Residence. “I let my staff know—if I can do it, you can do it, too.”

Carl began his career in residential security in the Lower East Side, where he worked for 23 years before a coworker referred him to HFH. He joined Saratoga Family Residence in 2019.

Carl quickly found his footing, and his trajectory has reflected his strong work ethic and steady leadership. He started as a Safety Supervisor, was promoted to Safety Operations Manager, and became Director of Security this year.

As Director of Security, Carl oversees all security operations including supervising staff, ensuring the building remains secure, managing daily check-ins, and coordinating chaperones for visitors and vendors. He is known for his steady demeanor, even in difficult moments, and for setting the tone for his team.

“As a leader, you have to be that calm person,” he said. “If your staff sees you not being flustered, they will follow you, because they know that during a tough situation, you can handle yourself.”

David Morris, Administrator at Saratoga, promoted Carl to Director of Security and has seen firsthand how well he fits the role.

“Carl has taken on the role well,” said David. “He is dedicated. Anything you need him to do; he is willing to do. You couldn’t ask for a better director.”

David added that Carl is receptive to new ideas, adapts easily when processes change, and consistently goes above and beyond.

“He is always open to ideas that can make his department better,” said David.

Carl has become a go-to presence not only at Saratoga but across HFH Family Residences.

“If something has to be handled at Saratoga, the name that comes up is Carl Richards,” David said. “There are people at other sites who know who he is and have known him for years—even though they don’t work here. Carl is doing the work.”

His coworkers describe him as dedicated and attentive to both his staff and the families.

“He goes out of his way to make the department run smoothly, and he often comes up with new ideas,” said Gilda Coronado, Deputy Administrator at Saratoga. “He pays attention—he knows the clients and what’s going on with them. He is very reliable.”

Andrea Prasad, Administrative Assistant, who has worked with Carl for over two years, shared a similar sentiment.

“He is attentive and concerned about his staff and the residents,” she said. “If something happens, he rushes to make sure everyone is okay. He always focuses on being productive and delivers his best at his job.”

Milagros “Millie” Gonzalez-Dixon, Office Manager at Saratoga who has worked with Carl for three years, has watched him grow steadily in his role.

“He is very warm and very friendly,” she said. “He is a leader. He is still learning, but he makes sure his staff knows what they are supposed to do. He teaches as he grows.”

Carl says the people at Saratoga are a major reason he enjoys coming to work.

“We have such a mix of people here—different backgrounds, different experiences—but we work together as a team to get the job done,” he said. “I like working with the staff here. We have a lot of experienced people.”

For Carl, supporting families is at the heart of the job. He makes a point to talk with residents, encourage them through difficult moments, and remind them of their own strength.

“Sometimes it’s hard—you can’t give up,” he said. “You just have to move forward.”

Every day, he focuses on making sure both residents and staff feel safe and supported. Even on the busiest days, that commitment guides him.

“My mindset is, no matter how hectic the job gets, it has to be done,” he said. “The safety of the staff and the clients is the number one priority. What keeps me going is making sure everyone is happy and that the facility is safe and secure.”

Carl is proud of how far he has come, and he is hopeful about what lies ahead.

“I am looking to advance,” he said. “Not to sell myself short—anything is possible.”

Outside of work, Carl enjoys going out and exploring New York City. He loves movies, exercising, trying new restaurants—especially seafood and Italian—and taking walks in the park.

“Knowing that I’m making a difference in someone’s life—even in a small way—is what keeps me motivated,” said Jayda Gabriel, Chef at Allie’s Place Center for Culinary Education & Employment, where she leads the Pastry Arts course. “I want my students to leave here confident in their skills.”

Jayda’s introduction into the culinary world was inspired by her grandmother, who took baking classes at a local Michael’s: Arts & Crafts store.

“Every weekend, she’d have a whole new cake,” said Jayda. “Growing up I had all the pans, the tips, the books. I realized I was good at baking too! I was always creative, but having those resources at my fingertips gave me an advantage.”

By high school, Jayda was the go-to baker among her friends. She made cupcakes for birthdays and eventually people started paying her for the ingredients and her creations.

“That’s how it kind of started off,” said Jayda. “Every weekend I wanted to learn something new. I’d do research, make it, and share it with my family.”

That drive led her to pursue culinary training at Sullivan County Community College, after which she quickly entered the professional pastry world, working as a pastry cook at Marta—a fine dining Romanian-Italian restaurant in Manhattan—and later at Maison Kayser—a French artisanal bakery chain.

“I was still a newbie [at Maison Kayser], but I was teaching people with little to no culinary background how to produce massive quantities,” she said. “I realized I knew how to teach, which was a skill I hadn’t recognized in myself before.”

In April 2022, Jayda joined HFH as a Culinary Assistant, supporting the Culinary Essentials course. Her pastry background was quickly noticed, and she developed and launched the Pastry Arts course, earning a promotion to Chef. Today, she continues to teach Pastry Arts and additional workshops in pastry and barista training, now part of the Hospitality program.

“What attracted me to HFH is that I like to help people,” said Jayda. “Helping people experiencing homelessness and those in the surrounding community, teaching them a craft so they can make something more of their lives and get themselves established—that was a big factor for me.”

Jayda credits much of her drive to the encouragement she received at home.

“My mom always supported what I wanted to do, and she never questioned it,” she said. “She wanted me to be happy with whatever I ended up doing. She always said, ‘If you do what you love, you never work a day in your life.’”

That foundation of support continues to guide how Jayda shows up for her students, and it’s something her coworkers have seen shape her development as an instructor.

“I have seen so much growth from her from when she first came to HFH to now,” said Julissa Lantigua, Administrator at Allie’s Place Family Residence. “She shows so much confidence in the work she does. The students are engaged in her classes because she shows that motivation to want to teach them.”

“She is very intentional about what she teaches and how she teaches,” said Derrick Holman, Program Outreach Specialist at Allie’s Place Family Residence. “It really gives the program a vision. And the students can see that she really knows what she is doing.”

Director of Culinary Education Gregorio Pedroza, who has worked alongside Jayda for the past two years, emphasized her patience and artistry.

“What makes Chef Jayda an absolutely great instructor is that she is also just a great person,” he said. “I see her handle the ebbs and flows of her classes with such grace, skill, and humor. She is always retooling the curriculum to meet the needs of the students and the season. And when you see her plating food, it’s where her artistic eye really shines—everything is executed beautifully and tastes great.”

For Jayda, the heart of her teaching is meeting students where they are.

“Once I assess a person, I can figure out what they need,” she said. “I can have a class full of students, but I’m teaching them individually because everyone absorbs information differently.”

Her students echo this sentiment, noting the opportunity to collaborate with one another and the focus on problem solving in her classes.

“This class was excellent. I started this class without any previous experience, but Chef Jayda made it very easy to understand,” one graduate of the program said. “Her organizational skills are exceptional and the way she breaks down the recipes helped me understand the baking process.”

Jayda’s individualized approach pays off in ways that motivate her most.

“The most rewarding part of my job is seeing students’ confidence grow in the kitchen, especially when they come in not knowing anything,” said Jayda. “When I see them teaching newer students what I taught them, that’s when I know they’re retaining the information. They’ve become a resource for someone else—that makes me feel good.”

Beyond her teaching and leadership, Jayda strives to be a role model for future generations.

“When the kids from Afterschool programming come downstairs and see me in the kitchen, they’re waving and trying to look through the glass at what I’m making,” she said. “These kids look like me. I think that’s really cool because growing up, I never saw a Black female chef. Representation is so important—you never know how you can affect someone’s future.”

Outside of the classroom, Jayda’s creativity finds other outlets. She sews, experiments with ingredients (her current obsession: champagne mangoes), and takes solo trips inspired by food, like a recent barbecue-inspired visit to Tennessee. She also enjoys fishing, a hobby since childhood.

“Everyone has the same goal—to make a great summer for the kids,” said Macy Hare, Waterfront Director at HFH Summer Camps.

Macy has returned to HFH Summer Camps for her third season—beginning as a lifeguard, then assistant waterfront director, and now leading the entire waterfront operation. Raised on the coast of New Zealand, she grew up swimming, playing water polo, and volunteering as a swim teacher. She has brought those lifelong skills—along with her trademark energy and optimism—to HFH Summer Camps.

“When the kids are leaving and they say, ‘I’ll see you next year,’ it’s so hard to say goodbye,” she said. “That’s one of the reasons I keep coming back. It’s really cool to keep returning and get a bit more responsibility each year.”

Macy first heard about HFH Summer Camps through her sister, who spent a summer working at Camp Wakonda through Camp America—a cultural exchange program that connects international counselors with camps in the U.S. After hearing her sister’s stories, Macy was eager to apply. She joined in 2023 after finishing high school and quickly felt connected to the mission and the community.

“Macy definitely grew tremendously from her first summer, where she was learning about the kids and just the camp environment,” said Shawn Thorns, Office Manager at Camp. Over the past nine years, Shawn has held a range of roles at HFH Summer Camps—from Program Coordinator to Camp Culture Manager—and has worked with Macy for all three of her summers. “Now she is the one that everybody goes to.”

Macy’s role at the waterfront goes beyond lifeguarding. She oversees swim safety, manages medical equipment like first aid kits and defibrillators, schedules lifeguard breaks, plans swim lessons and boating activities, and ensures that every child receives proper instruction. Her commitment to camper safety and learning has made a lasting impression on the team.

“Her program down at the waterfront is not just swimming for fun. Some of these kids are learning how to swim in a week’s time, and that’s because of her leadership,” said Shawn. “Macy is a superstar. She has a heart for this program and for these kids.”

That care doesn’t go unnoticed. Baran Işık, a lifeguard at HFH Summer Camps who has worked under Macy’s leadership for two summers, noted her understanding, creativity, and passion.

“Macy is open to innovation. I have never had this magnificent of a director in my life,” said Baran.  “She makes everyone love swimming and waterfront activities.”

For Macy, teaching swimming is especially meaningful.

“I feel like swimming is such an important skill to have,” she said. “I also love teaching it, so it works perfectly. The kids think it’s important too—a lot of them ask me to help them during free swim.”

What makes HFH Summer Camps especially meaningful to Macy is the opportunity to work with children experiencing homelessness. Their circumstances give her an even greater sense of purpose—she wants to make sure they have time to just be kids and take their minds off everything else.

“Kids are kids, everywhere, and [working at HFH Summer Camps] helps you learn that,” she said. “Even though they might have had a completely different background growing up, you can still relate to them. Our campers  are really respectful and always curious about where you’re from.”

Macy credits the supportive culture of HFH Summer Camps with helping her grow.

“Everyone at camp is especially supportive of each other,” she said. “It comes from the top down—everyone wants the best for everyone. The people here are super passionate about getting kids outside, having fun, and teaching them whatever skills you have.”

Camp Administrator Tyrone Squire, who has worked with Macy since her first summer, sees her as essential to the program.

“She learned from past waterfront directors, and I think that really makes her a strong leader now,” said Tyrone. “Macy’s always positive. She brings optimism, support, and camp spirit that everybody enjoys. Everyone can depend on her to really be that guidance and that positive light.”

HFH Summer Camps are more than just a place for the kids to explore the outdoors—it is a cultural exchange for both campers and staff. Each year, counselors arrive from across the globe to build connections and share experiences with campers from New York City.

“Meeting people from all around the world—and the kids—it’s a cultural experience,” said Macy. “Working with kids from the New York is a cool experience, and they have so much to teach you. I would not have met people from the U.S., or Turkey, or Poland otherwise. You learn something from every person and every camper. It’s just really good energy all the time.”

Some of Macy’s favorite moments at camp are helping organize evening program activities—from color fights to Halloween night—and the final deep-water swim day, when campers jump into the lake in life jackets and celebrate everything they have accomplished.

“Everyone is so happy that day,” she said. “They’re so excited. It’s just the best.”

Shawn believes Macy’s strengths go beyond her waterfront expertise.

“What makes her unique is just her being herself. She has a great sense of humor. She can relate to anybody—whether they’re from the city, or from Nigeria, or Australia. People feel comfortable around her.”

Outside of camp, Macy has many hobbies. She loves running, cooking—she has recently been learning to make Spanakopita—listening to music (jazz is a favorite, especially Roy Ayers), hiking (or “tramping,” as it’s called in New Zealand), photography, and going to the beach. Whenever she can, she gets out into nature—often heading to huts in New Zealand where hikers can stay overnight.

Despite her many interests, returning to HFH Summer Camps each year remains one of the most meaningful parts of her life.

“I just feel so happy all the time here,” she said. “It’s the best place.”

“Working for HFH … it’s meaningful. I like what they stand for—what [we] are contributing to society,” said Eric Smith, Director of Building Operations at Prospect Family Residence. “I have a great relationship with this [organization]. To see people who are in an unfortunate situation … to grow and have a different outlook on life, it makes it all worth it for me.”

Eric began his journey with HFH 37 years ago at Saratoga Family Residence, where he started as a porter coordinator. Through dedication and hard work, he has grown with HFH—from supervising porters and maintenance teams to his current role as Director of Building Operations at Prospect.

“I enjoy every bit of [my work] here,” said Eric. “When I leave this place, I can leave it with a smile. When I retire, I want to do some kind of community service … and this would be a nice place to come back and help.”

Eric’s commitment to HFH is evident in everything he does, from resolving mechanical issues to mentoring his team of buildings staff. His philosophy of giving his best and helping others shines through his every action.

“He is a wonderful man,” said Victor Altenor, Maintenance Worker at Saratoga Family Residence—where Eric worked for 14 years as his supervisor. Victor has known Eric for 36 years. “Eric is a devoted guy. When he is at work, he is one of the guys who really gives 100%. If you don’t know something, he is happy to teach you. I am very happy to work with him and to know him as a person and as a boss.”

As Director of Building Operations, Eric’s responsibilities are vast and varied—from addressing plumbing and electrical issues to landscaping and ensuring the safety and cleanliness of the facility.

“He just takes pride in his work. He is loyal to HFH, to this building, and to his job,” said Marisol Santiago, Administrator at Prospect, who has worked with Eric for nearly 14 years. “He knows from top to bottom what he has to take care of, and he cares about his team, which is fantastic. You can always depend on Eric when it comes to learning something about this building.”

Apart from his exceptional work ethic and mentorship, Eric is known for his attentiveness to ensuring the safety and well-being of the children at Prospect.

“Anything for the kids … if he sees that something [needs to be updated] with the playground, he will make sure that it gets fixed properly and safely so that the kids can enjoy their time here,” said Marisol.

Eric’s passion for helping others and his love for his work are deeply rooted in his upbringing.

“I learned to be kind from day one. My parents were very kind. I remember as a kid I had friends at school who didn’t have a place [to stay], and I would just bring my friends home. My family was a giving family. These were our values,” Eric said.

Outside of work, Eric enjoys working on small projects around his house and indulging in his passion for gardening.

“I enjoy the beauty of flowers,” Eric said. “Gardening around my house. Planting flowers, plum trees, vegetables—I enjoy the beauty of flowers.”

“It seemed like Saratoga was embedded in my heart. It was my fresh start,” said Michael Lewis, Porter at Saratoga Family Residence. “I left my past behind me.”

Michael came to Saratoga through The Fortune Society—an organization that supports and assists individuals with successful reentry from incarceration. He began his career at HFH 12 years ago, a period which he regards as the beginning of a new chapter in his life.

“When I came here, they turned my life around,” said Michael. “For me, working motivates me to keep striving. I don’t look back at the past; I just look to the future. I feel good about it.”

As a Porter, Michael holds a multitude of responsibilities, from tending to the garden to ensuring the overall cleanliness and safety of Saratoga’s premises. Regardless of the task at hand, his dedication and dependability are unwavering.

“He takes initiative,” said Rhaleek Hatcher, Buildings Operations Supervisor at Saratoga and Michael’s supervisor who has worked with Michael for the last six years. “When things are tough, he is the guy to turn to. He makes sure everything is safe and secure and sanitized for all the children and  all of the clients.”

“He is somebody to look up to [and] to take notes from—and I still do to this day. He is literally superman—one of a kind,” said Lawrence Norftil, Director of Facilities at Saratoga, who Michael trained nine years ago. “The motivation and the energy that he has is unbelievable. When people come to start working, I stick them with him because he knows this facility like the back of his hand.”

Apart from his exceptional work ethic and mentorship, Michael is known for his infectious optimistic attitude.

“He is a down to earth, spiritual person. Every time you see him, he always gives you a good vibe. He is always happy when he comes in,” said Rhaleek.

“He is very personable with everyone. I’ve never heard him say a harsh word about or to anyone.” said Mike Fahy, Administrator at Saratoga who hired Michael. “You can’t stop the guy. It doesn’t matter what the weather is outside. One day I am sitting in my office and it’s pretty windy out, and I look outside, and he is raking leaves. He rakes them into one pile and then the wind blows them. It doesn’t bother him—he just goes and rakes them back.”

You have to see him when he dresses up,” Mike added. “He’s always looking dapper when he is leaving work. He has got it all going.”

Outside of work, Michael enjoys spending as much time as possible with his 18-year-old daughter—they enjoy going to the movies, shopping, and eating at Applebee’s. He is also an avid sports fan, especially of the Kansas City Chiefs who he correctly predicted would win the 2024 Super Bowl.

“I want to show people the growth. I want people to know that it can happen for them,” said Veronica Cubano, Administrative Assistant at Williamsbridge Family Residence. “Just because you are a resident, doesn’t mean you can’t continue rising, as long as you have faith and don’t give up.”

Veronica’s empathy and encouragement are at the forefront of her work at Williamsbridge because she understands firsthand the experience of the parents who live there. Back in 1997 she was a resident herself, at HFH’s Saratoga Family Residence in Jamaica, Queens. That’s also where her employment journey with HFH began. After completing her GED through an onsite program offered at Saratoga, she was hired as a substitute teacher in Saratoga’s Daycare. Within a year she was promoted to a full-time assistant teacher.

Born and raised in the Bronx, Veronica took advantage of an opportunity to transfer to the Daycare at a new site that HFH opened in 2004 and she has been at Williamsbridge ever since. Continuing to advance in her career, she moved on to become a receptionist. While working full-time, she attended college—receiving her associate degree at TCI College and her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in medical administration at Metropolitan College of New York. When the administrative assistant role at Williamsbridge became available, she applied and was promoted again. In September 2024, she will celebrate 24 years with HFH.

“She is like the soul of Williamsbridge. She is the one to say ‘Mrs. Gomez, I think this would be perfect for this family or for this child,’” said Alfonsina Gomez, Administrator at Williamsbridge, who has worked with Veronica for eight years. “That empathy and the fact that she knows the families—even working in administration—and identifies their needs, that’s a plus.”

“[HFH] helped me go back to school. I didn’t have a high school diploma, and they helped me get my GED. They gave me an opportunity with the job, which got me to where I am at now,” said Veronica. “I enjoy my time here, I really do. Especially the growth and the moving on up that I have done—it makes me want to continue trying.”

As administrative assistant, Veronica juggles various responsibilities—from helping with the transition of residents in and out of shelter to coordinating with staff to ensure that residents have the essentials, including food pantry items and clothing. When she is needed, she happily steps into the Daycare to help out—a place she will always have a soft spot for.

Denise Baker, Assistant Teacher at Williamsbridge Daycare—who has worked with Veronica for more than a decade, described Veronica as a hard worker who speaks her mind and is committed to seeing things through. She is known for going above and beyond to make sure the needs of the residents are met.

“When she starts something—like helping somebody—she likes to finish it, and she makes sure that she is doing it correctly,” said Denise. “She has been a good coworker and friend as long as I have been here,” Denise added.

In addition to her attentiveness to her coworkers and the clients alike, Alfonsina notes Veronica’s enthusiasm for learning and taking on new tasks to add to her skill set.

“I see her growing with the company and growing within the position,” said Alfonsina. “She is always asking questions like ‘how do I do this?’ or ‘I still need to learn this.’”

On her days off,  Veronica enjoys spending time with her family—including her two sons and her 10-year-old granddaughter. She also loves to read a good book, especially a mystery by John Grisham.

Annette Delgado, Office Manager at HFH’s Central Office, is the person behind the scenes making sure that the office runs smoothly—and she does so while keeping her coworkers’ spirits high.

John Greenwood, Executive Director of HFH, who has worked with Annette for 10 years said, “She knows so much about the history of the agency, how things work at the Central Office, who to talk to, who does what, and I have really seen her grow into a Central Office leader.”

Prior to HFH, Annette worked in childcare and as a receptionist. Her interpersonal skills, coupled with having grown up in a family that valued helping others, is what drew her to HFH’s mission of aiding families experiencing homelessness. As office manager, Annette wears many hats—supervising and supporting staff, keeping the office in order, and juggling projects. Part of her role is answering calls, including those from people seeking shelter and resources, and connecting with these people is one of the highlights of her job.

“You get calls from families who are being evicted, who have never been in that position, and who are afraid, and you are on the other end,” said Annette. “You have to be able to not just provide information but also comfort them and let them know that they are not alone and that there is help out there for them.”

Annette extends the same compassion to her coworkers, who note her consideration for their well-being and their lives inside and outside of work.

“It has been a pleasure working with Annette over the years. She has been a constant in this office,” said Desiree Sanabria, Payroll Manager at HFH, who has worked alongside Annette since Annette started her career with HFH. “She has seen my kids and my grandkids grow up, and she has always been attentive to asking, ‘How are the children?’, ‘How’s the family?’”

Linda Bazerjian, Managing Director of Communications, shared a similar sentiment, noting that Annette is all about creating an atmosphere where staff want to come to work.

“Annette is that person around the office who thinks about the little things, like keeping track of birthdays and getting everyone to sign a card,” said Linda, who has worked with Annette for 13 years. “The first year I worked here, we bonded over the Halloween decorations at her desk and as another Halloween approaches, I can’t wait to see what she has in store.”

Although her desire to help people is what initially drew Annette to HFH, it is the community and chance to grow at the organization which has kept her around.

“I like how everyone works together. There is a lot of teamwork and there are many opportunities that are offered to staff within the organization,” said Annette. “I started as a receptionist, and I was asked if I was interested in working at HFH Summer Camps with the recruiters—bringing kids to and from camp—which was a good experience for me.”

Annette will be celebrating 30 years with HFH in April 2024. She has worked her way up, starting as a receptionist and eventually being promoted to an administrative professional until assuming her current position as office manager.

“You work doing something that you truly enjoy, and you meet so many interesting people, that the time just flies. It’s hard to believe,” said Annette.

“Annette brings a lot of institutional knowledge and continuity to the agency,” said Dr. Ralph da Costa Nunez, former President/CEO and current HFH Board Member who worked with her for 27 years. “She really adds a solid dimension to the office: always pleasant, great attitude, someone who can be counted on to show up and get the job done.”

“She brings a good sense of humor. People don’t know that about her,” John added.

When Annette isn’t holding down the Central Office, she enjoys being an aunt to her growing family, dog-sitting for the family pets, and reading a good mystery novel.

“I also enjoy going for long walks [with] good weather,” said Annette. “My favorite time of year is the fall. I love everything fall, from the changing leaves to the crisp feel in the air to the pumpkin spiced lattes.”