“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.”

“I always knew that I wanted to work with people,” said Elizabeth Castillo, Case Manager Supervisor of Family Services at Clinton Family Residence. “I [did] homeless outreach for about four years with my church and then with my family. I always knew I wanted to do something like that.”

Elizabeth’s journey in the social services field began after she graduated with a degree in Forensic Psychology from CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Her passion for helping others coupled with her experience working with children as a nanny for seven years led her to apply for a position in Afterschool & Recreation at Allie’s Place Family Residence. There she learned that her educational background and passion for working with people was also applicable for the case manager position in Family Services—an opportunity that piqued her interest and led her to apply and be hired in this role. Elizabeth transferred to the Clinton Family Residence in Manhattan when it opened in November 2022—benefitting from HFH’s flexibility with mobility within the organization’s multiple sites across the City—where she was promoted to Case Manager Supervisor.

“They gained someone valuable,” said Julissa Lantigua, Administrator at Allie’s Place Family Residence—where Elizabeth began her career at HFH. “She was very hardworking.”

In her current role as Case Manager Supervisor, Elizabeth’s priority is training the Family Services staff and serving as a resource to them.

“As a supervisor, you need to listen to your team and help out whenever it is needed,” said Elizabeth. “You need to be organized, a team player, and listen.”

“She is a strong leader. Her team really looks up to her and looks to her for guidance. She is overall a really good teacher; she is very patient,” said Lexi Jones, Family Services Coordinator at HFH.

In addition to fulfilling her supervisory responsibilities, she also maintains a caseload and regularly meets with clients. She is dedicated to helping families reach their goals, not only by helping them take the steps to move out of shelter and into permanent housing, but also by providing support throughout the entire process.

“I like that we focus on the families and their well-being as the goal [at HFH],” said Elizabeth.

“Ms. Castillo is an asset to many. She is efficient, she is helpful, and she has shown that she is beyond a team player,” said Nereida Santiago, Administrator at Clinton Family Residence. “She is very passionate. No matter which client she is working with she gives them 110%.”

A passion for helping her community runs in Elizabeth’s family. Raised by her grandparents in Argentina, she learned the values of helping others whenever possible from her grandmother and, later on, from her mother—who organized a small group that meets regularly to do outreach to people experiencing street homelessness. These values that were instilled in her at a young age drive her work at HFH.

“Giving and helping comes from my grandmother. All the neighbors would come over, and my grandmother would always share everything,” said Elizabeth. “I didn’t understand when I was little, but now that I am grown and able to help, I do.”

One-quarter of families at Clinton speak Spanish. The fact that Elizabeth is bilingual there is a tremendous asset, according to Nereida, ensuring their needs are understood and addressed and ultimately making them feel more comfortable.

Outside of work, Elizabeth enjoys traveling and hiking, as well as spending quality time with her family. She also enjoys relaxing at home and watching Netflix, one of her favorite shows being Shameless.

“If you love what you do, it’ll show throughout your work performance,” said Jason White.

This could not be more true for Allie’s Place Housekeeper Jason White, who is always willing to lend a helping hand and does so with a smile.

“He is smiling all the time. He never has a problem doing anything—whatever you need, he will help you [regardless of the task], and he will [do so] happily,” said Roilan Rufino, Director of Building Operations at Allie’s Place, and Jason’s Supervisor. “Nobody has a complaint about Jason.”

Jason started his career with HFH in 2020. Prior to HFH, he had been put on furlough from his job as a food handler—where he worked nights—during the pandemic. His daughter, who is now 10, had just made the transition from kindergarten to grade school, and Jason wanted to be around for her more.

“I wanted to really be a part of her life during the daytime, and I really couldn’t do it working at night,” said Jason. “Now that I’m working during the day, I can be home on time for her to get out of school to really focus on her. She loves it.”

Housekeeping is an essential component of maintaining HFH facilities and making sure our shelters are clean and safe for the families who reside there. As a Housekeeper, Jason’s top priority is turning over the units after a family moves out so that they are ready for the new clients—a job that requires efficiency and attention to detail—as well as general upkeep of the building.

“He is a leader, needs minimal directives, is a team player, [and] takes initiative on getting tasks done,” said Allie’s Place Administrator Julissa Lantigua. “He is very detail oriented and takes pride in his work.”

Having previously been in a managerial position himself, Jason understands the importance of reliability—including showing up to work on time.

“I like to lead by example, so I make sure that I’m always on time coming to work, and I take pride in that,” said Jason.

“During his time at HFH he has been very proactive,” said Julissa. “It is a great pleasure to work with Mr. White. He is an exceptional employee who is dedicated to completing his tasks and demonstrates an excellent work ethic.”

She also shared that Jason sets up all the holiday decorations in the facility, bringing the holiday spirit to all throughout the year.

Jason’s dedication to HFH not only shines through in his work, but in his willingness to go the extra mile to improve the overall operation of the facility. Roilan expressed his appreciation for Jason’s suggestions and says he values the communication.

“I take the ideas he gives me, and I learn from him,” said Roilan.

Jason enjoys the two-way communication and the opportunities available to employees.

“I like how [HFH] acknowledges their employees. They really appreciate it if you’re doing a good job … and make sure that they take care of you,” said Jason. “They give you the option to grow within. Some companies do it, but I’ve seen that really happen a lot here, which I applaud because they are giving people the opportunity to transition. They really allow you to change your career and see if you will be better off in this department over that department, and they will give you a shot at it.”

When Jason is not on the job, he is spending time with his friends and family. He enjoys doing whatever his daughter wants to do—whether it be going shopping, going to a museum, or going fishing.

“I’m a big family guy. I just like to surround myself around good vibes, family, and friends who’ve been there from day one. And just raising my daughter to the best of my ability,” said Jason.