“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.

“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.

“There was something really special about being in a shelter setting, working with kids in an educational environment,” said Annamaria Santoro, Senior Director of Operations at HFH. “It really stuck with me. Anytime I go back to Prospect, I feel like I’m at home.”

Annamaria began her career in early education after earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in childhood education from Brooklyn College. Her first job out of school was teaching in the Early Childhood Education Center at HFH’s Prospect Family Residence. From the beginning, she was drawn to the shelter setting, and the experience planted a seed that would continue to shape her path.

“I was really looking to get more involved in community work,” said Annamaria. “I loved it—the kids were great—and it was just a really enriching experience. I felt like we were this little crew all learning together.”

John Greenwood, Executive Director at HFH, first worked with Annamaria during this time, when he was Assistant Administrator at Prospect.

“While technically I was one of her supervisors,” he said, “it didn’t stop her from yelling at me for interrupting her class when I wanted to come in and hang with the kids!”

That early experience sparked a broader interest in social impact—leading Annamaria to Chicago to pursue a dual master’s degree in school counseling and community counseling at DePaul University. She eventually returned to New York and continued to gain additional experience in the non-profit sector before becoming the Director of Community Partnerships at Housing Works, deepening her expertise in non-profit operations and programming.

Over time, Annamaria realized she wanted her work to directly impact children again—and that her varied experiences had prepared her to do just that. In 2018, John recruited her to return to HFH.

“She’s been one of my go-to crisis managers, fixers, implementers, and advisors since she came back,” he said.

At HFH, Annamaria’s role has steadily evolved. When she rejoined the organization, she focused on family services and social work—but soon, her impact grew. Today, as Senior Director of Operations, she helps oversee additional critical program areas including education, compliance (meeting regulatory requirements), the Culinary program at Allie’s Place, and HFH Summer Camps.

“Over the past five years, I’ve watched Annamaria grow tremendously into what I consider my right hand in the operation,” said Gretchen Hernandez, Deputy Executive Director at HFH. “She is unique in her ability to adapt to any situation presented to her, her proactive approach to challenges, and her eagerness to learn.”

Annamaria noted that her role at HFH has merged her professional worlds.

“Operations gave me the chance to apply my background in counseling and education, while also contributing to the systems that shape how we support children and families.”

Her work is wide-ranging: supporting teams in developing and implementing trainings, strengthening relationships with City agencies—including the Department of Homeless Services and the Department of Education—and guiding programming across HFH sites.

“Anna has become an essential leader at HFH,” said John. “Folks from all departments and shelters look to her for guidance—in all areas. She’s as good a listener as she is a doer.”

Annamaria is known for being collaborative, dependable, and thoughtful—with a bright personality that makes an impact.

“I have always seen her as a very strong supervisor—someone who leads with confidence, genuinely cares about us as individuals, and consistently supports her team,” said Heidy Mendez, Senior Program Compliance Associate who has reported to Annamaria for three years. “She is understanding and flexible, which I truly appreciate. I’ve learned a great deal from her; she is both a mentor and a leader.”

Camp Administrator Tyrone Squire, who’s worked closely with her for three years, said she brings energy and heart to the role.

“Watching her communicate with partners and vendors, you can see how much she cares about camp and HFH—it shows her passion. She’s also creative and brings a fun quirkiness to everything she does. People enjoy being around her.”

Alfonsina Gomez, Administrator at Williamsbridge Family Residence, who has worked with Annamaria for the past six years emphasized that Anna helps others express themselves.

“She makes us part of the solution; she includes us, and we both learn from the experience. Her support, guidance, empathy, and camaraderie are exceptional.”

For Annamaria, the most rewarding part of her job is seeing families make progress—no matter how big or small.

“Success doesn’t have to be a big thing—it can be a mom signing her child up for childcare after being hesitant,” she said. “That’s a big step. That’s worth celebrating.”

Outside of work, Annamaria enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

“Basically, whatever my daughter wants to do is what we do,” said Annamaria.

Lately, she’s been experimenting in the kitchen with cozy, comforting recipes—from braised short ribs to Japanese onigiri.

“I want to make [the residents] feel welcome by making them comfortable—being on top of things and making sure their unit is good,” said Hulberto “Bert” Martinez, Building Operations Manager at Island Family Residence. “I feel like that gives them a little push so they can keep moving forward in their journey. They can worry about other things, and they don’t have to worry that they won’t have any heat, or other small things that make a huge difference.”

Bert joined HFH six years ago, starting in maintenance at Saratoga Family Residence before transferring to Island Family Residence in 2019. He found the position at Saratoga online while looking to make a career shift from working in the restaurant industry—where he frequently took on handyman tasks—to a more dedicated maintenance role. Growing up, Bert learned building repairs from his father, who worked in construction, and he often tackled projects around the house. Drawn to HFH’s mission, Bert saw this opportunity as a way to not only use his skills but also contribute to a cause that resonated with him.

“I like what they do [at HFH]—helping people in need and helping the community,” said Bert. “I feel like I am making a difference in someone’s life. I feel like I have the same mindset as the organization with what they are doing.”

Shortly after joining Island Family Residence, Bert was promoted to Building Operations Manager, a role in which he oversees critical building operations to ensure everything runs smoothly and safely—from plumbing to electrical.

“The residents’ safety is a priority to him. He puts the residents first and makes sure they are safe and comfortable,” said Melissa Halloran, Assistant Administrator at Island Family Residence.

Bert’s prior experience working in maintenance at both Saratoga and Island enables him to be an effective supervisor for his staff.

“It’s all hands-on deck—whatever [my staff] need I am always there with them,” said Bert. “If they have questions, I am always there to help them out.”

“He is always looking to learn new things, and he is not afraid to get his hands dirty—he won’t tell his staff to do something without him doing it, too,” said Lori Bowen, Administrator at Island Family Residence.

Not only is Bert dependable for the residents and a mentor to his staff, but he is also a valued colleague for his contagious positivity and reliability.

“He just builds you up,” said Melissa. “No matter what it is, he is always right there and supports [the staff] no matter what. When things are crazy, he brings calmness to everything.”

“He is always smiling and has a good attitude. He is very level-headed, loyal, and takes pride in his job,” Lori added.

Bert spends most of his free time with his family, with whom he is very close. He loves walking on the boardwalk at the beach with his youngest daughter and playing and watching sports, especially football—he is a big Jets fan.

“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.

“Non-profit work honestly found me,” said Tierra Gunther. “And we make a good pair. It felt very natural when I first started.”

Partnerships Manager Tierra Gunther is known by her coworkers for constantly going the extra mile for HFH families. Her supervisor, Senior Director of Operations Annamaria Santoro, said Tierra has a go-getter mentality and wears her heart on her sleeve when it comes to work.

“Tierra’s someone who really cares about the work she does,” said Annamaria. “She’s invested in the mission of HFH and making sure that kids are enjoying programming. She wears her heart on her sleeve when it comes to work, because she cares a lot.”

“I enjoy going to special events and seeing the reactions of parents and families,” Tierra explained. “It motivates me. I’ve learned a lot about homelessness since joining HFH, and I’m always trying to figure out the best way to help families.”

Tierra has been with HFH for nearly five years, starting as a Partnerships Associate and working her way up to Partnerships Manager. Prior to HFH, she worked at nonprofit Harlem Children’s Zone, working more closely with students in their classrooms compared to her more operational roles at HFH.

As Partnerships Manager, Tierra serves as the liaison for partnerships, volunteers, and shelter programming for both children and adults. She helps schedule and coordinate events and works with donors and administrative staff to ensure HFH sites have the supplemental resources they need to provide families with not just necessities. She also helps coordinate professional development opportunities for program staff, ensuring they meet all the state requirements embedded in their roles.

Much of Tierra’s role consists of dealing with outreach from external organizations and volunteers and making sure the potential partner and the current needs of HFH families are a good match; sometimes the timing isn’t right, or the donation might be a better fit for another nonprofit. Tierra is always quick to recommend others in our network who could benefit from the partner if HFH can’t take advantage of a particular volunteer activity or donation.

“Families want to feel appreciated; they want to feel like someone truly cares for them. Being that our families are in temporary housing, their needs change. In January, they could need more food pantry items, and in March they may need more diapers. It’s nice to see families so overwhelmed with care when we get them something they need,” she said. “If we’re getting a donation, we want to make sure our families will see it as a gift of care and love. I look for donors who are really trying to do something nice for those who need it.”

Tierra also works to provide HFH families, especially their children, with new and exciting experiences. These can be as small as trying a new brand of ice cream and as large as going to sleepaway camp for the first time.

“At the carnival [at HFH Summer Camps], the staff served Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, and one of the kids expressed excitement because they’d never had Ben and Jerry’s before. Those things push us to make sure that we always have something for families,” she said. “Camp is also fun, seeing the kids get excited to go to camp and love it, having never been to a sleepaway camp before, giving them those experiences they’ve never had. We want to remind the kids constantly that they might be in a situation right now where you’re living in a place you’re not used to, and even though they’re here temporarily, we still want them to be able to build a positive experience and create memories.”

Jon Dorfman, founder of KidCare, a longtime collaborator with HFH, said Tierra is “beyond a pleasure to work with,” noting her attention to detail, proactiveness, and creativity.

“Her genuine care for the kids shows through on everything she does from planning activities to forging corporate partnerships,” Jon said. “We at KidCare are beyond appreciative of Tierra and look forward to working with her for many years to come!”

Tierra looks forward to building her skills as she continues to thrive in her role, noting that “there’s always something to learn here. I think every year I’m learning something different, and it helps build up my skill level here. Right now, I know there’s still things I need to learn, networking I need to do, skills I need to build on. I think with time that’ll happen. I’m very open minded.”

Though her job can be busy, Tierra enjoys spending her free time trying new restaurants, reading, watching TV, and spending time with friends and family.