JFS Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month!

Sep 27, 2023 | Anti-Hate, Equity and Inclusion, Community Partners, Featured, Immigrant and Resettlement, JFS of Metrowest, We are JFS!

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. These cultural celebrations provide the opportunity to recognize the complexities and richness of each cultural identity. It is important to understand and appreciate these stories within the greater American narrative (lclark.edu). 

Our growing staff includes over 30 employees whose native language is either Spanish or Portuguese – dedicated and caring, these team members work hard every day to ensure our neighbors receive the services they need, in the languages they speak.

Among these staff members is Mayra Tardiff, Manager of Homecare Operations. Mayra works in the office ensuring compliance and quality control, managing systems and juggling ever-changing service schedules, ensuring that our older adult clients have the homemaking and personal care services they need to live in their homes, safely and with dignity.

Mayra is from El Salvador and has been with JFS since December 2021. She speaks English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Mayra is a longtime resident of Massachusetts. She loves to travel and spend time with her family, including watching her sons play sports.

“Hispanic Heritage month is important to me and many others as we reflect on the many contributions the Hispanics have brought our country. I am proud to be from El Salvador and bring my culture and values to the United States. During Hispanic Heritage month I like to get together with my extended family and make all of our favorite dishes that remind us of our history and culture. I am pleased to have many people on my homecare team that are represented during Hispanic Heritage month and proud of the work they do every day!”

 

We are also proud to celebrate one of our homecare service providers Manuel Sayán. He has worked with JFS since August 2009 as a homecare provider and is originally from Peru. He speaks English and Spanish.
Manuel worked with clients as a Homecare provider from 2009 to 2020, ensuring that clients were well cared for, had food and their medications, and were able to get to their medical appointments, often assisting clients that were difficult to work with due to behavioral challenges.
In 2020, Manuel joined the Immigrant Family Services team distributing food and meals to low-income families, supporting the work of the JFS Children’s Clothing Closet and working with English- and Spanish-speaking older adults to ensure they have the services and support they need to live independently and with dignity in the community.

“Hispanic heritage month for me signifies celebrating and re living Peruvian customs and traditions in this great country! I may have left Peru, but Peru will never leave my heart! I am very proud to celebrate the many scientists, social justice fighters, doctors, chefs, artists, athletes, and other great Hispanic contributors of our society”.

We recognize and celebrate Mayra, Manuel and all with Hispanic heritage for who are working to accelerate social, academic and health equity in our community.