Karina Pimenta
With JFS since: February 2024
Job Title: Case Manager
From: Brazil
Speaks: English, Portuguese, and Spanish
I am a social worker by nature. I am trilingual and I have over 7 years of experience in human services. I hold a degree in Social Services, and I am working towards a psychology degree.
I know I am only one person, and I can’t do everything myself, but I can definitely make an impact. I will not let what I cannot change interfere with what I want to do for my community. I want to dedicate my life to serve as many people as I am able to.
Jacyara Barreto
With JFS since: February 2024
Job Title: Homemaker
From: Brazil
Speaks: English, Portuguese and some Spanish
I have been in the US since I was 8 years old and grew up in Framingham. I have been married for 17 years and have two beautiful children. We recently added a new member to the family and his name is tucker, he is a shih tzu and we love him! On my free time I love to stich and spend time with my family.
What I love about homecare is that I know I am helping others and that makes me happy.
Paola Gutierrez
With JFS since: February 2024
Job Title: Homemaker
From: Guatemala
Speaks: Spanish and English
My name is Paola Gutierrez, I am 21 years old, and I am from Guatemala. I have a super positive attitude and one of my favorite things to do is spend time with my family. I am a volunteer in my community, and I am always happy and willing to help others. I love to laugh, learn, listen to music, taking care of my plants, and watch sunrises!
Because of my love and willingness to help others, I hope to become a nurse! I see nurses helping so many in need, and I want to be able to do the same for the people in my community!
Hector Contreras
With JFS since: February 2024
Job Title: Immigrant Services Case Manager
From: Puerto Rico
Speaks: Spanish & English
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, I attended a military school where I graduated high school, before venturing to Massachusetts in 2004 where I first experienced the notorious “black ice”. After a few slips and falls I decided that a 6’ 2” man shouldn’t let ice control the outcome of what happens if/when I step on it, determined to win the battle I went back home to Puerto Rico. Who’s laughing now? The following year I came back! And stayed. I worked at the MWRTA in Framingham, I transitioned from a driver to a dispatch supervisor in just five months. Outside of work, I have a passion for cooking, trying new recipes in the kitchen, and embracing the Puerto Rican saying, “Yo como piedras con ketchup” (“I eat rocks with ketchup”), as in I will eat anything. As a single parent to a lively 5-year-old, we share a love for the outdoors, travel, beaches, food, and exploring the zoo together. I love challenges in life, if it’s too easy I don’t find it interesting. I believe challenges are opportunities for growth and learning, pushing me to strive for excellence and overcome obstacles. The satisfaction of conquering a difficult task far outweighs the comfort of an easy journey.
My role as an immigrant services case manager, involves providing crucial assistance to immigrants during their transition, offering support and resources to help them navigate the challenges of adapting to a new environment and building a successful life for themselves and their families, this is why I believe my work at JFS is important.