As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Nazareth Housing continues to honor the voices and experiences of our Hispanic staff members who bring empathy, cultural understanding, and community pride to their work every day. Their stories remind us that representation matters — both in how we serve and how we connect with New Yorkers across our programs.
We spoke with Madeline Beato, Senior Case Manager at Park Avenue Thorpe, about how her Dominican heritage has shaped her path as a social worker and strengthened the relationships she builds with clients.
How has your Hispanic heritage influenced who you are and the way you connect with the people we serve at Nazareth Housing?
“I believe that my Hispanic heritage has played a significant role in shaping the person I am today. The primary way Hispanics express their love is through acts of service. Growing up, my grandmother always made sure that after lunch or dinner, there was food left over in case a visitor stopped by hungry. She grew up in a very poor neighborhood in the Dominican Republic, but she was fortunate enough to always provide for her family and others. She’s the reason I fell in love with giving back to my community — because I’ve seen firsthand how far a simple plate of food can go in turning someone’s day around. The compassion, generosity, and work ethic she instilled in me from a young age have made me a better social worker.”
We work with so many Hispanic families at Nazareth. How does sharing that culture or language help you build relationships?
“Because I come from a family of immigrants who don’t speak the language, I know how frustrating it can be to try to get your point across. It’s easy for some people to say, ‘You’re in America, speak English!’ But what they fail to realize is that many of the immigrants in our community barely made it through elementary school — and when you arrive here, you’re expected to work nonstop just to survive. Sometimes, doing something as simple as using a translator app or speaking to someone in their native tongue makes a world of difference. It shows that you genuinely care and want to connect. That effort builds trust. Speaking Spanish has definitely strengthened my relationships with clients because I can truly put myself in their shoes — and not see them as just another number.”
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you, and how do you see it reflected in the community we create at Nazareth Housing?
“Being seen and feeling heard is an important part of what we do. The fact that I’m Hispanic and have made it as far as I have feels like a win for all of us. It’s not just about me — it’s about celebrating the progress and presence of our community as a whole.”
At Nazareth Housing, we are proud to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and lived experiences that strengthen our mission and the communities we serve. Team members like Madeline embody the compassion, resilience, and commitment that define our work every day — helping New Yorkers build stable, independent, and thriving lives.