As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Nazareth Housing is proud to highlight the voices of our Hispanic staff members who bring deep cultural understanding, compassion, and connection to their work every day. Their lived experiences and shared heritage strengthen our ability to serve New York City’s diverse communities with dignity and respect. We spoke with Radaisa Berroa-Jorge, our Program Director of Prevention and Supportive Housing, about how her Dominican heritage has shaped her approach to serving clients and supporting our mission.
How has your Hispanic heritage influenced who you are and the way you connect with the people we serve at Nazareth Housing?
“As a Hispanic female, I was raised to be myself and to speak up without disrespecting anyone. My mother was a teacher in the Dominican Republic and showed me that being myself was very important. My positive and original attitude has helped me connect to the people that God gave me the pleasure to serve. Being able to communicate with the Hispanic community has been so helpful because they can express their feelings openly, knowing I understand where they are coming from.”
We work with so many Hispanic families at Nazareth. How does sharing that culture or language help you build relationships?
“When I talk with the community in their language, we create a connection. Sometimes people arriving at the office think that I am African American, but when I tell them I’m Dominican, their mind and attitude change — the communication gets easier, and a sense of fraternity develops. I’m a people person, but being able to communicate in my language is very special. I love this work, I love what I do — but doing it in my language makes it even more meaningful and invaluable.”
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you, and how do you see it reflected in the community we create at Nazareth Housing?
“To celebrate my heritage is very important because we celebrate not only who we are but everything we’ve accomplished throughout the years. Being Hispanic means everything to me. Assisting people from my community to overcome an obstacle is one of the reasons I chose to become a social worker. I wanted to be part of the evolution and growth of my community — and I thank Nazareth Housing for giving me that opportunity for the last six years.”
At Nazareth Housing, we recognize that cultural identity and language are essential to building trust and fostering community. We’re proud to honor the heritage and contributions of staff members like Radaisa, whose work embodies our mission to help New Yorkers achieve housing stability, economic mobility, and lasting independence.