Hispanic Heritage Month serves as a vibrant reminder of the diverse Hispanic cultures that enrich our communities, particularly through the dedicated efforts of staff at Catholic Charities NY. This month invites us to celebrate not only the history and achievements of Hispanic individuals but also the cultural identities that shape our society. Talia Lockspeiser, COO at Catholic Charities, beautifully articulates this significance: “My Hispanic heritage really defines me, personally and professionally. It connects me to my family, my community, and the work I do every day to uplift others.”
This month invites us to celebrate not only the history and achievements of Hispanic individuals but also the cultural identities that shape our society. At Catholic Charities, the commitment to uplifting Hispanic voices is evident in various initiatives designed to meet the unique needs of diverse communities, including those from countries like Venezuela, Costa Rica, Mexico, Cuba, and Brazil.
Diego Padilla, Director of Communications at Part of the Solution (POTS), emphasizes the importance of community, stating, “Being Hispanic is being part of a diverse group of individuals who enrich our society. Together, we can create positive change.” POTS and Catholic Charities collaborate closely to provide essential services, including food assistance and comprehensive support for those facing challenges in their daily lives.
One of the critical aspects of our services is the Feeding Our Neighbors Program, which distributed 5.7 million meals in 2023 to approximately 713,670 individuals. This program demonstrates our dedication to combating food insecurity, especially among vulnerable populations. Our food selection includes proteins such as eggs and frozen meat, dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt, and fresh and canned produce, featuring fruits like mangoes, guava, and plantains, as well as vegetables including napa cabbage, yuca, cilantro, and collard greens.
Beatriz Diaz Taveras, Executive Director of Catholic Charities Community Services, shares her journey as a first-generation Dominican American. “Growing up, my parents instilled in me values of social justice,” she reflects. “Coming to Catholic Charities has been a fulfillment of my upbringing and my faith, allowing me to provide hope for all who come through our doors.” Beatriz emphasizes that her Hispanic heritage shapes both her personal and professional identity, from the comfort of family gatherings to the vibrant rhythms of salsa music, all while fostering a deep sense of community.
One of the things that Catholic Charities NY helps hispanics with is immigration which is integral to our mission, particularly through programs like the Day Laborers Program, which advocates for fair wages and safe working conditions for those in need. “Our work is about helping people understand that they are not alone in their journey,” Beatriz explains, emphasizing the significance of community connections and the shared responsibility to uplift one another.
Staff members like Karen Urizar and Mariana Duenas also highlight the resilience and strength inherent in their cultural backgrounds. Karen, a case manager, shares, “My heritage allows me to connect deeply with those I serve. I understand their struggles and celebrate their victories.” Mariana echoes this sentiment, stating, “Every day, I am reminded of the importance of community and family. Our work at Catholic Charities is about providing not just services, but also love and respect to those in need.”
As Talia reinforces, “Every interaction we have is an opportunity to uplift someone. When we acknowledge the richness of our cultural backgrounds, we empower those we serve to thrive.” The stories of individuals served by Catholic Charities highlight the critical impact of these services, illustrating that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
As we explore these personal stories and experiences, it becomes clear that Hispanic Heritage Month is not merely a celebration; it is an opportunity for reflection, connection, and action. Our collective mission at Catholic Charities is to create an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their background.
By honoring this month, Catholic Charities recognizes the vital contributions of the Hispanic community and recommits ourselves to supporting one another on our shared journey toward hope, stability, and positive change. In this spirit, let us celebrate not just the heritage, but also the shared humanity that binds us all together. As Talia reminds us, “When we uplift one another, we strengthen our communities as a whole.” Together, we can build a brighter future where every voice is heard, and every individual is empowered.
