Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

In honor of the end of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are sharing this wonderful story with you. And we want to recognize Latino communities for the remarkable contributions they have made to enrich our daily lives and make us stronger.

There’s a quaint home in Western Massachusetts, one of May’s adult residences, where everyone enjoys an infusion and celebration of Puerto Rican culture. Spanish-speaking staff and staff interested in learning the language provide care to Spanish speakers Eli, brothers Jose and Sammy pictured, and Richard, a housemate whose Caribbean culture shares many similarities.

“We love celebrating our culture in the home,” says Janette Winterle, former Program Coordinator. “From the food to the music to the language, our culture is very special to us. The staff wants the individuals to know that we understand how important it is to them—so much so that we want them to feel it in their soul.”

Throughout the year, and most definitely on special occasions, residents enjoy savory dishes from their homeland, including jamón al horno con piña (ham with pineapple), sándwich de mezcla (mix of canned ham, cheese dip, and red pepper), arroz dulce (rice pudding), flan, and bocadillo con queso (cheese with guava paste). Many evenings they play a few rounds of dominoes, reminiscent of a favorite pastime in their homelands. Impromptu dance parties get everyone moving—in a fabulous way!

“The guys love reggaetón,” Janette says, smiling. “Jose will say ‘música,’ prompting staff to turn on the music. He can’t wait to start dancing. Sammy has limited mobility, so he dances by moving back and forth in his chair, his eyes wide open, happy, and smiling.

“We show each other a lot of love,” she continues. “When someone comes to the residence, they feel it almost right away. We celebrate a lot together, and we have fun. We’re like family—we are family.”