Learn more about this year's Social Advocacy Award winner.

Carlos understands well the challenges facing immigrants in the Hudson Valley because he was one himself. At the age of 21, Carlos left his hometown in Ecuador for a brighter future in the United States. He remembers very clearly the challenges and struggles that faced him and his young family, particularly in the early days of his immigration.

For many years, Carlos worked in the restaurant business. The hours were long and late, but he successfully worked his way up from dishwasher, to prep cook, to eventually managing several Westchester-area restaurants. The interpersonal skills and business experience that he gained by managing and supervising staff have proven to be invaluable in his work with Ossining Padres Hispanos. Carlos has since changed professions to spend more time with his family and was inspired by his daughter to volunteer. 

Ossining Padres Hispanos (OPH) is a volunteer-run organization whose mission is to provide low-income individuals and families in the greater Ossining area the critical support and equitable opportunities that lead to increasing sense of self-sufficiency and financial stability for new immigrants and community members in need. Carlos has been involved with the organization since its inception in 2017.

It’s no surprise that Carlos is a very hands-on board member of Ossining Padres Hispanos. He helps manage the organization's English as a Second Language (ESL) program, an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification program, Home Health Aide (HHA) training, and U.S. citizenship classes for immigrant populations. Carlos is especially passionate about working with immigrants from Ecuador and other Latin American countries. A portion of the clients are undocumented, and they can be understandably wary. Carlos builds bonds with everyone and he has the knack for asking just the right questions. He recognizes that the new arrival in January might need an extra winter jacket from the clothing drive, while those who are already employed might not require as much support as those who are still seeking jobs.

Carlos lives in Ossining alongside his wife of 35 years, Juana, and their two daughters: Jessica, a social worker and Emily, a school teacher.

The Volunteer Spirit Awards is the premier volunteer recognition event in our region, with an expected attendance of 500 community leaders, business leaders, and elected officials.

Please join us for a celebration of community and kindness on Friday, May 5th at the Westchester Marriott in Tarrytown from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

For more information, please visit www.volunteernewyork/awards, or contact Matt Soper, Director of Development at [email protected]. 

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