Different Voices, One PACE: How Diversity Drives Compassionate Care

Healthcare begins with people.

At CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), every participant brings with them a unique story — shaped by culture, family traditions, personal experiences, and individual challenges. No two journeys are the same. This is why diversity in healthcare is essential.

We believe that the strength of our care comes from the diversity of our staff. Different voices, perspectives, and experiences allow us to connect deeply, serve compassionately, and make a difference in the lives of those who trust us with their care.

Human Connection is the Heart of Healthcare

CenterLight Healthcare has been providing managed long-term care services to older adults in New York for more than four decades. Through our many years of experience, we have seen first-hand that meaningful moments in care are not found in diagnoses or care plans. Instead, they are found in understanding: a familiar language spoken, cultural events at our PACE sites, or a staff member who listens with empathy because they have walked a similar path.

These moments truly matter.

For many of our participants, having a care team who understands their background can make the difference during vulnerable moments. It reminds them that they are not alone. When participants feel seen, heard, and respected, trust grows. And trust is one of the foundations of high-quality care.

Diversity is one of CenterLight’s core values. Our team reflects the cultures and languages of the New York community and the older adults we serve at our eleven sites. In fact, CenterLight staff members speak more than 25 languages and dialects. This helps us understand the needs of our participants and enables us to provide care as unique as they are. It helps us build relationships that go beyond medical care and create a sense of comfort that makes our participants think of us as their second family and our centers as a second home.

Source: CenterLight Healthcare PACE Census as of January 2026

Different Perspectives Make Us Stronger

Healthcare is constantly evolving, and the challenges we face require more than one way of thinking.

Creative and effective ideas often come from teams made up of people with different backgrounds and perspectives. Diversity doesn’t only encompass culture; it also includes diversity in expertise. It fosters teamwork and encourages innovation, creativity, and collaboration. It allows us to approach challenges with open minds and find solutions that are thoughtful, innovative, and inclusive.

The PACE model of care lends itself to diversity. Each participant receives care from a team made up of different disciplines -- like pieces of a puzzle coming together to provide all the services they need.

Every voice at CenterLight contributes to the bigger picture. Whether someone is part of the care team or works in administrative positions, each person brings valuable insight that strengthens the care we provide.

Inclusion Creates Belonging

Diversity is about more than representation. To us, inclusion means fostering an environment and a culture where our employees feel safe sharing their ideas, experiences, and perspectives. It means recognizing that every team member has something meaningful to offer.

When employees feel supported and connected, that sense of belonging extends to our participants, their caregivers, our care partners, and the New York community.

One Mission, Many Voices

What makes CenterLight special is not that we all come from the same place or share the same experiences. What makes us special is our shared commitment to caring for others.

Every voice, every story, and every perspective add something valuable to the fulfillment of our mission: to provide care that enriches the lives of those we serve and helps them continue to live safely and independently in their own homes.

Click here to learn about careers at CenterLight.

About the Author

This blog post is written by David Silva, Chief Administrative Officer at CenterLight Health System. David has been working at CenterLight for more than 10 years and oversees Human Resources, Marketing, Information Technology, and Parkchester Enhancement Program (PEP) for Seniors, a Naturally Occurring Retirement Community in Bronx, New York.

In his own words:

"At CenterLight, I believe our strength is our teamwork. We work together to provide high quality care, and each of us is committed to meeting our participants’ needs with respect, dedication, and compassion."

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Updated May 27, 2026