Virgen Rubero has spent a great portion of her adult life caring for others. First, as a mother of four children, and later, starting at the age of 35, as a daughter who became caretaker in her home for her bedridden mother for 24 years.
“I was brought up to honor my father and mother and that was what I was supposed to do.” She later lost her husband who, after suffering several strokes and epileptic seizures, passed away in only four months. “I lost my mother and my husband within nine months of one another, and I moved from West Lawn to Blandon which was very difficult for me.”
After her heartbreaking losses, and to help fill the void that had opened in her life, Virgen sought meaning and purpose in a job. “I had a passion to help the elderly, and I was trying to get something working with seniors when a position opened up with the Hispanic Center for children and youth. I worked for two years helping families to keep children in their homes until another position opened with the senior center which I applied for.”
October 4, 2025 will mark 25 years that Virgen, known to everyone as Jeannie, has worked with the Hispanic Center, where she serves as Senior Center Director, and Director of Operations for Mama Angie’s Casa De La Amistad Senior Center for the Elderly.
“My job is my second home!” says Jeannie with much enthusiasm. “I am usually there by 5a.m.; my job is a lot of hours!” At this point in the interview, Jeannie’s passion for her work became evident. “I’m involved with everything! Health and nutrition classes, fitness classes, ESL classes and support groups, social and recreational activities, arts and crafts. We have social workers who help with whatever they need. It is a safe haven where the seniors in our community come together to learn and to socialize and receive support and encouragement. We have fun hosting dances, and celebrating birthdays. We also serve approximately 4,000 meals per day at our Hispanic Center Kitchen, between seniors and youth in Berks County.”
In addition to her work with Centro Hispano, Jeannie relies on her steadfast faith and her role as a minister of that faith to extend her reach and help heal those who have suffered abuse of any kind. “I was pastoring at The House of God, Gate of Heaven church until my husband passed away. I was going through my own healing from the loss of my husband and my mom. I was waiting on the Lord to help me start the Church again. He gave me a new name which is Jesus’ Home of Healing and Restoration. Three Sundays a month we help people who have gone through abuse. I believe that God has used me to help those who are suffering. Only God keeps me going; the love he gives us is the love we should give to one another. I want to show God’s people God’s love. It is my mission, my passion, and my calling. I want to let them know that they are not alone.”
Jeannie’s undying work through her position, and the time she volunteers within the community recently garnered the attention of the National AARP organization, who honored her with the Community Heroes Award. This award recognizes individuals who are working tirelessly and making a significant contribution through their volunteer work and honors those who dedicate their time and talent to enriching the lives of others, while reflecting AARP’s vision and purpose. Readers can view the AARP video featuring Jeannie on the Centro Hispano website.
Jeannie’s total devotion to what she considers her “dream job”, which offers an unending source of opportunities for her to help others, inspires and motivates her each and every day.
“It’s just rewarding, seeing so many happy faces, seeing everyone being happy. I believe we really have an impact on the community. We have registered over 600 seniors so far this year, and that’s just by word of mouth. I love Reading and the bi-cultural community. Everyone I’ve met in the over 30 years that I’ve been here is friendly and everyone gets along with the community we serve. I love what I do. I’m so inspired!”
To learn more about activities for seniors sponsored by Centro Hispano.org or to become a volunteer, visit www.centrohispano.org or contact Jeannie directly at vrubero@centrohispano.org
