Over the last 25 years, Cesar Ruiz Jr.’s journey has taken him from Western Massachusetts to Florida and back again, proving that love of family, a woman and his hometown’s Latino community are powerful pulls.
In 1980, at the age of 25, Ruiz, a proudly self-described “North-End boy” became the first Hispanic member of the Springfield School Committee, serving for six years. In 2000, a visit to Florida turned into a 15-year stay in the Sunshine state — setting him on a path to a successful career in finance in the Tampa Bay area.
But he was never very far from home, making frequent flights to Springfield to visit his aging parents. During those years, he fell in love with hometown girl Lillian Berrios — and his fate was sealed. The couple met in 2016 and married in January 2019.
After he moved back to Western Massachusetts, Ruiz continued his work in finance remotely and making business trips when needed. But in 2016 he dusted off an old business plan to start up a company to help senior citizens stay in their homes – a longtime goal close to his heart.
Ruiz, who was an active caregiver to his father after he suffered a stroke, said he understands the desire of senior citizens to stay in their homes is “personal to me,” he said.
So, in 2017, he founded East Longmeadow-based Golden Years Homecare Services, which has grown from its startup investment to $12.5 million in revenues. The company currently has 675 clients and 585 caregivers with expectations to double its revenues and expand its staff in the next three years.
At the same time, he threw himself into community activism with the aim of lifting the aspirations of the region’s growing Latino population.
Cesar Ruiz, founder and CEO of Golden Years Homecare Services, makes a point during an interview in his East Longmeadow home. (Don Treeger / The Republican) The Republican
Last year Ruiz formed and financed the “Hispanic Leaders Now Political Action Committee,” which aims to elect more Hispanic and Latino candidates to elective offices across the commonwealth.
A lover of music, arts and culture, Ruiz also jumped at the chance to become a major sponsor of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s “Havana Nights” concert set for 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10.
The event will feature renowned Latin jazz and afro-Cuban ensemble the Mambo Kings, along with soloist Camille Zamora, who made her SSO debut at the orchestra’s holiday show in December.
Ruiz said he hopes an all Latino-themed symphony program won’t be the orchestra’s last. “We want to tap into a new sense of enthusiasm for the music in both the Latino population and the community at large,” he said.
Ruiz is impressed with the efforts of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, which is striving to expand its audience by offering concerts like the upcoming “Latino Nights” as well as programs honoring Martin Luther King Day and the Juneteenth holiday.
“We’re hoping to develop a continuing relationship with the community. We don’t want this to be a one-time thing,” Ruiz said, adding that “many Hispanics have never been to the symphony. We want them to continue to come to ‘the dance,’” he said.
Paul Lambert, president and CEO of the Springfield Symphony, said the orchestra “is thrilled to offer a concert with a distinct Latin theme, as we continue to diversify our musical offerings in attracting new audiences to Symphony Hall.”
The “Havana Nights” program will merge Afro-Cuban flair with our classical musicians, creating something truly unique that opens a new way to connect with our community musically,” he said.
“We are particularly gratified that Cesar Ruiz, his family and the company that he created and leads, is serving as Community Leader Sponsor in helping to underwrite this important musical offering to the Latin Community and the community at large.”
“The Hispanic population represents an economic engine in every space of society including the workforce, education, culture and arts,” Ruiz said, explaining his passion for community building and activism.
Down the road, Ruiz would like to see a revival of an annual Latino Festival on the Springfield riverfront. Ruiz, who appreciates the ethnic and cultural diversity of the city, thinks other communities should share their customs and history.
In addition to the Springfield Symphony, Ruiz is a supporter of many other organizations that bring people together including the Rays of Hope and Holyoke’s St. Patrick Parade.
Other concert sponsors include The Republican/MassLive and New Valley Bank, with additional support from the Mass Cultural Council.
Tickets, starting at $35, are on sale at SpringfieldSymphony.org, or by calling the Box Office at 413-733-2291.
