After growing up as a twin in Loveland, Andrea Cella went to the University of Colorado, where she earned degrees in structural engineering and architectural design. Now, she does engineering work with the Ascent Group in Boulder, which often works with architectural firms.

When she was a child, Cella said, her mother impressed her by volunteering to organize activities for mentally challenged adults. “Mom showed us what it means to be compassionate,” she said.

Wanting to volunteer as well, Cella searched the city of Longmont’s Web site for opportunities, where she found Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley. She now volunteers about 12 hours a month with the nonprofit. “Creating relationships with the giving people at the shelter, particularly volunteer coordinator Teri Ebel, recharges my batteries and makes me want to give more,” Cella said.

One of her tasks is to distribute educational posters to businesses like Wal-Mart and Borders and a variety of apartment complexes. The businesses have proven positive in their reception of the information and, in addition, served as rehearsal sites for Cella, who feels she needs more experience in conveying domestic violence facts.

A project in the planning stages will feature Cella as a math tutor for children in a Safe Shelter program called “Math + Mentoring = Magic.” “I was super excited to hear I could give back with these skills I have, because they didn’t come easily to me; this experience will empower both my students and me,” she said.

In a fundraising project, the High Country Ladies of Harley — a group of motorcycle enthusiasts — staged a garage sale benefit for the shelter. Cella worked there as a salesperson and brought in merchandise from friends.

“Just knowing that these diverse Safe Shelter efforts go to benefit our clients is what I truly love most,” Cella said. “The challenges women go through in their lives to make the transition from an abusive situation are huge. To volunteer is a great way to give hope for this world back.”

For information about volunteering with the Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley or other agencies, call the Volunteer Connection at 303-444-4904, or go to our Volunteer Central.