Although he has been in the United States for only a year, Carlos Rodriguez not only has learned to speak English fluently, but he volunteers many hours each week at Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley, where he translates brochures and documents about domestic abuse and violence.

“I want to help vulnerable women and children,” he said. “I am a survivor of domestic abuse; that’s why I do this. When I hear of abuse, it’s as though they’re hitting me.” Rodriguez said his parents’ divorce adversely affected his family. At that time, he looked after his younger siblings and facilitated communication between his parents, even though he was only 11 years old.

Safe Shelter volunteer coordinator Teri Ebel said Rodriguez is “a blessing — an angel brought to us. There is a well spring of compassion within him. He is very good about keeping in touch and requesting more work. He does all I ask, and more.”

In Mexico, he volunteered for the International Rescue Team and traveled to Turkey, Taiwan, India and El Salvador on missions to aid recovery after floods and earthquakes. “I have seen a lot of the world and a lot of hardship.” he said. “When I am working, I’m strong, but you have to cry sometimes — cry like a child when inside you feel so much compassion.”

Rodriguez was a paramedic, firefighter and biology teacher when he lived in Mexico City. He is here on an international student visa, taking classes at Front Range Community College to qualify as an emergency medical technician. He also takes English classes at FRCC and Intercambio de Communidades, works in the Student Life Department at FRCC, and volunteers some of his time at Intercambio. His ultimate goal is to become an emergency room nurse.

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.