Former 6th grade language arts teacher Laura Houston now dedicates her time and talents to Intercambio de Comunidades, teaching English to Boulder's diverse immigrant population.

Established in Boulder in 2001, Intercambio de Comunidades offers affordable English classes, community resource information, and intercultural exchange.

Houston began her volunteer career with Intercambio by starting small: one student. "After that, I thought, some of these exercises would be fun to do in a group," she says, "so I asked for a class and they said I could teach out at Lafayette."

Houston's English classes involve cultural interchanges too. "People are so thankful when class members get comfortable with each other. That's when they start sharing," says Houston, "and, they have amazing life stories."

What do students and new citizens like about the US? Houston is quick to answer: "Security!" And, maybe opportunity, too.

"I had a student working at a supermarket without benefits," Houston explains. "Her class activity was to learn the want ads in the book. Then she went out and found herself another job. She loves her new employer. And, she has benefits!"

For information about volunteering with Intercambio de Comunidades or other agencies, call the Volunteer Connection at 303-444-4904.