Where are you from?

El Salvador

When did you first get involved at RPM?

I was waiting in the waiting area for the evening yoga class. The class had been cancelled, and Steve came and talked to me  for a while and talked to me about volunteer opportunities. He asked me if I would be interested in office work and I told Steve that I used to work in the past for a German non-profit organization and various other charities. So it sounded interesting to me when Steve suggested that I volunteer here as his Executive Assistant. And then I began serving in other capacities here as well.

Why do you love RPM? What do you want people to know about RPM?

I love that the work I do not only helps those I immediately serve, but could actually impact social change. The possibilities are so great at a nonprofit and I love having the opportunity to impact the future.

-Every day is a surprise, there is not a normal day here. One day you may be helping out with fundraising and administration and the next day you may be doing something totally different. You learn to wear many hats.

What do you like to do when you are not at work?

I like to stay up to date regarding ways to improve one’s credit, savings and finances. And I try to spend time with my loved ones. I love to stay connected by phone and by social media with my family who lives in ES, Uruguay and Switzerland.

Fun Fact

I’m terrified of snakes

Where are you from?

Live in Wyoming. Spent 41 years teaching overseas, the last 10 before retirement (1997 to 2007) in Mexico City.

When did you first get involved at RPM?

2012

Why do you love RPM? What do you want people to know about RPM?

I love the Latino community and want to help them integrate them into life here. RPM is good at this.

What do you like to do when you are not at work?

I volunteer for numerous organizations. And I love to golf.

Fun Fact

I have visited over 50 countries.

What is your favorite vegetable and/or snack?

I love Alambre, a Mexico City specialty. Check Wikipedia if you do not know.

Where are you from?

Grand Rapids.

When did you first get involved at RPM?

June 2014.

Why do you love RPM? What do you want people to know about RPM?

There is something at RPM for everyone in the neighborhood.

What do you like to do when you are not at work?

I like to sing.

Fun Fact

I discovered I could sleep without a pillow.

Hello! My name is Rachel, and I’ve been involved with Roosevelt Park Ministries for over two years. I’m from Grand Rapids and studied writing and Spanish at Grand Valley State University. After studying abroad for a semester in Chile, I wanted to continue using my skills and learning Spanish after graduating in 2018. I discovered RPM through a professor of mine, and it has been incredibly fulfilling to use and improve my skills within the Roosevelt Park community. However, the best part has been the personal connections with my coworkers, students, and the clients here. I’m excited to continue evolving with RPM and meeting new people!

Hello, my name is Blanca Perez-Chao. I’m from Spain, married, and have two children. I studied electric engineering and I’ve been living in Grand Rapids for a few years because of my husband’s work. I worked as a teacher in Spain for 20 years and teaching is something that I really like to do. Being here made me ask myself: Why not teach Spanish? It would be a good opportunity to help people, meet people, and practice English. So here I am, at Roosevelt Park Ministries, as a volunteer. I think that if you want to learn Spanish, you have the chance to do it here at Roosevelt Park Ministries.