Becoming a Community Leader in the Canal: Rosa’s Story 

Rosa’s journey to the United States from Mexico was motivated by her desire for safety for herself and her children. Ongoing violence and assault in her community pushed her to make the most difficult of decisions: to leave everything behind in Mexico and start anew in a place she hoped would offer security and opportunities. Eventually, in 2001, she made it to the Canal neighborhood of San Rafael with her children. 

“I didn’t want my children to go through the same things I went through…to live scared of all these horrible things happening to and around me,” she shares. 

Rosa recalls that in 2001, when she arrived to the Canal area, ICE raids were prevalent, and she regularly witnessed families being torn apart, that each raid left “a trail of sadness, anxiety, and depression in the community.” For Rosa, it was a heartbreaking new reality in her new home. 

“It was so sad to see how families were being broken apart with the ICE raids. There was so much sadness, anxiety, and depression taking over a lot of people. I felt helpless when I first arrived in 2001, but now I know today I can make a difference,” Rosa reflects. She says it was in these moments of helplessness that she found her calling—to help others who were living in the same fear and uncertainty she had once known. 

During the pandemic, Rosa entered the healthcare field here in the United States, dedicating herself to helping others in their times of need. For four years, she has served her community, all the while learning English, improving her skills, and trying to provide a better life for her children. She knew her path wouldn’t be easy, but her love for helping people kept her going. 

“I love my job. Ever since I was a little girl, I have always loved helping other people. My dream is to continue my career in healthcare and my next step would be to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) through Canal Alliance’s program.” 

Despite hearing about Canal Alliance for over two decades, Rosa says she didn’t get involved with the organization until 2020, during the pandemic. Driven by a desire to help her neighbors, she began handing out flyers and knocking on doors to get the word out about the resources Canal Alliance offered. 

Before this, Rosa had already been focused on improving her English skills. She enrolled at the College of Marin to further her education, and she says she had always been interested in taking ESL courses at Canal Alliance. Finally, in the Fall of 2024, she took the leap and enrolled in those courses. 

“The teachers are a big help and explain everything very precisely and clearly,” Rosa says, grateful for the clarity the program has provided. “These classes have helped me a lot to communicate at my healthcare job and also with my children. I can express myself more.” 

According to Rosa, her connection with Canal Alliance has been transformative. She is now working her way toward taking Canal Alliance’s CNA course in the upcoming months, all while participating in citizenship classes.  

“I’m always very busy with the opportunities Canal Alliance offers and for that I am very grateful,” she says, “Canal Alliance has helped me out personally, because sometimes you want to belong to something and it can be very sad or lonely, but with all these different resources and opportunities, it has changed my life.” 

Rosa is also deeply invested in her community. She is involved with the local Voces de Canal program. With them, she works tirelessly to raise awareness and connect people to the services and resources she knows are available.  

“I want everyone during these times to unite together,” Rosa says. “I know there are many people out there in the Canal that want to help but often feel like they can’t because of the language barrier. Now, more than ever, people need to be understanding of one another and come together. The community must be strong together.” 

Rosa’s commitment is fueled by her love for her three children. “My three children are the motors that keep me going,” she says, a soft but proud smile spreading across her face. “I know a lot of people in the community feel that way, so I want to be there to help them.” 

Though Rosa lived in the Canal neighborhood for over 20 years, she now resides in another part of San Rafael. Yet, her involvement in the community remains as strong as ever. She says she loves the sense of unity and belonging that the Canal neighborhood offers, and she encourages anyone who needs help to turn to Canal Alliance. 

“I would 100 percent tell anyone to come to Canal Alliance because they offer so many services. Some of the services that they offer would surprise people in the community,” she says with conviction as she notes that not many people know Canal Alliance offers help with how to obtain a driver’s license or the weekly food pantry.  

Rosa’s dream for the future is close to her heart: to continue helping those around her, to share the opportunities that have helped her, and to encourage others to find strength in their community. In her eyes, her journey is opening new chapters in her life. 

“Canal Alliance has helped me out personally, and it’s made me a stronger person,” Rosa concludes. “It’s not just about getting help. It’s about giving it back. I want to be a part of something bigger, to be a part of the change.” 

Rosa’s story is a testament to the power of community, resilience, and the belief that no matter where you come from, you can create a better future—for yourself, your children, and those around you. 

*Client name was changed for their protection.