Blog
Meet Bruce Todd: Empowering Immigrants Through Education
Posted: April 11, 2023
In San Rafael’s Canal neighborhood, volunteer Bruce Todd has made a difference in the lives of Latino immigrants through his unwavering commitment to teaching English, offering guidance, and supporting citizenship aspirations at Canal Alliance.
University student gives back
Posted: October 25, 2022
Britney Guiterrez Calderon registered new voters and advocated for equitable public infrastructure in the Canal community.
Scientist inspires young Latinas
Posted: October 25, 2022
Krystal Sandza is a technical scientist at BioMarin and a role model for young women in our University Prep program who are exploring STEM careers. This kind of mentorship is critical for students who are the first in their families to attend college.
Volunteer Carol Njus: ‘Whatever it takes’
Posted: August 2, 2022
Carol immersed herself in the study of Spanish, honing her skills in conversation and reading. She then put her language skills to work, helping Spanish-speaking residents of the Canal neighborhood make critical connections with employers, schools, and government institutions.
Volunteer Tax Experts Help Immigrants Access over $1 Million in Returns
Posted: March 17, 2022
The team at Canal Alliance provides one-on-one support, helping immigrants overcome barriers and access their tax returns.
Volunteer Spotlight: Dominican University student gives back
Posted: July 22, 2021
Christina Pathoumthong, a fourth-year History and Political Science major got involved with Canal Alliance through the Dominican University Service Learning Program.
Community impact of Voces del Canal
Posted: May 12, 2021
Voces del Canal is a coalition of resident leaders and Latino immigrants from the Canal Neighborhood of San Rafael who came together in 2014 to lead an unprecedented community-driven research project alongside the leadership of Canal Alliance and Dominican University to identify the biggest challenges facing the Canal community. In conducting this research project and survey, residents wanted to affirm their role as authentic, local experts and give power to the collective experiences of Canal residents who shared their personal stories, opinions, and vision for a stronger and safer Canal.
Celebrating a 16-year partnership
Posted: February 3, 2021
For 16 years, Canal Alliance has partnered with Dominican University’s Service-Learning Program. As a main component of the program, Dominican students are placed within programs at Canal Alliance and other community-based organizations and commit to working with them for a minimum of two hours per week for a full 15-week semester.
Former educator builds and donates handmade desks to UP! students
Posted: January 20, 2021
As the digital divide added to the crisis that was disproportionately impacting students and families of color, Eric creatively and generously put his talents and passion to work supporting students. In total, Eric crafted 17 desks by hand for UP! students, and Lisa complemented the donation by providing school supplies.
Volunteer spotlight – Nancy Curran
Posted: January 20, 2021
For over 20 years, Nancy Curran has demonstrated her dedication to Marin’s immigrant community by serving as the Canal Alliance Citizenship Class instructor. Through her volunteer service, she has helped, hundreds (if not thousands) of clients become U.S. citizens!
