Olga Rodriguez
Olga Rodriguez, executive director of Haven of Peace, sat down with HERLIFE Magazine recently to share her dedication to family and community.
HLM: How long have you lived here? What do you love most?
OR: I was born and raised in the Republic of Panama and I have lived in Stockton, California, for the past 46 years. Working at Haven of Peace, has allowed me to see the great heart and generosity of our community members, donors, businesses and organizations who have supported and embraced the women and children by responding to their needs and when crisis arises. What a blessing it is to have a community that goes beyond their line of duty!
HLM: How is your heart inspired to serve the community?
OR: My heart is inspired to serve the women and children at Haven of Peace because they are broken and have a feeling of hopelessness when they arrive to Haven of Peace. But it is an amazing feeling for me to see their growth, after providing them with the support, love, encouragement, resources and life skill classes they needed to become self-sufficient.
HLM: What sparks joy for you?
OR: One is to see the Lord’s hand in the life of the women and children of Haven of Peace when they achieve their goals. Working with homeless families and helping them succeed also sparks joy in my life.
HLM: What’s your free time passion?
OR: Outside of work, my time is best spent sharing the word of God with others, encouraging those that have lost hope and praying with them. I also enjoy traveling with my family.
HLM: Top three bucket list goals?
OR: Visit Jerusalem; visit Australia; learn to swim.
HLM: What accomplishment are you most proud of?
OR: It’s the Haven of Peace Mission: We are committed to providing our residents with tools that help each of them become self-sufficient. Our aim is to show the women and children of our shelter the forgiveness and love of Jesus Christ, which we believe fosters good decision-making and healthy living. Therefore, the accomplishment I am most proud of is following Haven of Peace’s mission, which is to share the word of God with the women and children hoping that many more women and children would accept the Lord in their life.
HLM:: Can you describe a key event that had an impact on your life?
OR: One of the women at Haven of Peace was challenged getting her five children back from CPS, finding a house, obtaining transportation and a job. What seemed impossible for her to achieve was all possible because of the support, guidance, love, encouragement, resources provided, life skills classes she received and prayers. This mother has completed all of her goals and currently has all of her children with her. Nothing is impossible with Christ at our side!
HLM: Do you have a favorite quote?
OR: Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
HLM: What are you currently reading?
OR: I am studying and reading about the Holy Spirit. The book that I am reading is Jesus in Me: Experiencing the Holy Spirit as a Constant Companion by Anne Graham Lotz.
HLM: Favorite food or dessert?
OR: Chinese food is my favorite food and my favorite dessert is ice cream.
