After graduating from Chapman University with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science and Criminal Justice, Christina Ubaldo began working in the childcare department of a local gym in early 2010. She enjoyed working with children, but saw the role as temporary employment until she could return to school to further her education. She worked well with children and adults alike and was quickly promoted to Childcare Manager, even helping to open a new location. However, by February 2010, Christina decided to make a change. She quit her job to pursue her dream of attending law school.

While researching schools, filling out applications and preparing personal statements, Christina sought a way to get involved in the community and volunteer. She was familiar with Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) as she regularly donates to the annual Turkey Drive and through Adopt-a-Family holiday assistance. She started volunteering in the Adult Education program at the Saca Community Learning Center, SFBFS’ North Sacramento facility. “It’s great to be helping others again,” says Christina, who volunteered in college as a tutor for students with learning disabilities at American River College. On a typical day, Christina helps individuals find jobs online in the computer lab, tutoring clients one-on-one in various subjects, helps clients prepare to take the GED exam and assists people with improving their reading and literacy skills. She says the computer lab is usually the busiest, with clients searching for jobs, completing applications for assistance, printing DMV forms and more. “I never realized how many people don’t have the resource of a computer available to them,” she says. “I am often working with many people at the same time.”

“Christina is a leader,” says James Moore, SFBFS’ Adult Education Program Manager at the Saca Community Learning Center. “She goes above and beyond to help our clients and often stays much longer than planned. She is very compassionate.” Christina’s skills in certain subjects also make her a valuable asset to the team at SFBFS. She can help with challenging subjects such as math and science. She’s the “go-to” tutor when it comes to clients that are attending college classes, as she’s the most comfortable tutoring in the more advanced subjects.

Christina volunteers twice a week for several hours in the mornings. “Volunteering at SFBFS is such a positive experience,” she says. “I enjoy the interaction with the staff. They are so supportive of the volunteers and help us to better help the clients. The best part is watching clients achieve their personal goals.” By applying to law school, Christina hopes to do that very thing for herself. She hopes to study human rights or constitutional law and plans to continue making a difference in the lives of others. As a mother of two, attending law school won’t be easy, but Christina is excited to face the challenge that lies ahead. In the meantime, Christina will continue volunteering at SFBFS as much as she can to help others achieve their goals.