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Volunteer Legal Service Program (VLSP)ShareVolunteer Interpreter Gives Clients Their Voice
By Tony Contreras, VLSP Client Advocate
In 2008, Jorge discovered Interpreter Project, attended an orientation and began interpreting for low-income VLSP clients. “I enjoy being able to directly help people communicate,” explained Jorge. He has volunteered for a case every month since attending the orientation. One particular case involved a domestic violence survivor going through a divorce. She had great difficulty understanding what was happening due to her limited English skills. Regarding her case, Jorge said, “[b]efore coming to VLSP she had been overcharged for poor legal assistance and was in despair. She was so happy to be able to speak comfortably with her attorney without feeling like she was on the clock. When her attorney told her to take heart because she had an advocate, the gratitude and relief was visible on her face.” Jorge has become one of VLSP’s most active interpreters and makes himself readily available to translate when needed. Going forward, Jorge said that in addition to becoming a court certified interpreter, he would also like to work as a translator and interpreter in a foreign service or international business context. |
Jorge Galan, a native of Guadalajara, Mexico, is a dedicated volunteer with VLSP’s Interpreter Project. He has lived in the Bay Area for 17 years and is a graduate of Stanford University. Jorge is currently preparing to be a court certified interpreter. His interests include history and Latin American literature and he is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese.