At only 24 years old, Colleen Shaver is not only making a difference in Central Ohio, but making a difference in kids’ lives halfway across the world.
When she was 15, Colleen was blessed with a younger sister – a 3-year-old adopted from Guatemala. From the moment they first met, Colleen says it felt like long-lost sisters were reunited.
“Many people wait for a ‘neon flashing sign from God’ telling them what to do with their lives,” she says. “For me, my sister was that sign showing me what my purpose in life is.”
That purpose: mission work helping orphaned children.
She took a quarter off in college, and traveled to Guatemala to teach in an orphanage.
Helping Americans understand the importance of international adoption has become a passion of Shaver’s thanks to her experiences. Last year, she was the Ohio coordinator for Kidsave international, an organization dedicated to bringing
stay with host families. All eight children hosted in Ohio last summer are in the process of being adopted.
On top of her work with Kidsave, her trips to Guatemala, advocating for autistic children and many volunteer duties at St. Paul the Apostle church, Shaver is a full- time law student at Capital University.
Her long-term goals keep her motivated to stay so busy. “i know that it will help me reach a place to make the greatest difference: immigration and international adoption law,” she says.
“i know i can’t save all the children in the world,” Shaver adds. “But i love every minute of it.” ▪