Alternative police

Fighting for safer neighborhoods

Rafael Anglada is a hard working and down-to-earth father who often cannot sleep thinking about the children in families who have been evicted from their homes due to drug problems, violence, or overdue payments.

This is not some personal obsession; it is part of his job. He works in CAPS (Chicago Alternative Placing Strategy), which is an agency of the city’s Police Department that organizes community meetings and conflict mediation through dialogue. It is strengthening cooperative ties between the community and the police, helping resolve conflicts between landlords and renters, and always looking for an alternative.

For Anglada, this job is not simply a result of his career choice in public administration, but it is something demanded by his Christian vocation. “My calling as a Christian is to help others. I enjoy helping others through my job.” The truth is his job leads to many sleepless nights, especially when children are involved.

“This is why I feel it is my mission, as a Christian, to help strengthen families, and the health of families. My wife, Olga, and I work in a marriage guidance program with the Archdiocese of Chicago and Catholic Charities helping fragile couples that are going through serious relationship problems.”

Born in New York of Puerto Rican parents, Anglada has always considered himself a man of faith. “Although I was baptized in the Catholic Church, I was always attracted by a simpler life in community, so I joined the Mennonites. Then I met my wife, a devout Catholic and returned to my faith out of my love for her, but now it has become my true home. I trust God always protects my family, my wife, and my two children, Rafael Javier and Karina.”

Like St. Peter and St. Paul, Rafael Anglada has found his identity and true mission as a son of God who has been renewed in Christ.

Yout turn

When you think of your career, how does your commitment as a Christian fit in? Do you see your profession as a vocation or just a way to earn money?