Rebecca, who had attended after arranging childcare, spoke up.

“I can change one shift if the other days are reliable.

It’s not perfect, but it would help.”

We wrote everything on a calendar, including backup phone numbers.

Nobody left without knowing exactly what they’d agreed to do.

We also decided that volunteers would receive basic child-safety orientation through the community center before working with families.

Rebecca’s children deserved more than friendly adults showing up unprepared.

Clarence, who had listened from the end of the table, asked whether he could help make reminder calls.