*The following was written by REACH’s Volunteer Innovation Manager, Maria Castañeda
It’s 6:00 PM, and little by little the room begins to fill. Some children arrive shy, others quiet or even a bit sad. But soon, the space starts to buzz with warmth and laughter. Anne and Laura welcome each child with patience and wide smiles. They offer a snack, sit beside them, and gently invite them to play—maybe a round of Uno, where the rules are often joyfully improvised, or a lively game of musical chairs that fills the room with giggles. What begins as hesitation often transforms into joyful connection and a sense of belonging.
Some children prefer quieter moments, creating beaded bracelets, drawing pictures, or simply sitting with someone they trust. Older children take pride in helping out, especially when they get to make waffles in the mini waffle machine donated by Diane, proudly serving their creations to younger kids. For every child, these moments are more than just play. They are gentle lessons in trust, joy, and what healthy, caring relationships look like.
When they return each week, they know that Anne and Laura are there for them, present, patient, and even willing to crawl under a pile of Legos to help with a masterpiece. Suddenly, Sharkie, a plush shark with a big grin, makes his appearance to say hello, bringing laughter and comfort in his own whimsical way.
On Wednesday afternoons, families arrive for therapeutic sessions. Deb is there to greet them with a steady, kind presence. She has coloring books ready for the children while they wait and greets families in Spanish with words she has learned, offering a special sense of welcome and familiarity. Her smile makes a difference. For these families, it’s a moment to feel supported, connected, and reminded they are not alone.
On Tuesday evenings, a spirit of hope and determination takes over. Tracey, Alma, Lily, and Colleen prepare job readiness workshops for survivors, offering tips on how to build a resume, prepare for an interview, style hair easily and confidently, and put together an outfit that feels professional and comfortable. The smiles of the participants say it all: “Wow. I really did all of that.” In these sessions, confidence blooms, and the belief that change is possible becomes real.
On a Saturday morning, a different kind of empowerment takes root. Residents at REACH’s shelter slowly arrive for a 9-1-1 emergency training. Some are hesitant, unsure of what to expect. But with gentle guidance from Tracey, Jinny, and Anne, they learn what “counts” as an emergency, how to call for help, and what to say. The attending officer, dispatcher, and detective all speak directly but respectfully, reinforcing that safety is a priority and every voice is taken seriously. What began in hesitation ends in connection, laughter, and pizza—proof that even the smallest seeds of safety and knowledge can grow into confidence and community.
And speaking of seeds, a literal garden began to grow thanks to Anne, Jinny, and Taylor, who spent a day planting alongside residents at the shelter. A peaceful, calming activity turned into something bigger: a full community garden, thanks to generous donations of tools, soil, seeds, and wooden garden structures. This act of care became a symbol of renewal, dignity, and shared purpose.
Every week, in countless ways, the community is built. The REACH hotline is available 24/7 because of people like Paul, who faithfully takes his shifts to ensure someone is always there to answer a call. Nadia uses her creative gifts to design monthly calendars, filled with kind images and meaningful events that bring people together. Every Friday, Lisa drives to support residents in grocery shopping, a simple, powerful act that fosters both independence and trust.
So, what do all these people have in common? They are generous. They are dependable, creative, compassionate, and deeply inspiring. They are volunteers.
They give their time, energy, and talents not for recognition, but because they believe. They believe that one gesture can lead to healing. That a moment of kindness can change someone’s day or life. They believe that even in difficult times, when the world feels heavy, the community can be built. Joy can be shared. Growth is possible.
This is the power of giving. But more than that, it’s the power of inspiration—to believe that change is possible.
In a world where uncertainty can overwhelm, REACH is a place where compassion leads, community grows, and hope is renewed, and we would be honored to have you be a part of it.
You can learn more about volunteer opportunities at REACH on our website or by emailing Maria Castañeda at mcastaneda@reachma.org.
