Everyone who supports Safe & Sound has their own story—one that reflects not only how they found us, but why they choose to stay. For Rachel, a longtime TALK Line volunteer and now a valued member of our Board, that connection began more than a decade ago—and it’s deeply personal.
Back in 2010, Rachel had taken the initiative to seek out charity partners for her employer when she first walked through the doors of our Waller Street building. She still remembers the warmth that greeted her—something intangible but unmistakable. “I knew immediately this was a place I’d return to”, she says.
Rachel’s connection to our mission was rooted in her own lived experience. She saw in Safe & Sound a way to honor her mother’s strength and to support families navigating hardship, just as hers once had. What began as a professional partnership soon became something much more meaningful.
A few years later, in a new role, Rachel found herself wanting to channel her energy into something positive. She thought of Safe & Sound—and took the leap to become a TALK Line volunteer.
The TALK Line—our 24/7 parent support warmline—is often a family’s first step into the Safe & Sound community. It offers real-time guidance, early intervention, and a compassionate ear. Rachel’s empathy and insight didn’t go unnoticed; her training facilitator quickly saw that she had something special. They were right. For the next eight years, Rachel offered calm, consistent support to countless caregivers navigating the ups and downs of parenting.
One of those relationships stood the test of time: Rachel connected with a parent when their child was just two months old—and stayed with them over the phone as that child grew into an eight-year-old. It’s this kind of long-term, trusted relationship that reflects the heart of both TALK Line and the Safe & Sound community. For many, the TALK Line is not only a lifeline in moments of crisis, but also a steady source of support and a bridge to engagement with our other programs—whenever families choose.
“Parenting is hard”—that’s the TALK Line’s tagline. Simple. True. And powerful. It’s a reminder that asking for help isn’t a weakness, but a strength. And when stigma is removed, real support can begin.
Today, in her role on our Board of Directors, Rachel continues to champion that belief. Safe & Sound has become more than a place she once visited; it’s part of the fabric of her life. Her story is a reflection of the community we strive to build—one rooted in trust, shared purpose, and a willingness to show up for one another.