Hi, my name is Bill Feinstein. I got started at A Home Within many years ago, working with a young adult who had been in foster care and that was a very challenging relationship. I then saw another young adult who I think benefited some from our contact and during the course of that. Our local director asked if I would lead a consultation group and I happily accepted that opportunity. We've only met virtually for a whole time because most of the people in the group do not live in Northampton where I am. It is one of the highlights of my work. I look forward to this meeting every other week and really I enjoy both the facilitative aspects of it and the collegiality.

For me, the most valuable impressive experience working at A Home Within has been the collegiality. The capacity to be of some help from my years of experience and to be part of a group that is so supportive and smart and non-competitive, and dedicated. The people in the group are truly collegial with each other and with me. And I don't think there's anything better than that.

I would hope that A Home Within would stay small, avoid the temptation to do too many things for too many people, but to remember, the primary task, which is to provide whatever it takes for however long it takes for people who are or have been in foster care. It's such a noble mission and keeping it that way, I think, is the challenge. The push to expand is something that may not, in the long run, be what's most needed and most valuable.

What I'd like to say to future volunteers is thank you. Thanks for being there. Thanks for doing this. Thanks for your time, your patience and your intelligence. Remember that if your client gives you a hard time, it's because they've had our time. And remember that testing is part of the deal. Trusting is not always the easiest thing on earth. And if you can build a relationship with a young person that is based on trust, that's an enormous gift and is a healing power.