To highlight the work of our incredible partners, we’re running a series featuring the people behind the partnership that makes our work impactful. The following is based off of an interview with Ryan Gunder from Children’s Council in conversation with Dulcey Reiter.
The Path to Children’s Council
I started out working at Blue Bottle Coffee, which taught me how much I enjoy direct service and supporting people.
I knew I wanted to move into something more mission-driven, where the work had a deeper impact than just the day-to-day transactions. That’s what led me to Children’s Council. It was a chance to use those same people-focused skills to help improve people’s lives by helping them find stability and identifying opportunities to support them. It is definitely the right place to grow.
What makes the job great
One of the parts I love about my job is that we are usually the first point of contact with families. I genuinely love helping people the moment they walk through our doors. A lot of families come in overwhelmed or unsure of what to expect, and being able to give them clarity, direction, and a sense of “you’re safe here” makes the work meaningful. You can literally see the weight lift off their shoulders when they leave with answers or support.
I want every client to feel respected and understood from the moment they arrive. I hope that they see us as a space where they are treated with dignity and where their needs aren’t minimized. My hope is that they walk out feeling more stable than when they walked in. Even if there are some unique situations we aren’t able to fully assist with, my goal is to have everyone who walks out that door thinking, “I felt heard and understood.”
How diapers make a difference
A lot of people first come in just for diapers, and that opens the door to conversations about childcare support, food programs, playgroups, resources to become a childcare provider themselves, and everything else we offer. The diapers help build trust because it meets an immediate, concrete need. From there, families start asking more questions and realizing there are other supports available.
I recently worked with a pregnant mom who arrived in near tears because she had no idea how she would be able to afford diapers once the baby arrived. When we gave her a box of diapers, she cried from relief. Moments like that stay with you. As soon as someone learns they can take home a box, you can see the fear drop off their face.
The diaper program fills a critical survival gap. Without it, families would face impossible choices like buying food or buying diapers. The ability to provide diapers makes every interaction we have with clients easier because it takes away the real stress of being able to provide diapers for their families—and their babies.