Marlene loves to volunteer at Boondocks. She was once an adoption social worker, and she takes delight in being with the children and prospective parents. I’ve never met a more dedicated advocate. If things don’t work, Marlene wants to know why and what can be done to fix them so they do work.

Last spring Marlene felt her heart drop when she spotted a boy she recognized. Hadn’t she seen him at prior parties? What must it be like for him?

Marlene tells me that she introduced herself and asked this boy if she hadn’t seen him at other parties in past years.

He smiled and said, “Yes, we come to every party! My parents bring the foster children who are living with us. And they always get adopted.”