Celebrating the stories of families, volunteers, and partners building stability together.
See more stories on our YouTube channel and follow along on social media!
Meet Charlotte
Meet Charlotte, Birch's new Development Manager! She shares a little about herself, her first experiences at Birch, and the people and moments that have already made a lasting impression.
2026 Holiday Letter
The holidays are a special time to gather with loved ones, share traditions, and make memories together. At Birch Community Services, we believe that financial stability can bring more peace of mind and create space for the things that matter most. With a little planning and creativity, you can celebrate the season in meaningful ways while keeping your financial goals in sight. ❤️
Preparing Garden Beds for Wintertime
Get your garden ready for the Pacific Northwest winter! Learn simple ways to protect your soil, replenish nutrients, and prepare your garden beds for a healthy, productive spring.
A New Home for Our Next Chapter
It started with a bag of squished bread on a front porch. More than three decades later, Birch is preparing for a new home, with more room for the people, work, and community that have shaped its story.
Before You Toss It… Understanding Food Dates
Every year, about 15 million pounds of food move through BCS. That is a lot of food… and a lot of perfectly usable food that might otherwise go to waste.
Squash Care
Healthy squash starts with a little preparation and care. From building nutrient-rich soil and watering properly to keeping an eye out for squash bugs, these simple tips can help your plants thrive and make the most of your garden harvest.
A Shared Vision: Annie and Evan’s Story
What began as a desire to improve their finances became something much bigger for Annie and Evan. Through Birch Community Services, they learned to move from reactive budgeting to intentional decision-making, strengthen their communication, and create a shared vision for their family. Now, they’re building healthy financial habits and values they can pass on to their children—creating a legacy that goes far beyond money.
Fun with Finances: A Summer Series for Kids
Summer may be winding down, but financial learning can keep going. Discover simple ways to help kids practice healthy money habits as they head back to school.
How to Care for & Harvest Apple Trees
Caring for your apple trees is an investment that pays off season after season. Learn simple, practical techniques to keep your trees healthy, increase your harvest, and enjoy more homegrown fruit throughout the years.
Nurturing Accountability: Why Program Commitments Matter
As our community continues to grow, the need for consistent accountability has grown as well. Beginning November 1, we will be introducing a more structured missed commitment system designed to support our mission of providing nurturing accountability while ensuring fairness and consistency across the program.
The Role of Ants in a Healthy Garden
Every creature has a role to play. Explore how ants contribute to a healthy garden ecosystem and how a little observation can help your garden thrive.
Fun with Finances: A Summer Series for Kids
Supporting families at every stage of their financial journey, this post highlights tools for college savings, debt-free education planning, and ways parents can build financial confidence with their kids.
Tomato Care for a Healthier Harvest
Growing your own food is one way to build confidence and stretch your resources. These simple tomato care tips can help you strengthen your harvest while building useful gardening skills along the way!
Fun with Finances: A Summer Series for Kids
Bingo is back! Starting Monday, June 15, we’re launching our annual Financial Literacy Bingo for kids. Pick up a card at check-in, complete it over the summer, and turn it in between July 1 and August 15 to earn a prize!
Fun with Finances: A Summer Series for Kids
Financial habits start early! This summer, Birch Community Services is helping families build strong financial literacy skills through fun, practical activities and everyday learning moments.
Growing with Nature: Integrated Pest Management
Bugs aren’t always the bad guys! Explore integrated pest management tips that help your garden thrive this season.
When to Buy Insurance
Not sure when to buy insurance? Learn how to decide based on risk, financial stability, and your stage of life.
Seed Saving: Planting Tips & Resources
We’ve provided these information sheets to help support your gardening journey using the seeds we are distributing from our garden. They include simple guidance on planting your seeds, caring for your plants, and helping your garden grow strong all season long.
How to Start a Compost Pile
Learn how to start a simple compost pile at home with easy tips for balancing greens and browns, maintaining moisture, and creating healthy soil naturally. Composting is a great way to reduce waste, support your garden, and make a positive impact right from your backyard!
Why Insurance Matters
Insurance is about more than premiums. It’s about protecting against high-impact risks. Learn how to evaluate likelihood, severity, and financial stability.