I am excited to introduce myself as the new Development Manager at Birch Community Services! My name is Charlotte, and I am from Nice, France. Over the years, I have called quite a few places home, from Miami and Montreal to Paris and Los Angeles. Each city has been part of my journey, and since 2023, I have been fortunate to call Portland home.
Throughout my career, I have been passionate about making a positive impact on people and communities. When I discovered Birch, something just clicked. Its mission aligned with the kind of work I wanted to be part of.
Since joining Birch, I have had the opportunity to see our work through a fresh set of eyes. While I am still learning about all the ways Birch supports families, a few things have already made a lasting impression on me.
Meeting the wonderful people who work at Birch has been one of the highlights of my first few weeks. I've had the chance to join Dino, Katie, and Matias for financial counseling sessions, observe participant intake appointments with Sabrina, Shelle, and Natalie, and accompany Wayne on food donation pickups. Each experience has deepened my appreciation for Birch's mission.
FUN FACT:
My passport and I have been to over 30 countries. We are in a very committed relationship.
One experience that particularly stayed with me was sitting in on financial counseling sessions. I went into these meetings hoping to better understand Birch's approach to financial education. What I walked away with was a much deeper appreciation for the role financial literacy plays in Birch's mission.
I was struck by the honesty, humility, and grace our financial counselors bring to every conversation. These experiences reminded me that financial stability is not built overnight. It is built through trust, practical tools, encouragement, and having someone walk alongside you.
I also had the opportunity to see another side of Birch's community while joining one of our drivers on food donation pickups. It reminded me that behind every contribution is someone choosing to make a difference. After witnessing these different sides of Birch, I can understand why so many people believe in this organization and continue to support its mission.
As we approach the holiday season, I find myself reflecting on the meaning of generosity. December is often called the season of giving, but what I have witnessed at Birch is that generosity is something this community practices throughout the year. It shows up in donated food, financial contributions, time volunteered, encouragement shared, and opportunities created for families.
Sometimes, the most meaningful gifts are not things we can wrap. They are the confidence to take the next step, the opportunity to learn something new, or the encouragement to believe in what is possible.
As I begin this new chapter at Birch, I simply want to say thank you. Thank you for being part of a community that believes in building something lasting.
I am grateful to be joining you in this work and look forward to all we will accomplish together. You can find me in the Financial Literacy Department area, so next time you're at Birch, please stop by and say hello!
