Birch Community Services Inc

Birch has given me the stability and encouragement I’ve needed as a single parent to move away from the chaos of living in survival mode and toward a more intentional and ordered approach of managing my life, financially. The services provided at Birch are life-giving and life-sustaining - beyond the need of resources provided such as groceries and the resulting savings, but also the deeper work of self evaluation and empowerment accessible when practices and tools through the financial literacy program are applied.
Everyone has a goal at Birch, everyone serves, and everyone is connected by that shared experience. Self sufficiency, financial stability, and a safe community of fellow humans aligned toward similar goals is available to each person. I’m grateful to be a part of this community and the staff people who work diligently to make this all possible.

I have accomplished so many goals because of the money I have been able to save as a member of the BCS family.

Started working here 2 months ago, and has been truly life altering. The staff are extremely kind and helpful. The participant volunteers make everything possible to get the best items out to the families in a timely manner.

Birch Community Services is unique in that while they're offering immediate help in terms of food and other tangible resources, they also offer education and counseling about personal finance best practices that help the participant households gain confidence in their decision making around money and gain measurable traction toward their financial goals. Success is not accidental with Birch; it's intentional and a community effort.

I love how Birch fills a need in our community in such an innovative and effective way. People might think it's about the food program (and it is!), but the financial literacy program is the lever that helps families change their present and future. We often have gaps in our education, especially for those of us coming out of a family who couldn't model or advise on how to budget or which pitfalls to avoid when it comes managing our finances. What an amazing resource for the region!

As a Financial Counselor for Birch Community Services, I get to work 1-on-1, with the participants who benefit from the food program, on their finances. There is a consistent pattern of them joining the program, gaining the motivation to better their finances, and using the grocery savings to make progress on their finances. It's a great way to set people up for long-term success.

Volunteering at Birch Community Services is a match made in heaven for me... Being a community volunteer for over 35 years as an elected official and serving on various non profits boards I have seen many ways to give back to community.

Birch came on my radar when they hosted an open house for community leaders. I was very impressed with their core values, stretching their resources and programs to their fullest potential for as many participants as possible.

After the pandemic I inquired about what volunteering opportunities might exist with Birch, and found the perfect fit. If you're looking for a way to give back, look no further than BCS.

Birch changes lives and supports families through financial education and counseling, in addition to meeting immediate needs of food and household items. Respect and accountablity are exemplified among staff, volunteers, and participants. I whole-heartedly endorse donating both time and resources to this organization, and it is a privilege and joy to volunteer at Birch.

It's a privilege to be a community volunteer with Birch Community Services. BCS is an exceptional non profit run with a high degree of compassionate care and business practices. Their mission and values are embedded in everything that they do daily for the families that they support with their food security and financial resilience programs. As a volunteer for over 20 years with a multitude of top tier non profits, I have never seen such an innovative and effective program that is transformative for so many participants. I highly recommend supporting BCS with donations and time!

This is such a great non-profit!
The team is very caring and create such a strong community environment. I love how they fill such a unique need in the community and work to help families become more financially sustainable.

Birch Community Services (BCS) is not just a nonprofit organization; it's a beacon of hope and empowerment for countless individuals and families in need. As a volunteer at BCS, I have had the privilege of witnessing the transformative impact of their mission up close. This five-star review is a heartfelt tribute to an organization that exemplifies unwavering commitment to fostering self-sufficiency and offering a helping hand to those in financial distress.

BCS's core mission revolves around the belief that people should not merely receive charity but instead be equipped with the tools and knowledge to navigate their financial difficulties independently. This philosophy sets them apart in the world of nonprofit organizations, and their impact on the community is truly remarkable.

BCC has been so much help in times of financial strain. Their provision of groceries on a weekly basis has lightened our load and ensured that our family never goes hungry. The quality and variety of the groceries provided are impressive, covering essential food items that meet our nutritional needs. This service has significantly alleviated the financial burden on our household, allowing us to allocate our limited resources to other crucial expenses.
Birch goes beyond just providing groceries.

Birch Community Services is a gift to the participants and the community. With a strong emphasis on financial health, access to a financial counselor, and volunteer shifts in the community garden, this program has a very holistic approach and my family has really been blessed by the opportunity to participate.

I highly recommend Birch Community Services! I've had the privilege of volunteering here once a week for the past 6 years. Birch has grown so much through the years, continuing to serve more and more families each year. It's just amazing to see all the resources Birch is able to supply these families with. From financial accountability, to groceries, and even Danner boots, Birch is simply amazing.

Birch has helped my family with resources, knowledge, and the skills to be financially independent, The staff was extremely friendly and and open to assist without judgement or preconceptions. I would recommend this program to anyone. Thank you!

Birch Community Services has helped me and my family a lot with everything! Me and my family have learned so much about saving money. The staff is also wonderful. We appreciate everything they have done for our family. God bless them all!

Birch community services does not just help families get through a tough time, they teach them how to help themselves. Absolutely life-changing!

Birch was my saving Grace a in rough time. They clothed us, fed us and gave us resources. Thank you for all you do always.

Birch has been a huge blessing to my family. When my son was born we learned life would look a little different due to his needs. We went from a 2 income household to a 1 with a ton of never ending medical bills. Birch has shown us how to budget and have an emergency fund. Groceries are such a huge expense that alot of people can't afford. This community service is a God send for so many. It teaches how to prepare meals and be creative in your cooking. I have made great friendships while volunteering. It is an amazing organization that gives back so.much to the community they serve.

We found Birch Community Services in February of 2020, right after buying our home. Honestly, the relief of temporarily not having to pay for groceries is what appealed to us the most. We were excited to be able to use that grocery savings to rebuild our emergency fund and maintain my stay-at-home mom role even though our monthly expenses were increasing now that home ownership was our state of being. Then Covid hit and the world shut down.
My husband ran a job training program for people with intellectual disabilities through Portland Community College and when campuses closed, so did his program. It was a big change to our income and instead of panicking about how we had spent most of our savings on our down payment, we were able to focus on the fact that we could get by and still be able to slowly and steadily save what we could thanks to BCS. Thankfully, my husband was able to shift into a different role (with a lower salary) at PCC. Over the next couple of years, we met several times, with Dino, our Financial Literacy Advisor through BCS. He helped us reevaluate our finances, and through the ReStart course, we were able to draft our family plan and have really honest conversations about prioritizing our family's needs.
Three and a half years after joining BCS, we are ready to graduate from the program. In that time, our family has been able to pay cash for our new-to-us mini-van, re-roof, upgrade our windows, and paint our house. All thanks to the skills and savings we have gained from being participants of BCS.
The best part of all, though, is the incredible relationships I have built through my time volunteering in the warehouse! I have loved being a part of the team at BCS so much, that I applied to work here. I am week two into my new career and still so incredibly filled with gratitude for everything BCS has done for my family.

After my husband died from cancer, I had to create a new life. Helping people is supremely important to me, so I looked for volunteer opportunities and found Birch Community Services. Helping families become more successful is a mission with which I heartily agree, and I have made Birch a huge part of my life, which in turn has been very fulfilling personally. At Birch we work together to empower and support families toward financial freedom and achieving their goals. It is a privilege to be a part of that work.

Birch has been such a blessing to our family. The staff are so kind and helpful and they have such desire to truly help people. They ARE making a difference in Portland and above all they strive to Glorify God. Thank you Birch Community Services!

Birch meets our needs by providing groceries and household items at a fraction of our normal cost, which gives us extra cushion in our monthly budget to help pay off debt and become more financially secure as we work toward living out our family’s mission.

Birch has been an amazing blessing to our family! It's allowed us to have a cushion in our budget to pursue some financial goals. We've loved the practical financial classes and the ability to contribute through volunteering at the warehouse rather than just receiving groceries.

Birch Community Services has helped my family out so much! Not only have they helped us with food, resources to help get my family in a better financial place, the staff have become my friends. I look forward to shopping and volunteering to get my “Birch Fix.” I love this place!

Birch is like a "Food Treasure hunt". You never know what you are going to find, God provides so many wonderful items at Birch-such a blessing in these uncertain times. My pantry and freezer is full, so is my heart!

Our family is so thankful for Birch Community Services. Kind staff, access to a financial advisor who is understanding and encouraging, and weekly shopping trips that are always plentiful are just a few of the many blessings of BSC!

I have been a Birch fan for over a decade starting with Barry coming over to my company to pick up a truckload of product a client of mine wanted to donate to a worthy cause. I was sold from that moment on as Barry recounted the story of how he and Suzanne started Birch on their front porch. What an amazing story, and what an amazing organization Birch Community Services has become. Over the years I have had the opportunity to volunteer as well as donate. The leadership team is so committed and resourceful, and the culture of acceptance of and support for all participants permeates the facility. It is truly a hand up rather than a hand out model of service. I am continually impressed with how much they accomplish with so little waste and overhead. I know every donation is appreciated and put to great use.

Birch is one of the most well rounded nonprofits I have ever been involved with, from education to opportunity. For me the best part is the community of people who work with all the volunteers on a daily basis, they are warm and inviting and always remember my name!

Birch has been life changing for my family and I. The program has kept us "above water" during a trying financial time so that we didn't slip into debt or need to access public assistance. We have gained valuable financial tools. The staff is very friendly and displays a high level of integrity.

BCS has been a great resource for our family providing a well rounded approach to getting our family on track. The staff and volunteers are caring and compassionate. Celebrating the small successes and big wins creates a feeling of family.

I have been involved with Birch Community Services for 5 years now. That is certainly not ages, but it's a decent amount of time. Though, after volunteering at their 30th anniversary party I realized how fresh I was. I talked with over 20 people who had been with Birch since the 90's. Many had started as participants and have now become regular volunteers and donors.

This seems to be the most sincere testament to the significance of Birch Community Services: The follow through on their mission to such an extent that their participants are able to live financially unburdened; and, thrive in such a way that they have the capacity to return and give back to organization.

Through an emphasis on fostering a community and sustainability living Birch is able to truly transform lives and families.

Birch has been a huge blessing to our family!! We have been able to pay off our largest debt because of this program. We continue to work towards the financial goals we’ve set with our financial advisor and it helps keep us on track. We are so grateful for this incredible program!!

My family has benefited so greatly from our experience at Birch. They have taught us so much about financial literacy and have even motivated our children to stay debt free for college. We are very grateful for all they provide

Birch has been a God send for our family! We joined Birch Community Services 3 years ago when we finally decided to get our finances under control. With the help of Birch, we paid off all our consumer debt and have saved cash for Christmas the last couple of years. We now have a budget that we maintain and a plan for the money we work so hard for. Next step is my student loans which Tina (one of the financial counselors) is helping me make a plan for tackling. I wouldn't be where I am today without the savings and guidance Birch has given our family.

Birch is a fantastic organization making a large impact in the lives of so many people. Hundreds of working families are able to transform their lives and set up a path for success thanks to Birch. I have been thoroughly impressed by the dedication and kindness of each and every employee I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. The financial transparency and true local impact are two additional reasons my wife and I feel blessed to be involved as both donors and volunteers!

Birch Community Service is a wonderful and very much needed resource in our community! They do much more than provide food to the participants; the financial help is also invaluable. The staff are incredibly kind, helpful, welcoming, and genuine. It is a gift to my family and all others that are a part of it! We have been able to work our way out of quite a bit of debt, replenish/use/replenish our emergency fund, begin saving for a house, utilize a wonderful mattress, receive Danner boots, and feel supported in our efforts to be debt free. BCS is truly the BEST!

We started at BCS just after we moved to Portland and a friend told us about the program. Being on the program helped us work toward our goals and pay down our debt. What we found at BIrch was not only financial support, but a community of people who help and support each other. We love being a part of Birch!

We are so grateful to Birch Community Services. Because of our involvment in their program, we were able to pay off our medical debt! The training we received throught their classes has helped us stay out of debt and keep focused on our goals as a family. Everyone there is so suppotive and encouraging! We appreciate all they did for us and all they continue to do for others in the community!

Birch has been an incredible resource for our family! Our family income is below the national average but we were able to pay off our car a few years early, just two years into the program. We have had many other successes as well, such as: getting a great start on an emergency fund, a fun-fund, a health fund, a car fund, maximizing our credit card rewards (via Birch's fantastic financial class called Re$tart), paying off large medical bills, as well as the obvious benefit of stocking our pantry and freezer and keeping them stocked.

In 2020 when the Covid situation was largely unknown, we were able to go a month or six weeks at a time without leaving the house to buy groceries. A massive gift to both our wallets and our peace of mind!

Love Birch Community Services! They're like family to us now.

Birch has been a wonderful program for our family! My husband and I have learned a lot from the financial courses. The personal check-ins with an advisor have helped us in our communication style and overall family stress. They even have books and activities to educate kids on finances.

When you come in to volunteer you can feel the caring; all the staff are incedibly kind and hard working. The program is one that should be replicated elsewhere since its addressing some big societal problems (food waste and food insecurity). Thank you BCS for creating this community and nourishing our family!

Birch has been a complete life-changing experience for my family as it has helped us to gain financial success over mounting debt. It has given us the education and tools to maintain a level of stability in an ever changing world of inflation. We are forever grateful.

My family was one of the first recipients of Birch Community Services and was able to stay with this program for many years. In the beginning, we were blessed with a few loaves of bread and a few miscellaneous items, but over time that changed to almost every single item on our table. The savings in the budget was incredible and because of them, my family was able to make ends meet and enjoy the things that would not have been possible. We never felt like we were less than others for the services that were provided to us, because of the amazing idea that we would volunteer our time to help run the organization. We were not only helping ourselves by working to provide for our family but also, we were supporting others so they could succeed. Today, Birch Community Services not only provides food and clothing but teaches others accountability, how to be financially responsible, learn to be debt-free, and plan for the future. This is an outstanding organization and I am still periodically blessed to be part of it.

I had the privilege of being with Birch for 5 years and made so many wonderful memories during that time. Learning to manage your finances is critical, but I cherish the personal relationships I made just as much as the financial knowledge I gained. The staff truly cares about each other and the families they serve, which makes for a comforting and welcoming community. I can't say enough great things about Birch!

The Birch Program has been a blessing the past 1 1/2 years. My husband was laid off and started back to school. It is because of the program we have been able to make ends meet and put our savings toward paying off the balance on our home.
More than the savings, is the chance we are given to help others by volunteering. It is the thought that " it is better to give than receive". It is wonderful to be apart of working together with others in the program that helps a person feel like a part of the bigger picture.
The staff is welcoming, encouaging, helpful and available when needed. It is a pleasure to be apart of Birch Community Services.

It is rare these days to find a group of individuals more caring than those at Birch Community. They have changed the lives of countless families by teaching them the skills necessary to grow and thrive under challenging circumstances. Helping those that truly want to improve creates a positive influence that spreads to others. Thank you for your tireless work and dedication .

Birch has been such a blessing to my family since joining a few years back. We’ve paid off our debt, have an emergency fund, and are saving for a down payment on a house, all with the help of the kind Birch staff. Volunteering gives my family an opportunity to be a contributing member of this community while working to meet our financial goals at the same time. My weekly shopping trips continue to be a bright spot in my week, as I am able to connect with other members, staff, and volunteers. The impact Birch as had on our lives has been nothing short of life-changing and we are incredibly grateful!

Birch Community Services Is not for the weak, but if you are committed and dedicated, BCS can assist you in building a foundation for growth and success never felt possible.

Sometimes a pure "hand out" is needed...but sometimes what's most needed is a "hand UP". That's how I see the work of Birch Community Services. This amazing nonprofit works with 'working poor families' to not only keep them from falling off the ledge but most importantly, to teach them to build a solid financial future. By delivering a carefully balanced program of support and education, Birch repeatedly gets their participants on their feet and positioned for future success. I love that the financial literacy training is required and that the program not only focuses on the income vs. expense equation but also what factors may be in play that are keeping participants from living within their means and setting aside for the future.

My only wish is that we could duplicate this program over and over to reach even more deserving, hard working families.

We heard of Birch through a friends referral and it was a game changer for our family. The whole process is so incredible, giving families the financial advice they need, while providing a way they can feed their families and move forward.

Birch provides great wraparound services that help those who need support. By taking away one of the greatest day-to-day stressors - the ability to put good food on the table - and providing financial education, they enable individuals and families to be the driving force behind their own success. Their programming and community-driven model creates a social safety net that makes Birch far more than a food pantry.

Birch Community Services fills a much-needed gap in helping the community. I have found BCS to be amazing in so many respects - I've recommended it to any one I know who is struggling financially. The staff members are helpful, up-beat, and friendly. But really, what makes the organization run, and run so much better than any other I've ever encountered, are the volunteers! The structure of the program - having those who are receiving, giving back, is almost a revolutionary concept. By requiring service, then they empower people, rather than just giving them a handout. For the most part, the volunteers are so happy to be there and help that they work very hard. The amount of gratitude is evident in people's attitudes when they serve and when they receive. BCS also teaches financial classes (which SHOULD be taught in all high school curriculums!!!). I wish more organizations could follow the structure and example of BCS.

Birch Community Services is so much more than a food bank. The staff truly take the time to get to know each participant and their unique situations. Then, while tangibly helping to reduce expenses for basic needs (food, clothing, etc.), the program asks participants to critically think about their finances and plan for the future. This can be hard work--and not for everyone--but for those who follow through and hold themselves accountable the rewards can last a lifetime. I'm proud to be involved with BCS and the service they provide to our community.

I’ve worked with Birch on numerous occasions and I’ve found the people there to be some of the most dedicated people to their cause that I’ve ever met. And their cause is a great one. I don’t think there’s any better place for a family in need to go, to get the help that they need.

I love Birch Community Services! I have become a regular donor for several reasons:
• Birch is good for the environment: BCS gleans food and goods that are still usable but that are approaching freshness dates, are out of season (think holiday foods that are still on shelves after the holiday has passed), or are otherwise being ridded by vendors. These goods would otherwise be put in landfills, but Birch collects these foods and supplies gives them to the hungry.

• Birch teaches practical, useful skills that last a lifetime: Birch teaches members how to manage their finances, pay off debt, save for the future, and live within their means. BCS also teaches members how to tend a garden and how to grow some of their own food. They teach communication skills to families and encourage family members to treat each other with mutual respect.

• Birch respects families: BCS works with entire families and includes children in as many age-appropriate activities as possible, such as gardening and helping to decide what spending priorities the family might choose. By doing so, BCS helps to end the cycle of poverty and helps to build up healthy family dynamics.

• Birch puts Christian values at its core: They feed the hungry. They love one another and help families to foster loving relationships amongst themselves. By helping to ease financial stress by teaching financial planning, and by teaching good communication skills, families who are members of BCS tend to stay intact.

• Birch has appropriate expectations: We all know that if expectations are low, correlating results are lesser. If expectations are appropriately high, more can be achieved. BCS expects every family to pitch in and help make their organization run smoothly. This means that families are expected to contribute 2 hours a month of volunteer time and contribute modest monthly dues in exchange for weekly shopping trips.

Birch has been a huge blessing to the working poor families for over 25 years. The people are beyond kind and caring and the products they have are amazing. Can't say enough great things about what they have to share and how they handle themselves. They are a tremendous blessing to the community. - Raccoon

Birch Community Services is an amazing nonprofit that addresses not just food insecurity, but the root of the problem - financial sustainability. Birch's wholistic approach is unparalleled and makes a huge difference in our community!

I have supported Birch for a number of years. They change LIVES. It isn't just about food or financial training---they truly care about their community of great individuals who have hit a rough patch and need a "hand-up" not a "hand-out".

I recently joined BCS and am so relieved that my family has stable access to food. This program is awesome because it not only gives families access to food, it also provides financial planning and the ability to meet financial goals. It is awesome to have the opportunity to not worry about how tomfeedntje family while also getting some financial relief so that we can start a savings.

My family joined BCS a little over a year ago and are beyond grateful to be part of this life-changing organization. BCS is a financial education program, but they create immediate financial relief for participants by providing them with amazing (and I mean amazing) groceries every week. Their food co-op coupled with Dino’s highly applicable financial Re$tart class has taught us how to stick to our budget—spending money according to our family goals and ultimately create a savings account. We have so much less stress around food and finances! The employees care deeply about participants. They have worked tirelessly during COVID-19 to meet the growing demand of families in need and keep the warehouse clean and everyone in it safe. Thank you, BCS!

I am blown away by Birch every time I come in. It's like reverse shopping. You never know what you are going to get and I get to try different brands I would have never dreamed of. The produce, protein, snacks and random goodies are so much fun to pick out for my family. I love the security of knowing that I have food to provide to my family, especially now. I am grateful for how hard each individual has worked at Birch to make sure during COVID everyone is safe and healthy. They are super receptive of feedback and welcoming of all individuals. I boost about Birch often because it's so awesome! I like how goal orientated Birch is too. My goal is to get financially stable and buy a house for my family. I know, big goals. ha! Everyone is super supportive of us getting there and I even have been thinking outside the box of how to bring in extra income to make that happen. I am so grateful for you all! Thank you so much!

The Birch program and staff opened their arms to me and my family during a challenging time in life. I was homeschooling and became responsible for both of my parents at once. That was four years ago. We're now stabilized thanks to help from the entire Birch team and program. I am now proud to give two hours weekly to help Birch continue to help families and grow. Thank you for everything, Birch Community!

I signed up for birch community service
And during the pandemic I lost my job.
The food helped They get so many donations. It mind blowing how much they actually throw away and give to pig farmers especially with so many going hungry right now.
With the program you are required to take a re start “program” with Dino
I found him to be very insincere rude and hard to deal with with no fruits of the spirit emanating through him this is supposed to be a Christian-based program which was part of the draw to Birch community services that they were Christian owned and operated this would not be true with Dino as the pandemic hit computers have become very important and although I don’t have a lot of computer experience Dino gave zero compassion understanding or patience and helping myself navigate through what they expected on the computer. He made accusations and assumptions upon an opinion without communication. This man is heartless

All of my excess clothes go to Birch. The people they help are working hard to improve their lives. Birch does so much to help and guide the people they serve. Birch is fantastic.

My name is Keri Lapore. In the spring of 2015, a friend of mine shared with me about an organization she was a part of. She said this might be something that could help our family. Our family was going through some hard life changing events and because of this had found ourselves for the first time in our 27 year marriage in financial debt that we could not only pay but were slipping down further. This organization I was told about is Birch Community Services. It is a Christian based organization founded in order to help struggling families with a helping hand and financial education to get them back on their feet and hopefully out of debt to move forward. This organization graciously accepted my family and I. We were on the program for approximately 3 and one-half years. In this time period we were given a bounty full of healthy and yummy food, so much that my family heartily looked forward to my weekly shopping. We also were helped in many other ways including bedding, a mattress, chair and much needed clothes and shoes. The staff was continually helpful and friendly. During this time you are required to take at least one financial class and many more are offered. You are taught how to come up with a strategy to get out of debt and not get back into debt. With this organizations help , we were able to pay off all our bills and learn how to set our self up with emergency savings for any future events. I have in the past and will in the future continue to highly recommend this organization to whomever I come across in that needs this kind of help.

I was there many years ago in the very first group of people that crowded onto the front porch steps and into the front room at Barry and Suzanne Birch's home to pick up free food. This would become a journey for many of us through the years as we struggled for financial stability with the assistance of free food which enabled us to meet our other financial obligations.

Suzanne Birch, current Executive Director of what had become Birch Community Services took the reins as head of the organization when Barry passed away several years ago. She maintains her role as leader and visionary of this non-profit organization which continues to provide food and sundry's as well as financial training for those who are a part of this program . We did not have this financial component in the early years and it is a major part of the current BCS organization.

I participated in BCS years ago and since have watched Barry and Suzanne from a distance as this non-profit grew and grew expanding its impact on the community in ever increasing numbers. The BCS non-profit has served and served and served so many of us over the years and was an inspiration even though I have not participated in the program for many years.

As a retiree I live in a 300 apartment HUD building for low income senior individuals. BCS has helped me in recent years provide free food for a Women's Christmas Luncheon which has been a great blessing to the 50-60 ladies that have attended for the past six years.

I continue to marvel at the growth of BCS over the years as a non-profit dedicated to helping feed the poor and lead people out of poverty and into financial stability.

I hope that BCS will receive a "Top-Rated Non-Profit" badge for their service to those in need. Thank you, BCS! Janice Ezell

Birch Community Services is in my opinion one of the wonderful and giving communities I have ever seen. They teach and support us on journeys to get back on our feet. They so kind and want only the best for us. From fresh meat, vegetables, fruit and breads that have been donated to Birch from other companies that also believe in what Birch stands for. They also have boots and clothing among other item that will help anyone in need. We started every day with a prayer of thanks. I loved that the most❣ they taught us it isnt a hand out but a hand up.
There truly is no better community than Birch Community Services.
God Bless them.

We joined one year ago and Birch has been an amazing blessing for our family!!

Birch was a huge blessing to our family. I really appreciated that it was a volunteer ran organization and enjoyed my time there.

Wonderful, caring organization that benefits the community.

Birch Community Services is fabulous! They have helped my family out so much. I appreciate Suzanne, the Board of Directors, and Staff as to how they have set this organization up to be equally fair to everyone. I've grown so much. I couldn't make it without it. I love how I can give back, by volunteering, and feel like it is a mutually beneficial relationship.

Birch community services is the BEST!!! My family would not make it currently without them. We are beyond blessed to participate. I tell others they are THE BEST KEPT SECRET in Portland for working families!

I was first introduced to Birch Community Services several years ago when a group I belong to sponsored a few BCS families during the holidays for Christmas gifts. The families were so very grateful. It was truly a heartwarming experience to be able to help someone in such a small way.
I am most impressed with BCS's values. By providing financial education, BCS teaches their families how to help themselves get out if bad situations into a more stable and secure life. BCS changes lives for generations to come by giving the families "a hand up not a handout". Who wouldn't want to support that mission??

Birch Community Services is an amazing nonprofit!! My family has been involved with BCS for over 9 years. We started out as participants, years later became volunteer shoppers, and now I'm a board member. I personally have seen the staff, director, and volunteers conduct themselves with such integrity and compassion toward participants and volunteers. The one word that comes to mind when explaining Birch Community Services to others is HOPE. You walk into BCS and are greeted by people who really care to see you and see you succeed!! That gives me and many hope for the moment. As you take your shopping cart through the huge shopping warehouse, you are provided with an abundance of healthy food choices for your family. That gives you hope to tangibly take home with you. Birch Community Services also provides financial classes and mentoring to all families which in turn provides hope for the future!! BCS such a full circle reasource for hard working families in need of a hand up. My family would say volunteering is the best part of BCS!! Families are required to volunteer as part of the program. We always leave feeling like we are making a positive difference and with our dignity intact. Now I serve on the board of directors, and I am thrilled to be a voice for families just like mine.
We are so grateful for all BCS does for our family and all the other families of Oregon and Washington.

While Birch has a wonderful impact on the community and those it serves there are many people skills it is lacking. The treatment of all volunteers is generally good but on some occasions the behavior of the director especially and sometimes specific employees has come into question.
The director can be too specific with clients and actually feel the need to discipline them by meeting with them specifically/confronting them with a "witness" (usually her bestfriend). This makes the client feel picked on. Sometimes she seems to literally stalk a person as they shop to make sure they are following guidelines (specific persons at times). This is very awkward and makes the client have no dignity. Also, this director has been known to really upset people needlessly (people have been noted crying in the break room). I have directly seen the impact on families that have been dismissed or "replaced" by other families loose their sense of well being in a mere day. One miniute the family was a great part of the organization and being greatly blessed and then the next day they are gone. This is really sad when this organization should at least give the family a reason for their dismissal and a notice.
Some in the organization are favored like the directors and office staff to get food boxes made for them and be given the newest nice furniture as a reward. It should be a fair system where "Everything" is a drawing done by the clients not assets distributed to any of the employees including the directors and employees. This organization needs an outside management not influenced by the director or anyone on the board of directors to maintain its integrity and the utmost standards of honesty. Clients here actually pay " dues" so they technically pay the salaries and bonus of all staff. This should come with the utmost integrity and NO taking of the goods for themselves unless they too are participants and happen to win a client led drawing! Outside management is highly advised! The staff is payed a fair wage and should be held to the utmost highest standard in operation.
Office staff has been overheard gossiping about numerous families within the office context where all can be overheard by others. This is unfair and cruel to those participants who have overheard themselves being spoken about in a gossip fashion. The women in the office including the director need to learn more tact in serving the working poor! Favortism for any family for any reason is unacceptable! Security is lacking in the facility to make sure children, especially are safe at all times. No background checks are given on any of the volunteer/participant childcare providers. Criminal elements have been noted in the childcare area while dropping off their kids and sometimes helping in childcare facility.
The overall plan of the non-profit does work to help the working poor. The manners of the company could be greatly improved!