We've Got Heart! Katie Gallagher Gives Back

“All children deserve to go far, no matter where they start.” — Katie Gallagher, Assistant General Counsel at KinderCare Education.

Who

By day, Katie Gallagher works with KCE’s legal team. In her off hours—between being a mom to her two kids—Gallagher volunteers her time as a board member of Metropolitan Family Service (MFS).

What they do

MFS offers a range of services to families in the Portland, Oregon area, including before- and after-school programs for children, parenting classes and financial coaching for families, and in-home support for older adults. “MFS provides services to everyone, from the very young to the very old, and all the stages in between,” Gallagher says.

Why she’s involved

KinderCare Education (KCE) and Metropolitan Family Service have a relationship that stretches back nearly 20 years. There’s a reason for that: KCE works to serve children, families, and communities—and so does MFS. Gallagher is one of several KCE employees who have sat on the MFS board. “There’s a lot of need in Portland,” she says. “Portland is a great place to live, but there are a lot of people who live in this town who don’t share the riches.”

MFS program closest to Katie’s heart

Reliable transportation can be life-changing for working parents. Metropolitan Family Service’s Ways to Work program gives car loans to folks who wouldn’t otherwise qualify for one. The program also teaches budgeting skills and offers comprehensive financial counseling.