We were lucky to catch up with Caraline Gallegos recently and have shared our conversation below.
Caraline, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
My optimism stems from several powerful sources. In my client care work with We Love St. Charles, I have been inspired by the resilience I’ve seen in individuals who rise above seemingly impossible circumstances, demonstrating incredible strength.
I’m also optimistic because the St. Charles community has shown remarkable love and support for those who are struggling; creating a network of care that uplifts families in need. This spirit of community in St. Charles is incredibly encouraging.
Furthermore, the dedication and passion of my volunteers and colleagues reminds me that I am not alone in this work. We are a team serving families in our city. Their commitment reminds me that collective efforts can lead to meaningful changes and gives me hope when I’m tempted toward pessimism.
Most importantly, my optimism is deeply rooted in my faith and understanding of God’s grace. When I face challenges or am walking with someone in a crisis, I remember God’s promise that He works all things together for good (Romans 8:28), even if we can’t see the good in the moment.
In summary, my optimism is a blend of my faith in God’s plan, the lessons learned through resilience, the support of my community, and the belief that we can all contribute to a more hopeful world.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As We Love St. Charles’ Program Director, I am dedicated to advancing our mission of empowering individuals and uniting the community every day. This commitment demands both accessibility and consistency. I strive to ensure that our clients receive regular follow-ups and feel loved and supported. This support can come in various forms—sometimes it’s simply being a listening ear, while other times it involves providing accountability and tough love.
With the help of my talented social media intern, Avery Sikma, we act as the organization’s voice, sharing our recent successes, challenges, and upcoming needs with the community. Each month, I seek out opportunities to connect with local organizations and explore new partnerships to better serve our city. As our programs expand, I am continually writing grants to support our growth. However, I eagerly embrace any chance to step away from my desk and engage in hands-on service, whether it’s painting or pulling weeds alongside volunteers and collegues.
We’re fortunate to have a board and community partners who are just as dedicated to this work. I take pride in being part of an organization that actively loves its neighbors through family mentoring—offering utility assistance, resume building, budgeting support, and connections to counseling. We also support our schools with initiatives like Supplies for $5, Love Awards, Coats for Kids, Senior Scholarships, and staff appreciation programs.
Our annual Coats for Kids program is next up on our calendar. Every fall we gather donations of coats and create a wintertime store experience. Qualifying families are invited to shop for brand new coats, hats, and gloves for $5 per shopper. The fee can be waived when necessary, but our experience has shown that the families feel dignity when they participate financially. The program is only possible because of the generosity of our community. The kindness of the contributions sends a powerful message that St. Charles cares about the welfare of their neighbors.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey, the three qualities that have been most impactful are empathy, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
1. Empathy: Understanding and connecting with others has been crucial in both my personal and professional relationships. Empathy allows me to build trust and foster collaboration within teams. My advice for those early in their journey is to practice active listening. Ask thoughtful questions to understand your colleagues’ perspectives and challenges, rather than merely listening to plan your response.
2. Adaptability: The ability to adjust when circumstances change has been essential, especially in a people-focused profession. There have been numerous occasions where care plans have had to suddenly shift direction, and being adaptable helped me navigate those changes smoothly. I encourage newcomers to embrace and learn from the experiences that don’t go as planned. This flexibility will increase resilience and openness to new ideas.
3. Commitment to Lifelong Learning: I’ve always believed in the importance of continual improvement, whether through formal education, workshops, or simply staying curious about the world. I recommend that those starting their journey cultivate a habit of seeking knowledge. This can be through reading, online courses, or learning from experienced mentors.
By focusing on these qualities and actively working to develop them, individuals can set a strong foundation for their careers and personal growth. As someone who has only worked in the non-profit setting for 2 years, I have continuously had to squash the lies and insecurities that arise from comparison. Learning to be empathetic, adaptable, and a life-long learner has helped me to think less of myself in comparison to others and focus more on how I can learn from others.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
In the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been the shift from focusing only on measurable aspects of service, such as the number of people helped or tasks completed; and recognizing that the intangible aspects of service matter just as much — if not more. My priority now is that the people we serve through We Love St. Charles truly come away from each interaction with us feeling seen, cared for, and valued as a community member.
This also translates into our Client Care Initiatives such as our program Single Parent Support. Individuals who qualify for our services often face issues such as lack of resources, unstable housing, health problems, and systemic barriers. These complexities can make traditional measures of success less applicable or achievable. Our care team members have to keep in mind that success looks different for each person or family. Everyone we serve has a unique set of goals and there is not a one-size-fits-all outcome we’re trying to attain. Not every crisis can be solved by We Love St. Charles, but each loving interaction forwards our mission of “Empowering People and Uniting Community.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://welovestcharles.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/welovestcharles/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/welovestcharles/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caraline-brinkmann-gallegos/
Image Credits
Lauren Cartmel Photography
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