Today we’d like to introduce you to Cherie Trice.
Cherie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began my career in the legal and corporate worlds, in the fields of estate administration, trust administration, and eventually wealth management. I was doing a lot of document interpretation and number crunching. What always appealed to me, however, was the relationship side of my career…working with my clients and learning how to listen to their needs. This motivated me to pursue my M.A. in counseling. Along the way, I also received my Certified Trust and Financial Advisor designation. While I loved my clients and the work was always interesting, I wanted to find a way to perhaps do something which I felt “mattered.” I was recruited to become the head of the “Giving Group” at a large regional food bank in New England by a friend. That was my first foray into the non-profit world. I LOVED my work meeting people from all walks of life and from all backgrounds.
I continue to find joy in the non-profit sector, focusing on helping children, individuals, and families to thrive. I believe my mission is as a “connector”-to assist people who have the ability to help others to find those who need their help the most.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life is never a smooth road. There are always bumps…as well as potholes, curves, and detours. As I look back, I can see, however, that each road I took, no matter how challenging, taught me something along the way. A very wise attorney I once worked for told me that individual could succeed in anything they do if they had the following abilities: Affability (the ability to get along or work with others), Accessibility (being available to those who need you), and ability (you can do the work at any given time). He noted that there are days you may be missing one of the three, but if you have at least the other two, overall, you will do fine.
Sometimes it’s also challenging to balance work and home. I am sure there are things that I missed while my children were growing: however, I tried to never miss a dance recital or football game. My children are my heart, walking around outside in the world.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In my role as Director of Development, each day is different. I may be out in the community talking to individuals or groups about the work that we do for children and families. I may be writing a grant which can help provide funding to our emergency shelter. I may also be sitting on the floor playing with a child in one of our early learning centers, which serve primarily children from low-income families. That is one of my most favorite things!
Professionally, I am most proud of the projects we have been working on as a result of recent grants we received. One grant provides FREE training on Adverse Childhood Experiences (trauma) to child providers and caregivers in our community, and the other newer grant is to help improve the nutritional quality of the foods which are provided in early learning/childcare centers in Savannah, particularly those in low-income census tract areas where fresh, local grown food is not easily accessible.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
There will always be a need for non-profits to help provide services to children and families in need. Savannah has many non-profits which work to provide services. Since Covid, I believe many more non-profits are striving to work together to combine resources so that they can become even more effective.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.greenbriarchildrenscenter.org
- Instagram: @greenbriarsav
- Facebook: @GreenbriarChildrensCenter
- Twitter: @greenbriarCCSAV
