50 Stories for 50 Years: Meet Jean Rawitt
More than two decades ago, Jean Rawitt’s journey with Birch began with a casual conversation. After meeting Robin Keller, Birch’s former Board Chair and current 1st Vice Chair, Robin suggested she consider joining the Board. Through her husband’s work as a child psychiatrist specializing in learning disabilities, Jean already had some familiarity with the field, but what she discovered at Birch left a far deeper impression.
“When I met the Board Members, I was so impressed with their dedication, their warmth, and their commitment to Birch,” Jean said. “I was honored when they asked me to join the Board.”
Like many Board Members stepping into an organization as complex and vital as Birch, Jean quickly realized the role required both learning and growth.
“There is a real learning curve when you join the Board of an organization like Birch,” Jean said. “In that process, my interest deepened, my knowledge deepened, and my commitment continues to deepen all the time.”
What continues to inspire Jean most are the people she meets through Birch’s programs.
“Every time I visit a Birch school to read, attend a graduation, meet some of our residents at an event, or get to know some of the New Frontier participants, I am wowed,” Jean said.
Watching individuals gain confidence and independence is particularly powerful for Jean.
“When I see New Frontier participants navigating life’s challenges and learning new skills, socializing, and experiencing opportunities their parents didn’t think possible, I feel renewed,” Jean said. “It fills me with joy and strengthens my commitment every time.”
Moments like these also reinforce for Jean just how important Birch’s work is and why advocacy remains essential.
“There is a large population of people with disabilities who are invisible or actively bypassed,” she says. “Organizations like Birch and their supporters have a responsibility to combat that invisibility. We must advocate every day for services, for understanding, openness, and non-judgmental acceptance of everyone.”
For Jean, what truly sets Birch apart is the culture of caring that runs throughout the organization, not just the programs, but the people behind them.
“What continues to capture me is the heart of Birch,” Jean said. “From leadership to frontline staff, there is deep and genuine care for every single person we serve. It’s very easy to talk about person-centered care, but Birch does it.”
Looking ahead, Jean remains focused on ensuring Birch continues to grow and thrive.
“I am most excited about reaffirming our deep commitment to the people we serve,” Jean said. “I see my role as helping guide and support Birch’s fundraising efforts, encouraging generosity, and working alongside staff and donors to ensure we continue expanding opportunities for those who rely on us.”
For Jean, that work is ultimately about ensuring moments of transformation, like the ones she has witnessed throughout her time with Birch, continue for generations to come.
“If you could see one child who came to our early childhood program without speech, and then hear them laughing, talking, and responding to a book you are reading to them,” Jean said, “You would understand exactly why Birch’s work matters.”