Catherine Pitchford Case Study

The Challenge

What specific challenge did Catherine want PAGE Capacity Builders to address?

CFUF faced a critical capacity gap when a senior manager overseeing three key programs went on leave. Catherine needed someone with nonprofit expertise who could step in seamlessly.

What solutions or companies did Catherine try before PAGE Capacity Builders?

Internally, Catherine didn’t have anyone with the level of expertise she needed. And, although she was given the opportunity to hire a temp agency, Catherine knew that wasn’t the answer she was looking for.

The Solutions

Why did Catherine choose PAGE Capacity Builders? 

Catherine knew she needed someone who could jump in with confidence, experience, and a deep understanding of how nonprofits operate. 

“I’ve worked with Page in several roles over the years,” Catherine shared. “Not just at CFUF, but also when I was at Baltimore’s Promise. I’ve seen firsthand her level of expertise, especially in grants, compliance, and systems building. I knew I could trust her to step in and deliver.”

PAGE Capacity Builders offered the right blend of strategic thinking, operational know-how, and boots-on-the-ground nonprofit experience so she could hop right in and make it work which was exactly what CFUF needed to move forward with confidence.

“With Page, it’s not just that she knows the nonprofit world—it’s how she works,” Catherine said. “You can talk through an idea, and she’ll turn it into a polished document or process that actually works in real life.”

What strategy or service did PAGE Capacity Builders provide?

Page Capacity Builders stepped in with a strategic, hands-on approach—offering both high-level insight and on-the-ground support.

The engagement began with a review of CFUF’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Page collaborated closely with Catherine to evaluate existing systems, ask thoughtful questions, and identify areas for improvement. She helped refine and restructure the documents to ensure they were not only clear and comprehensive, but also actionable for the team.

Beyond systems work, Page provided targeted support for the employment specialists, helping build out reporting processes and offer tools that gave the team greater clarity and consistency in their work.

Page also brought a coaching mindset to the engagement, working with staff to recognize their strengths and uncover areas for growth while feeling supported in the changes being made.

How did PAGE Capacity Builders help Catherine solve the challenge?

Page provided the steady, hands-on support Catherine needed during a critical time. She worked closely with the team, helping them feel motivated, supported, and confident in their work, which was key to maintaining productivity.

Her strong communication skills made a big difference, both internally and with external partners. She also helped manage reporting across two major funding streams, including the Clean Corps transitional employment model and the Train Up grant, ensuring nothing fell through the cracks

The Impact & Success

How did this solution impact Catherine’s organization?

Page’s involvement helped CFUF maintain quality programming seamlessly. “No one knew I had a consultant because it felt like business as usual,” Catherine said.

She ensured the team felt supported throughout, which Catherine calls “a huge impact” on their ability to stay motivated and productive.

Beyond that, she improved internal processes by refining policies and procedures, setting CFUF up for continued success.

Page also played a crucial role in securing and renewing important funding contracts, including with the Train Up and Clean Corps grants, helping CFUF sustain vital resources for their work.

Were there any measurable outcomes achieved as a result of partnering with PAGE Capacity Builders? 

CFUF successfully closed out the Clean Corps program’s previous cohort on a positive note and smoothly onboarded a new group of candidates for the next cycle. This seamless transition helped ensure continuous progress without disruption.

What qualitative benefits were achieved as a result of partnering with PAGE Capacity Builders? 

Page supported CFUF in ensuring that pre- and post-program surveys were properly administered which was a critical step in evaluating program effectiveness. By coordinating with the Director of Research and Evaluation, she helped reinforce accountability and performance tracking for the training team.

The Road Ahead

Were there any unexpected benefits or unique advantages that Catherine gained from partnering with PAGE Capacity Builders?

One unexpected benefit of working with Page was her ability to turn vision into action—fast. When CFUF received funding for a new Human Services Internship Training, Page took the lead on developing the entire training curriculum, building it from the ground up based on Catherine’s goals. The program will launch in August and is already up and running thanks to Page’s ability to listen, translate ideas into structure, and deliver exactly what was needed.

What benefits does Catherine anticipate long-term with PAGE Capacity Builders?

Catherine sees long-term potential in the internship training curriculum Page developed—not just for CFUF, but as a broader workforce development model. She’s already in conversation with the Department of Social Services about using the program to place interns into public sector jobs.

Partnering with PAGE Capacity Builders provided CFUF the expert support needed during a time of transition and laid the groundwork for lasting impact. From strengthening systems and guiding the team to creating a scalable internship curriculum, Page brought structure, insight, and heart to every part of the work. 

Catherine shared, “If you want someone committed to your project and organization with the ability to coach you and your team up, she is amazing. She is thorough, leaves no stone unturned, gives you insight and ideas… She always makes you feel like you are important. There aren’t too many consultants who can do that.”