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Rachel's Story
Rachel Green Flanagan
Rachel is an impassioned wife and mother to five children - three sons, a daughter and a baby boy in heaven. In 2020, Rachel and her husband unexpectedly lost their newborn son, Brooks. Rachel's foundation was established to honor the memory of her late son, Brooks.
Throughout her life and career, Rachel has been drawn to helping others and working with children. In fact, Rachel has taught, mentored and coached young children as a volunteer and paid professional for many years. Early on, Rachel worked in the pre-school program at the greater Boston YMCA, and coached children's group figure skating lessons.
Years later, Rachel volunteered at her churches infant nursery and spent considerable time volunteering with the Foster Care Ministry in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF).
Throughout her time as an active community member, Rachel came to realize that being a kid and navigating adolescence is hard enough without the complications of worrying about outgrowing their clothing or wearing worn-out shoes. Not only did Rachel recognize a particular need for clothing and hygiene essentials, but also a community’s eagerness to step up and provide direct support.
Rachel launched Brooks Bags to provide necessary resources and items that will positively impact local communities. She hopes these newly available resources will enable children to feel more confident and worry a little less.
Rachel holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from Curry College located in Milton, MA.
Board of Directors
Brandon Flanagan
Brooks Bags was founded in honor of our late-son, Brooks, so that his memory may live on through the spirit of giving and sense of community, compassion and love. Having experienced the overwhelming support of our community, friends and family during the most challenging time of our lives serves as the driving force behind Brooks Bags’ mission to support local families and children who may be experiencing times of uncertainty and anguish. The reality is children shouldn’t be without essential items like a pair of jeans or shoes. Mothers and fathers shouldn’t have to struggle to provide for their children. Brooks Bags is the very essence of community, serving as a beacon of light and promise.
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Sir Winston Churchill
Christine Nelson
I am honored to be on the board of directors for Brooks Bags. As a former teacher and current after school program coordinator, kids have always been my focus. When kids have their basic needs met, they are successful. I wanted to be part of Brooks Bags mission to help kids and families throughout the community.
Gio Ozkan
Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, my parents worked very hard to provide everything we had. We were protective of our finances and that’s what led me to my career as a wealth management and retirement planning specialist. Serving on this board affords me the opportunity to give back and support hardworking families who may be experiencing economic hardship. I’m honored to hold this position and carry on the legacy of Brooks.
Darla DaSilva
As a church volunteer for more than twenty years, I’ve always been drawn to serving in any capacity. Now, as a mother and K-5 teacher I’ve pinpointed my direction in the desire to serve as a happy and faithful participant in the rehabilitation of displaced children and families. On a personal level I’ve served alongside Rachel and her family, and stood beside them during their loss. What brought about my desire to be part of Brooks Bags was to carry on the legacy of their late son by continuing to serve and provide for their community.
Michelle McNall
Joining the Brooks Bags Board of Directors was an easy decision for me. I firmly believe in the mission of helping children succeed for generations to come, by doing my part to give back to the communities that have given so much to me. No child should have to go without basic needs and, with Brooks Bags, they won’t have to. I am humbled to join such a compassionate group of professionals who are steadfast in their commitment to use their vast personal and business connections to make a positive difference in the lives of children and families throughout the Granite State.
"But not only that! We even take pride in our problems, because we know that trouble produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope. This hope doesn't put us to shame, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."
ROMANS 5:3-5