A. Pomerantz & Co, Executive Assistant

Years in Field: 6.5 years

How A. Pomerantz & Co Supports Employee Engagement 

Commitment to the community is engrained in our business culture. Owner, Garry Maddox, is a service-disabled veteran who models commitment to his community. In addition to hosting an annual companywide day of service, our employees sit on various non-profit boards and participate in local community volunteer groups.

On a personal level, volunteering with Pomerantz has reinforced my belief in the “Power of One”. After participating in a recent volunteer event, I ended up connecting my employer, a nonprofit, a relative, and a friend. Witnessing the ripple effect of “one” effort is priceless.

Successes A. Pomerantz & Co Has Had Regarding Employee Giving 

Since our inaugural event in 2018, we’ve had success with companywide days of service. Employees can participate in a day of service while still receiving a days’ worth of pay. I think group participation and ability to receive a days’ worth of pay are two key factors to its success.

An Employee Engagement Program Focused on Agency and Empowerment 

Our corporate mission is based on engaging in committed partnerships to drive value and provide a workforce of high integrity. This ties into our philanthropic mission, which is to make a difference, one partnership at a time. As a small company, we realize that partnerships are essential. It’s important to know where you can add value in relationships and vice versa.

Pomerantz welcomes all employees to guide our volunteer program. We encourage them to share organizations they support outside of work, we welcome volunteer event suggestions, and look to employees for feedback regarding causes they value.

Building For Long-term Success 

We gather our impact-data quarterly. We frequently include information about PomPartners in our business proposals. We send a digital survey with 7 simple questions. It allows us to gauge the impact of our volunteer program and understand what volunteer opportunities resonate with our employees. The survey responses guide our selection of volunteer opportunities we offer.

Aspects of Corporate Volunteerism That Excite And Motivate Me  

Throughout my life, I’ve realized that I’m happiest when I’m helping others. Corporate volunteerism gives me the outlet to serve others while representing my employer. I feel a greater sense of job satisfaction after participating in company lead volunteer events.

The post Jean North, A. Pomerantz & Co appeared first on Philadelphia Foundation.

The Partners:

Bentley Systems and Chester County Food Bank

Partners since: 2009

How has the partnership evolved over time?

Alongside Chester County Food Bank employees, Bentley System volunteers construct raised garden beds.

The leaders of each organization are long-time colleagues and community philanthropists. When Robert D. McNeil, founding chairman of the Chester County Food Bank, initiated the organization’s first capital campaign, Greg Bentley, CEO  at Bentley Systems, was instrumental in helping secure a building.

Later, when the Food Bank expanded its operations and relocated to the Eagleview Corporate Center in Exton, PA, Bentley Systems was further supportive through the capital campaign and by sponsoring and hosting a community open house for their new neighbor.

The relationship between the Chester County Food Bank and Bentley Systems continued to evolve and expand.  In 2014, Bentley Systems installed raised garden beds at their headquarters to grow vegetables as part of the Food Bank’s Farm and Garden program. Today, Bentley remains one of nearly 100 garden partners that collectively contribute nearly 30,000 pounds of produce.

Being neighbors has strengthened the relationship between the two organizations.  In recent years, Bentley Systems has also hosted and sponsored the Food Bank’s quarterly food provider meetings and Bentley Systems employees have enjoyed lunch at the Food Bank’s FRESHstart Café – a workforce development program affording students hand-on restaurant experience.

What do you feel is an innovative feature of the partnership?

Being neighbors! We have been able to provide unique opportunities and support for each other in new and exciting ways thanks to our proximity.  When a fire rendered the Bentley Systems building unusable, the Food Bank eagerly offered use of their conference and meeting rooms for Bentley colleagues to meet with their Little Brothers and Little Sisters as part of the Big Brother Big Sister Beyond School Walls program.

For Bentley Systems, the partnership synergistic on many levels. We have colleagues that will walk over to volunteer or take part in the café. We use the raised garden beds as an “excuse” to get outside and get some fresh air! We know the staff at the Food Bank, and they know us. We welcome them to come enjoy some hot coffee (or tea) whenever they want in our cafeteria. It is such a wonderful partnership that we are excited to continue it and have it grow (pun completely intended!)

Share a recent success story with employee volunteerism

In 2021, Bentley granted the Chester County Food Bank $150,000 and asked for the funds to be used for a community match challenge.  The inaugural Sustaining Community $150,000 Grant Challenge matched the first $150,000 in donations made to the Chester County Food Bank between November 1  and December 31, 2021.  The challenge was successful, with Bentley Systems matching 450 contributions helping to raise $367,746.

That grant and subsequent challenge donations will enable the Chester County Food Bank to provide more than 140,000 healthy meals to those in need – at a time when pandemic-driven demand created has stretched the food bank’s resources to the limit.

What benefits does corporate/nonprofit partnerships bring to our community?

Bentley believes in the power of community and the need to ensure that the community functions in a healthy manner, which is why we support organizations like the Chester County Food Bank and so many more.  If you don’t know where your next meal is coming from, it becomes very difficult to focus on anything else.  Organizations like the Food Bank fill a critical role in the fabric of the community.

Where would you like to see corporate / nonprofit partnerships evolve?

From the Bentley side, we want to see more corporations get involved at a deeper level. To give money is one thing, to be invested in a nonprofit is something completely different. We are wholly invested in the Chester County Food Bank. We believe in them, we support them, we are here for them – heck, we even gave them toilet paper in the beginning of the pandemic (no one was in the office but the Food Bank was still firing on all cylinders).  We are here to support each other in any way we can. And if we can’t – we find those who can.

Bentley volunteers brave the cold, rain and snow(!) in early April 2022 to help get the garden started by weeding, repairing and planting beets, potatoes and radishes for harvesting.

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Years with GSK: 21

Activating my passion into meaningful impact

The Philadelphia STEM Equity Collective GSK Pulse Volunteers, From left: Linda Earland, Leng Nickels, Kimberly Palladino, and Megan Ketchum

I am very passionate about gender equality.

I live by #womensupportingwomen as a principle, participating in Women’s Leadership activities at GSK and through my alma mater, Villanova University.

I coach and mentor many women through GSK and Villanova, helping them to bring their best selves to the forefront and achieve their goals.   The United States women’s national soccer team (USWNT) revealed to me how much marketing and money play a part in gender equity, which has led me to be selective about how I spread my likes and shares on social media, as well as where I spend my money.

Although, I still appreciate and follow largely marketed sports such as football and men’s basketball, I am consciously giving more attention to women’s sports such as softball, field hockey, and women’s basketball and spending more money through season tickets, donations and purchases benefiting those programs.

Work/volunteer synergies

Our company supports employee engagement on many levels including our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). I am a member of many including the Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) and I am on the Steering Committee for our Cancer Awareness and Resources for Employees (CARE) group.

What I’ve learned from volunteering with GSK

The most valuable thing I have learned is to start taking action.  Activism does not have to be as big or bold as a protest or policy change.  It can start small with your own personal value system and making daily choices to act in a certain way.

What excites me within corporate volunteerism 

Corporate volunteerism is an amazing opportunity to bring skills and talents, which may be taken for granted in the corporate environment, to a place where they are greatly valued and needed.  It makes you appreciate more what you have.

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Years with WSFS Bank

26 years total (23 with Beneficial Bank prior to its acquisition by WSFS)

Activating my passion into meaningful impact

Robert (on the far right) volunteering at Old Saint Joseph’s Outreach Annual Thanksgiving Initiative.

My passion is teaching financial education/literacy as well as serving community and nonprofit organizations through volunteerism and board service, especially those organizations that serve the most vulnerable and are in communities within low-income census tracts.

In 2021, I led 28 Financial Literacy Education Workshops for schools, nonprofits, and community groups, volunteering a total of 62 hours in the process. In addition to the workshops, I logged 294 hours of volunteer service in 2021, including board service at nonprofits in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. 

I serve on the boards for a variety of local organizations, including the Philadelphia Community & Economic Development Committee; Holy Family Home; Entrepreneur Works; Financial Wellness Institute; St. Peter the Apostle School; Roman Catholic High School; IHM Center for Literacy; and St. Joseph Villa.

I am also a regular volunteer at organizations based in Philadelphia and the surrounding area, including Philabundance; MANNA; Cathedral Kitchen; Catholic Social Services; Cradles to Crayons; Old Saint Joseph’s Outreach; Saint John’s Hospice; Gift of Life Family House; Ronald McDonald House; and Ryan’s Case for Smiles.

Work/volunteer synergies

At WSFS Bank, we believe we have a responsibility to strengthen the cities and towns where we live, work, play and do business. Team WSFS, the WSFS corporate volunteer program, encourages Associates to volunteer with nonprofits of their choice.

WSFS offers four hours a month of compensated work time for participation in company-sanctioned volunteer activities. The Team WSFS program was developed to promote Associate volunteerism and strengthen our communities. The program has seen great success over the years, thanks in large part to our dedicated Associate volunteers.

What I’ve learned from volunteering with WSFS Bank

No matter the number of hours you volunteer, you can make a difference. Whether it is an hour or one hundred hours, you are making an impact and helping others. The same goes for monetary donations, any amount can make a difference to help someone in need.

Robert (on the right) volunteering with fellow WSFS volunteers at Manna.

What excites me within corporate volunteerism 

Making a difference and knowing that you are making an impact. If you are volunteering at a food bank packing items for those in need, you know that you are helping to provide meals for those community members. When it comes to teaching financial literacy, you have an opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of others by helping to set them up for financial success throughout their lives. Whatever the cause or organization, you can make a difference.

What volunteerism means to me

Get involved. It is important to get involved in the community, work with nonprofits and volunteer. During the pandemic, requests for services from nonprofits have increased drastically, and these organizations need the help of volunteers in order to meet this increased demand.

The post Robert Juliano, WSFS Bank appeared first on Philadelphia Foundation.

Years at Vanguard: 30

Activating my passion into meaningful impact

I am passionate about programs that contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty – which has been only magnified through the pandemic. Of specific interest are programs that focus on youth education, workforce development, and housing stability.

In addition to the opportunities I have through Vanguard’s corporate volunteer programs, I also engage directly with local organizations that align with my passions, skills, and experiences.

Most recently I had the good fortune to serve as a Board Member for The Charles A. Melton Arts & Education Center – a community center located in West Chester that delivers a wide-range of programming that contributes the resilience and vibrancy of the community.

Work/volunteer synergies

Vanguard offers a number of different opportunities that enable crew to engage in efforts that align their skills and interests to programs that strengthen the communities where we work and live.

Examples include opportunities to participate in various episodic volunteer events or skills-based volunteering projects and developing local charitable giving strategies through our Hometown Grants program. There is incredible diversity in the opportunities that enable our crew to get engaged and have an impact.

What I’ve learned from volunteering with Vanguard

There is so much need in the community, and it can often be difficult to know where to invest your time, talents, or treasure. Vanguard’s corporate volunteer programs provide incredible opportunities to learn about the greatest needs in our communities, and to focus our collective efforts to address those needs. It is always amazing to see what even a small group of passionate, focused crew can do to make a difference.

What excites me within corporate volunteerism

The opportunity to partner alongside like-minded colleagues to help influence change and have impact – no matter how big or small.

The post Rich Boclair, Vanguard appeared first on Philadelphia Foundation.

Years at The GIANT Company: 2

Activating my passion into meaningful impact

Hannah Gansbauer volunteering at The GIANT Company’s ‘Stuff A Truck’ event for the benefit of Radnor Township School District.

I am most passionate about eradicating hunger. I have had a lot of struggles throughout my life and being able to pay forward the kindness I have received means so much to me.  No one should ever have to go hungry, so being able to partner with organizations like Philabundance and Caring for Friends that can stretch our donations and time makes a bigger impact than what one person could do alone, makes me feel like I am doing more than I could ever alone.

I share what I do with my store/region team, and online, and involve as many people as possible. Speaking from the heart and being a role model to show the impact that we can make together.

Work/volunteer synergies

I am amazed everyday by all we do at The GIANT Company. We have an amazing corporate team that shares opportunities with us, and it is never ending.  We just completed our “Feeding School Kids” program and now are “Healing our Planet.”

They also encourage us to find our own needs in our community.  Giant makes it easy and fun, and I love that my own values match those of the company where I work.  Volunteering can be done on our own time or paid through corporate-run events.

What I’ve learned from volunteering with The GIANT Company

That we can be more, do more, we are not just a transactional business, we are pillars in our community with ongoing programs in place to give back.

What excites me within corporate volunteerism 

The constant engagement, meeting new people and supporting them.  Making a difference brings us together. Seeing the needs firsthand and being able to react. It is also really, really fun.

The post Hannah Gansbauer, The GIANT Company appeared first on Philadelphia Foundation.

Years with GSK: 5

Activating my passion into meaningful impact

The Philadelphia STEM Equity Collective GSK Pulse Volunteers, From left: Linda Earland, Leng Nickels, Kimberly Palladino, and Megan Ketchum

I am passionate about STEM education and making sure children have access. I grew in a small farm town in Kansas where STEM educational opportunities were limited. Upon entering college, it was easily distinguishable which STEM majors had an advantage and which ones were set up to struggle based upon their K-12 STEM educational opportunities.

At all times throughout my career, I have tried to find volunteering opportunities where I can give back to communities, students and schools. At GSK, I am a co-chair for the Science in Schools group where we try to increase student exposure to the variety of careers in STEM through job shadowing, career panels, science demonstrations at schools, site visits, and other related activities.

Work/volunteer synergies

GSK employees can participate in different employee resource groups based upon their own passions and experiences. Each year, as an employee, you are allowed to take a full workday to volunteer (called an Orange Day) in whatever manner you’d like.

What I’ve learned from volunteering with GSK

Lots of people want to volunteer and enjoy it. The hardest part is finding recurring volunteering opportunities.

What excites me within corporate volunteerism 

It is about giving back to something that is bigger than yourself or just your company. Also, it is the opportunity to showcase things you are passionate about to your colleagues, which could have a cascading effect.

The post Megan Ketchum, GSK appeared first on Philadelphia Foundation.

Years in the Field

I have been with AmeriHealth Caritas, an Independence Blue Cross subsidiary, for almost 9 years; I’ve spent 25 years as an employee of the Independence Blue Cross Family of Companies.

Activating my passion into meaningful impact

I’ve always been passionate about food insecurities. That passion was heightened during the pandemic because I found it challenging to manage the increase in grocery prices and shortages in foodstuffs.

If I faced these challenges as a working-class citizen, I could only imagine the challenges faced by the elderly and others facing financial hardships. There are so many people who lack the resources to find a sustainable meal or go hungry and I want to provide support to those in need.

I am a committed volunteer for the Share Food Program. I regularly volunteer by making outreach calls to seniors to confirm food box deliveries. I also pack food boxes. Before the pandemic, I volunteered with my church family at the Ronald McDonald House to serve food to the families of patients.

Work/volunteer synergies

My company has a dedicated website and resources to facilitate employee engagement in a variety of volunteer activities. There are volunteer opportunities available that are conducive to all work schedules. Employees are even allowed to volunteer during company time. Also, AmeriHealth designates team leads such as myself who promote and chair volunteer activities.

What I’ve learned from volunteering with AmeriHealth Caritas

At AmeriHealth Caritas, our focus is the underserved and disabled population, so I am able to see firsthand some of the struggles they face. To know that I work for an organization that cares about the members they serve, makes me care that much more.

What excites me within corporate volunteerism 

I don’t volunteer looking for something in return. I volunteer with the understanding that what I am doing really means something to someone else. There is also joy in volunteering with others I work with. I’ve had the opportunity to meet some really great and grateful people through volunteering.

What volunteerism means to me

The most valuable gift I’ve received from volunteering is the humbling experience of being able to give back to my community. As a single working mom, I was once in the shoes of those I now serve. My grandmother always tells me; Help the one who is down today. They may be down in sorrow. This old world is a wicked old world, and you can be down tomorrow. – Author Unknown

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STP Investment Services, Executive Assistant to CEO

Years in Field: Over 20 years in various executive enablement roles

Anne- Marie (left) posing with the STP Investment Services’ Team as they volunteer at West Chester Chili Cookoff benefitting the Rotary Club.

My Employee Engagement Journey

I worked for many years part-time in Greek life at the University of Pennsylvania and have always been active in my sorority, Tri Delta.  While most people think of Greek organizations as being strictly social, they are very service-oriented, and that community influenced me.

Although I have never held a position dedicated exclusively to employee engagement or volunteerism, important responsibilities of my roles supporting executives most certainly have included employee engagement and functioning as a culture carrier.

When I look back, my interest in supporting various philanthropies over the years has meshed well with the cultures of the companies I have worked for.  Establishing a relationship with the Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia through the guest chef program and coordinating a successful fundraiser event for an ill coworker were two highlights of my previous role.

One thing that attracted me to my current role at STP Investment Services is its strong commitment to helping out those in need. STP feels a responsibility to demonstrate leadership not only in the financial services industry, but also in the greater community in which we operate.

Developing STP Investment Services CSR Initiatives 

Certainly employee engagement is a big part of my role assisting Patrick Murray, our CEO. STP has enjoyed rapid growth since our founding in 2008 and many activities that are part of our strong culture have grown with the company.

In the earlier days of the company, our community outreach efforts were coordinated by a committee that also coordinated our social events. Shortly after I joined STP in 2018, I suggested that we spin off the service-oriented programs to a newly formed Charitable Leadership Committee.

At that time, I had recently attended a talk by a local hospital executive for businesswomen in West Chester entitled “Charitable Leadership”.  We adopted the name for our committee because the message that being a leader in the community carries with it the responsibility of being charitable is really powerful.

Advice for Those Considering Working In Corporate Volunteerism

Regardless of whether corporate social responsibility is implied by your job title or it is one of the many hats that you wear, partnering with colleagues to help others is so rewarding.

The a-ha moments come when you least expect them. Several years ago, when coordinating a group of co-workers to prepare a dinner meal at the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House, the father of a sick child called me over. He was so appreciative that our group had not only prepared the meal, but also that we spread out and sat down among the families to eat with them. Having a sick child is terribly scary, stressful and exhausting.

The appreciation and gratitude of that father made such an impression on me. Important gifts can be in the form of a check, but sometimes an empathetic ear of a kind adult listening to your story or to distract you by talking about the Eagles, cheesesteaks or the Philadelphia Zoo is the best gift you can give.

The importance of networking cannot be understated. I met Liz and Jay Scott, co-executive directors of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), on the sidelines of our sons’ ultimate frisbee games and subsequently established a relationship between ALSF and STP Investment Services.

Not long ago I participated in a “speed dating” style networking event hosted by the Ronald McDonald House and through it met Marie Gillespie of Independence Blue Cross who introduced me to the Greater Philadelphia Corporate Volunteer Council. You never know who you are going to sit next to on a plane, cheer next to in the bleachers, or meet on a Zoom call and how those introductions and connections may lead to some impactful opportunity.

Anne-Marie volunteering at the 2020 Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House Golf Outing.

My Company’s Approach to Volunteerism

Corporate volunteerism is a great way to engage employees. STP coordinates a variety of programming to appeal to the wide interests and availability of our employees. We don’t just pick one cause or one vehicle for participating.

We support very local organizations from the community outreach center at the church down the street, the local borough parks department, and the local Salvation Army to locally-headquartered, but international-in-reach organizations, such as Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation that is funding cutting edge children’s cancer research to end childhood cancer.

Employee engagement through volunteerism brings together people from varying departments and positions in the company to get to know each other while helping those less fortunate. It is a win-win to be able to foster employee relationships while connecting with community organizations to help people.

STP recently initiated a Volunteer Time Off program to encourage employees to use paid worktime for volunteer service. This is a benefit that sends the message about what our company values. Employees not only feel good about helping the community, but they feel good about their employer who created the opportunities to do so.

Aspects of Corporate Volunteerism That Excite And Motivate Me  

It is so rewarding to tap into the kindness of a group and be able to magnify the results and impact on the organizations you are partnering with to assist. The structure and numbers inherent in a company allow for so much more benefit than any one person could affect alone.

Trends to follow in the Future

The current chair of STP’s Charitable Leadership Committee, Denise Haines, has been very successful in tapping the generosity of our remote employees (which during the pandemic has been most of our staff) by encouraging use of Amazon and payment portals to collect donations in safe and efficient ways. The use of technology in this way has leveled the playing field, not limiting participation just to those who are available for local hands-on projects. Employees appreciate the inclusion and the end results are great.

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Years in Field: I started my career with PECO in October 2019.

Activating my passion into meaningful impact

It is important to me to give back to my community through legal pro bono work. My specific passion is being a child advocate through the Montgomery Child Advocacy Project, MCAP located in Norristown. PA. (mcapkids.org)

For more than eight years as an MCAP advocate, I have represented the interests of children to ensure they have a voice in the processes that impact their lives. I meet with the children, investigate their cases, attend court with them, explain the legal process to them and present findings to the court. Having protected the health, safety and welfare of countless children, my personal mission that guides me to work as an MCAP advocate is to make sure that the children I represent know that their voice matters and that they matter.

Work/volunteer synergies

PECO’s commitment to community is an inspiration to me. I am grateful to be affiliated with a company that not only supports but gives so generously to such important causes. Pro Bono work is strongly encouraged at PECO, as it is a company value to give back to the community.

An example is through the company’s Powering Communities programs. I volunteer as an Impact Leader to act as an ambassador for PECO’s volunteer and giving programs. Impact leaders partner with local nonprofit organizations to coordinate volunteer events for their colleagues, specifically during April’s National Volunteer Month and in the fall. In past years, our Impact Leaders helped increase awareness of the opportunities and benefits available to employees, especially those who may not be familiar with our Powering Communities programs.

What I’ve learned from volunteering with PECO 

Being supported by PECO for work as an MCAP supports not only helping children but helps a child to see their own value and worth – something that was lacking in their life before.

If a child is hurting, and I know that my legal skills can help that child, I will make time to provide the help they need. I cannot begin to describe how it feels to help a child escape some of the worst situations you can possibly imagine, make sure they know that their voice matters, and that they matter.

I cannot stress enough how rewarding I find volunteer work. Everyone has skills to offer, and there are all kinds of organizations out there who need your help. If you are inclined, go for it! You will be glad you did.

Learn more about Bonnie and other volunteers at PECO here. 

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