4/19

Serving Veterans: CSP Volunteers with Catch A Lift

Recently, members of the CSP team volunteered at a Catch A Lift event as part of our Community Connections program. Catch A Lift is a national non-profit that lifts spirits and saves lives, providing U.S. military combat veterans with an array of holistic and practical methods to heal the whole person—mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Alongside people from all walks of life and a variety of companies, our team put together gift bags for new members of Catch A Lift. Members are combat-injured veterans who are finding new focus and energy by instilling a new, thoughtful, and healthy lifestyle founded on four core pillars: Nutrition, Fitness, Emotional Wellness, and Community. The gift bags were full of items that support this renewed lifestyle, from an inspiring book written by a Sergeant who was also speaking at an upcoming event, to giveaways, t-shirts, and more. 

Kay Calivas, one of the CSP team members volunteering at the event shared, “The stories we heard from volunteers and those shared on the Wall of Heroes were heartbreaking but also inspiring. These experiences have lasting effects on heroes and their families. If filling a bag with items can show we value them and we remember them, it’s a very simple but important way to give back.”  

Mentors, coaches, and veteran leaders adapt Catch a Lift’s programs to accommodate the individual abilities, attitudes, and aspirations of members. Finding a personal purpose is the Catch A Lift cure for addiction, dangerous weight gain, and debilitating depression. By fostering a commitment to forward movement and getting better every day, renewing personal energy, and choosing to join and serve a broader community, wounded vets find life-saving purposes that they share with others.

Catch A Lift was founded in memory of Cpl. Christopher Coffland, U.S. ARMY. who was killed in Afghanistan in 2009. Chris’ phrase, “I’m gonna catch a lift,” indicated he was heading to the gym, but more importantly, it meant he was going to get centered, refocused, and re-energized.

To date, Catch A Lift has funded more than 8,600 wellness grants, providing a real, practical, and profound impact to thousands of veterans and caregivers.

Our team will continue to volunteer with Catch A Lift. If you’re interested in supporting the organization too, visit https://catchaliftfund.org/ to learn more.

 

9/01

Why Community Connections are Good for Business

Our team has made it a priority to ramp up our community involvement over the last six months — focusing on how we can leverage the skills and talents of our team to make a positive impact.  We’re seeing firsthand how helping people in our own backyard can bolster our own work environment and ultimately impact the bottom line. 

Here’s how.

Improves employee engagement 

Implementing a community involvement program enables organizations to engage employees on a variety of different levels, which drives overall engagement.  Engaged employees are emotionally connected and sincerely want the company to do well – which means they will go the extra mile to make that happen. They are excited to feel like they are contributing beyond the bottom line. Additionally, 89% of respondents to Deloitte’s Volunteerism Survey stated they believe companies who sponsor volunteer activities offer a better overall working environment than those who do not. 

Creating a group of employee ambassadors to support corporate social responsibility programs will naturally encourage employee participation in community activities. For companies with remote workers, or several office locations, build a regional ambassador team and develop ways for them to come together to support an organization closer to their location.

Builds loyalty

Show employees you value your people and your larger community. Findings from Deloitte’s Survey showed that millennials who participate in workplace volunteer activities on a frequent basis are more likely to be proud, loyal and satisfied employees compared to those who do not volunteer. 

Develops leaders

Community initiatives not only promote team building, but give managers the opportunity to allow team members to step up to leadership roles in ways they normally may not be able to in their day-to-day roles at the office.  This chance to “test the waters” can show how team members can excel beyond what was originally expected of them – which can carry over into the workplace. 

Positive brand promotion

By partnering with an organization in your community, this gives your company a platform to talk about the impact you are making – which in turn, results in employees wanting to volunteer more often (Deloitte 2017 Survey).  

Share images and videos via your blog, social media, and even with local news outlets who often share community impact programs with local viewers. This creates a positive connection between the community and your brand.  Lastly, showing your company supports employee volunteering can support your efforts to attract and retain top talent (especially millennials).  

It’s clear that investing in your employees and your community pays off.  Stay tuned for more on the topic of community as we continue to enhance our community connections and impact here at CSP!