Volunteer Profile: Gary Community Investments

Company/Group Name and Industry
Gary Community Investments, philanthropic organization

How did you first hear about FloCrit, and what made you interested in volunteering?
For more than 40 years, Gary Community Investments, which includes The Piton Foundation, has been supporting organizations and initiatives that improve Colorado’s low-income children and their families. We have been a long-time supporter of FloCrit’s efforts to educate, prepare, and empower teen mothers and their children. Given GCI’s two-generational approach and primary focus on young children, ages 0 to 5, we most recently provided FloCrit with funding to help operate the Early Childhood Education Center and the Student and Family Support Program, which we believe are crucial programs for addressing the needs of young children and their mothers.

How long have you been volunteering with FloCrit?
GCI chose FloCrit as our community service partner in 2018. We were so thrilled with the experience that we decided to continue working with them in 2019.

With which activities/events have you helped at FloCrit?
Last year, we had two groups of staff volunteer at the Baby Bucks store, where we organized baby items and had the opportunity to help FloCrit students shop for their children. This year, we are excited to spend time in the Baby Bucks store again, and we’ll also helping out at the Fall Festival after-school party in September. In addition, we’ve hosted school supply drives at our office in the summer, which has been a great way to engage event more staff in giving back.

How does volunteering with FloCrit fit into your company’s priorities?
GCI encourages our staff to remain connected to the community, and it’s particularly important for us to give all staff an opportunity to observe the impact our partners are creating in the community. Through this volunteer opportunity, GCI staff is getting first-hand insight into FloCrit’s work—and it’s a bonus that we are able to spend time with the children and families that our funding helps support.

What would you say to a group/company that is looking for a place to volunteer and considering FloCrit?
Coordinating service days for a large staff can be a daunting task, but FloCrit’s staff makes it easy because they are flexible, responsive and organized. GCI’s volunteer experiences have been fun, engaging, and inspiring, and we highly recommend FloCrit to any company, organization, or group that is looking to contribute to their important mission.

Would you or a group or workplace you are part of like to volunteer at Florence Crittenton Services? Find out how to get started!