See Good, Do Good, Feel Good: Paying It Forward In Our Community

Our recent launch of HealthPay It Forward, a company-wide initiative to give back to the community and help those in need, has seen great success and positivity.  Volunteerism and philanthropy are embedded in the fabric of our company, instilled by our founder and embraced by our employees for almost two decades.

Research shows employee volunteering can improve company culture and overall happiness in the workplace. And it’s true! Companies do well by doing good, and our team is no exception.  Getting out there and volunteering in our community has given us a deeper understanding of why we do what we do and has helped us grow closer as a team.

Let’s take a look at our recent volunteer activities and some of the key takeaways from championing a culture of volunteering:

Brethren Housing Association – March 8, 2019

On International Women’s Day, we kicked off HealthPay It Forward by visiting the Brethren Housing Association, a non-profit we support that provides transitional housing and life skills programs to women and children experiencing homelessness in Harrisburg, PA. Our team met with the executive director who gave us a tour and explained their mission and history.

Going forward, we’ve decided to sponsor select events and offer some creative services in regards to their brand marketing. This opportunity showed us how everybody has their own story to tell; volunteering with BHA allows us to play a role in someone’s journey in building a better, more positive life for themselves.

Spring Fling – March 30, 2019

A group of us volunteered at the Spring Fling carnival hosted by Slate Hill Mennonite Church for individuals with special needs in Mechanicsburg, PA. We spent the morning working carnival games and dressing attendees in fun props at the photo booth. There was pizza, face painting, group games, live music, and massages for attendees.

It was so special to see how smiles are universal and can truly have an impact on someone’s day. Whether a friend or a stranger, being kind is so important and can mean a lot to someone. We will keep that same mentality at every volunteering opportunity in the future.

Ronald McDonald House – April 4, 2019

We spent an afternoon at the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Hershey, PA packing bagged lunches for families over at Penn State Children’s Hospital. We packed each lunch with a handwritten note from our employees filled with positive words and encouragement.

Even the smallest handmade gestures go a long way to demonstrate gratitude and kindness. It’s a lesson we certainly plan to take back with us to the office!

Each of these opportunities thus far have been so rewarding and motivating. I can think of many more reasons why we will keep paying it forward, but five major ones come to mind:

1. Strengthen Community – We are only as good as the neighborhoods we serve. We believe that we can enhance the quality of life around us by improving where we live, work and play. When our community thrives, we thrive.
2. Share Expertise – Volunteering allows us to share our talents, skills and experience to benefit others. Using our strengths we can make a difference by exposing our neighbors to tools that will ultimately shape their futures for the better.
3. Make an Impact – We want to make a lasting difference in the world and it’s inspiring to be a catalyst in improving the lives of those who need it most. We aspire to light a spark in others, passing the torch to spread hope and a better future for all.
4. Improve Health – Studies have shown that volunteering is actually good for you! Not only are we improving our community, but we also reap the benefits of good health, which we champion as a healthcare tech company.
5. Have Fun – It feels good to do good! As people, our experiences and lives are interconnected. This means we all have the power to help, heal, and be healed through the act of giving back. And it’s now widely recognized that companies can “do well by doing good…”

So join us by paying it forward to those in your community & let’s embrace the good we can achieve!