At the Gene B. Glick Company, we are committed to strengthening the quality of life and giving back to the communities we call home. As part of our corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, we encourage our team members to give back to their communities through volunteerism and empower them to do so through our paid volunteer time off (VTO) program. Our ‘VTO with Heart’ series highlights Glick team members using their VTO to volunteer with organizations close to their hearts.

Ausome Indy is an Indianapolis-based nonprofit that provides sensory tools and communication devices to support children with autism. Crystal Adams recently utilized her volunteer time off to spend time with the community and help set up for Ausome Indy’s Annual Fundraising event.

Crystal first got involved with the organization through her best friend, one of the founders of Ausome Indy. They established the nonprofit with a vision to support children with autism in the foster care system. After years of grassroot efforts, the organization has bloomed into a thriving community that uplifts and connects families in powerful ways. Recently, Ausome Indy launched Ausome Dads, a group that brings fathers into the conversation, creating space for shared stories, healing, and strength.

Crystal’s ties with Ausome Indy are personal in many ways. When her own 12-year-old daughter received an autism diagnosis, Crystal knew she was already in the right village to support her and her daughter’s journey. Now, they know they have a supportive place with no judgement and space to grow.

We had the opportunity to catch up with Crystal after her time at Ausome Indy to understand why volunteering is so important to her.

How does volunteering impact your life?

“Volunteering has grounded me and given me a deeper sense of purpose. It’s connected me with an incredible community and reminded me of the power of showing up for others and for myself. Through this work, I’ve grown in compassion, patience, and perspective. Most of all, it’s made me feel like I’m part of something bigger, a village that uplifts, supports, and celebrates each other every step of the way.”

Describe what Glick’s Volunteer Time Off (VTO) means to you.

“For me, VTO has allowed me to support causes that are deeply personal like Ausome Indy and be present for families and children who need community and connection. It’s given me the space to serve, to grow, and to be part of something bigger than myself, all while knowing my workplace stands behind that purpose.”

Are there other organizations that you want others to know about?

“I'm also on the fundraising committee through React, and I help in various ways at performances. React provides theatre classes for youth. This will be my daughter’s second year attending and I couldn’t be more thankful for this organization for providing a supportive safe place that allows her to explore who she is, connect with others and express herself in ways that words alone could never capture.”

To learn more about this great organization, visit ausomeindy.org.

If you are a Glick team member and want to use your VTO to give back to your community, submit your VTO request via Paylocity. To inspire others, we encourage all team members to log their volunteer time and impact on Selflessly.