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.

On a mission trip to India, Kimberly Barkman dedicated her VTO time to support the non-profit Faith in Deed’s Children’s Home, one of the five children’s homes that Hands of Hope supports globally. The organization provides 24/7 care for orphaned and abandoned children and children’s homes.

For Kimberly, the mission behind Hands of Hope resonates deeply with her and her own life story as an adoptive and foster mom. As a board member for Hands of Hope, she went on the trip intending to learn more about the children’s homes the organization supports, the family that helps run Faith in Deeds, and to spend quality time with the 87 school-aged children currently living there.

While there, she and other volunteers shared meals with the children and made memories crafting, playing games, and doing other fun activities together.

We had an opportunity to ask Kimberly a bit more about her experience volunteering and what Glick’s VTO means to her.

How Does Volunteering Impact Your Life?

"As a foster and adoptive parent, I have seen the impact that is had when basic needs are met, and supports are in place that allow individuals to thrive and change the trajectory of their life. This is why volunteering is such a big part of my everyday life. Volunteering allows me to help support my community and the vulnerable populations that live within it. I am always grateful when I can bring joy to someone."

What does Glick’s Volunteer Time Off (VTO) mean to you?

"I admire Glick for allowing team members to choose organizations that they want to support, as well as providing time off to do it. This is one of the best perks that comes with working for Glick. I love being able to take time away from my desk and make a difference in the community I live in. This helps me recharge and focus on how my position helps further the commitment Glick has to the residents and communities it serves."

Are There Other Organizations That You Want Others to Know About?

• Hands of Hope: Adoption, foster care and children’s homes’ support.
• Lambswear: Provide gently-used clothing and necessities to children in need.
• Women Build, Habitat for Humanity: Brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.
  • Glick Women Build Team: https://give.indyhabitat.org/team/635924
• Random Acts of Flowers: Volunteer making floral arrangements to be distributed to individuals in healthcare facilities.

To learn more about this great organization, visit faithindeeds.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.