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.

Jahlisa Adekoya recently volunteered at Mission 27 Resale in Indianapolis, IN, a St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store. She chose this location to volunteer because she remembers using the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry as a child. She also said that the food pantry follows the same client choice model that they use at The Success Center where she serves as the Resident Service Coordinator. The thrift store also stood out to her, and she wanted to try something new. 

When purchases are made at Mission 27 Resale, funds support St. Vincent de Paul's Food Pantry and Changing Lives Forever program. As a Resident Service Coordinator at the Success Center, Jahlisa often writes referrals to St. Vincent de Paul for household items, rental assistance and energy assistance. "While you're shopping, you're also helping your neighbors fight hunger, become economically self-sufficient, and break cycles of poverty," said Jahlisa. 

During her time volunteering, Jahlisa helped clean, reorganize, and stock shelves. "My favorite experience there was helping put together bins of items that will go to families who are moving into their homes after experiencing homelessness," Jahlisa said. 

After her time volunteering at Mission 27 Resale, we caught up with Jahlisa to learn more about how volunteering is part of her life.

How Does Volunteering Impact Your Life?

"Volunteers truly make the world go round. It’s not always formal volunteering that creates community. Sometimes it’s picking up trash as you walk down the street, grabbing necessities for a friend while grocery shopping, or rolling out your neighbor’s trash can. My first interaction with volunteering was when I was a little girl. My best friend Carmella, and her mother Jacqueline, asked if I wanted to go and serve Thanksgiving meals at Wheeler Mission. I went and I learned basic food prep techniques and served dozens of people who needed a Thanksgiving meal. My time here at Glick has allowed me to implement the Resident Ambassador Program and Volunteer Program for our Food Pantry. As I reflect upon how I want to share my time in the future, I envision myself volunteering more."

What Does Glick’s VTO Mean to You?

"VTO is something I have never had at any other job. It allows me to volunteer without feeling as if I will lose my job or get 'points' for taking time off to do so. I hope to see more employers offer VTO in the future. VTO is a wonderful reflection of what Glick does for its employees and in Glick communities."

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

"I plan to volunteer at the Butter Art Fair, Martindale Brightwood CDC, and would like to give time to The Julian Center."

To learn more about these great organizations, visit:

• Mission 27 Resale
• The Success Center
• Wheeler Mission
• Butter Art Fair
• Martindale Brightwood CDC
• The Julian Center

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. We also encourage all team members to log their volunteer time and impact on Selflessly to inspire others.