In the heart of spring, a season synonymous with renewal and growth, Achieve continues to weave the spirit of well-being, giving, and community support into the very fabric of its culture. As we enjoy this rejuvenating time of year, we’re reminded of the power in empowerment, and the potential for the profound impact of volunteerism. This April, as we embrace National Volunteer Month, Achieve takes a stand within the organization to extend support to our communities at large.
Achieve’s Diversity Equity & Inclusion Program Manager, Jordan Figueroa, is a teammate who resonates with Achieve’s core values of Care, Get Better, Collaboration, and Act with Integrity. As an avid Employee Resource Groups (ERG) member and steady volunteer, Jordan provides a vital lens into this vision, saying “Achieve's commitment to volunteerism and community service perfectly aligns with our core values. By actively engaging in volunteer efforts, we demonstrate our dedication to caring for all individuals, improving ourselves daily, collaborating with diverse communities, and acting with integrity in every interaction.”
A 2023 year of giving back
Achieve’s core pillars of growth, well-being, belonging, and impact champion the cause of giving back. Last year, Achieve teammates, fueled by a desire to make a difference, embodied this spirit in more ways than one and showed an unwavering commitment to causes that matter:
- - Dedicated over 970 volunteer hours to support local nonprofits and community initiatives.
- - 64 walkers and 19 volunteers raised a remarkable $5,422 (with company match) during the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk—not only raising funds for vital research, but also providing free information and support to those affected by the disease.
- Served over 1,100 walkers and contributed $2,145 to an overall $85K raised for the Down Syndrome Walk Arizona Buddy Walk, a program supporting over 4,000 Arizonans and their families.- Supported through the Achieve Care Employee Fund (ACEF), where over 200 teammates benefited from the generosity of their peers’ donated funds and paid sick hours during challenging life moments.- Heroes ERG attended the Beggin’ for Beans annual fundraiser/chili cook-off in Chandler, and held their first annual Hike for Veterans event, both supporting Pups & Warriors Side by Side (PAWSS).- Executed a virtual holiday meal food drive.
Jordan drives the essence of purpose home, saying, “Our support for teammate volunteerism not only benefits our workforce but also has a positive impact on the nonprofits and communities we serve. By donating our time, expertise, and resources, we amplify the reach and effectiveness of these organizations, driving positive social change and creating a more equitable future for all.”
Achieve’s ERGs also showed up as vital testaments to the culture of care and support that defines Achieve. Aspire, Heroes, Pride, Freedom Riders, She Achieves, and Unidos ERGs demonstrated a dedication to establishing a robust community at Achieve through significant initiatives such as:
- Unidos con Libros (United with Books) book club.
- Pride’s participation in the AIDS Walk Arizona Festival—as well as volunteer efforts at the Phoenix Pride Festival, promoting diversity and inclusion within the community.
- Amplification of teammate connection through the ERG Expo.
- Heroes volunteered with an integrative healing farm in support of veterans and their families.
Already making a difference in 2024
As we continue into this month of national recognition for volunteerism, Achieve encourages each teammate to harness the power of giving back. Our EVP of Human Resources, Linda Luman, reminds us of the profound words of Muhammad Ali: “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” In line with this ethos, Achieve pointed to a few opportunities for teammates to participate in this month:
- The Achieve Care Employee Fund (ACEF) is a registered charity that helps teammates support fellow colleagues in the event of a hardship, emergency, or other challenging life moment. This initiative allows for either one-time or recurring contributions, emphasizing the values of community and shared support.- Pride ERG participated in the AIDS Walk Arizona Festival and 5K to help raise awareness and support around HIV and AIDS education, as well as services the Aunt Rita’s Foundation provides to the Arizona community. Arizona teammates also volunteered with Pride ERG and Junior Achievement (JA) of Arizona to support the STEM Summit event at Phoenix College Prep Academy, fostering education and career opportunities for students.- Heroes ERG attended the Beggin’ for Beans annual fundraiser and chili cook-off in Chandler, supporting Pups & Warriors Side by Side (PAWSS). Heroes ERG also supported fellow veterans at the 20th Annual Pat’s Run and “No Prob-Llamas” integrative healing one-mile walk with alpacas and llamas.- Coming up! April 25—Contribute to building 40 bunk beds for children in need through the Arizona non-profit organization Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Currently there are over 2,000 kids on the waiting list for a bed they can call their own.
While several initiatives are specific to Arizona, the Achieve Paid Volunteer Time Off Policy is also an opportunity to consider, allowing teammates across the nation to volunteer up to 16 hours (during work hours) for causes close to their heart.
Jordan reflects on fond volunteer memories with Achieve, saying, “Partnering with our Unidos and Freedom Riders ERGs alongside the Tempe Community Action Agency, we supported thousands in need by stocking shelves, packing food boxes, and organizing storage spaces. The atmosphere was filled with unity and purpose, reminding me of Achieve's commitment to making a real difference.”
An invitation to share, inspire, and empower
Throughout National Volunteer Month, Achieve invites everyone to reflect on their own personal giving journey. Whether through time, resources, or financial assistance, every act of kindness contributes to a broader goal of hope and resilience.
We encourage everyone to speak up and share their stories of volunteerism, using the hashtag #lifeatachieve and tagging Achieve in social media posts. We’d love to hear all about it! Stories of heroism not only inspire but also serve as a commendable benchmark, encouraging others to embark on their own journey of service. When impact is powered by the dedication and passion of teammates, anything is possible.
“I'm proud to be part of a company that translates its values into action, embodying the true spirit of corporate citizenship and social responsibility. Our commitment to volunteerism not only empowers individuals financially but also enriches the communities we serve, reinforcing our collective mission to make a positive difference in our world.” -Jordan Figueroa
