How the Workplace and Its Employees Can Support Youth

Last Thursday I had the opportunity of visiting Northrop Grumman to tell the "Cabrini Connections' Story" to their employees during lunchtime as part of their Employees Charity Organization (E.C.H.O). During that time, I along with representatives from nearly 15 other organizations, shared information about our programs, our history, our plans for the future, and how the employees of Northrop Grumman can assist Cabrini Connections, Tutor/Mentor Connection by becoming volunteers, advocates, and donors; and it was a great experience.

Hopefully the people that I had the opportunity to meet with and share the story with will take the information and say "what can I do to make sure these stories continue?" And the answer that I would provide is simple; Northrop Grumman and its employees can assist in continuing these stories by taking advantage of the E.C.H.O. program and start or continue making contributions to the ECHO fund through payroll deductions. Employees are able to support a wide variety of 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations throughout the United States and abroad. Northrop Grumman pays all administrative costs, ensuring that 100% of employees’ donations go directly to our organization.

But Northrop Grumman is not the only place of business that can assist in supporting programs like Cabrini Connections. During this time of the year especially, the campaign for workplace giving and overall volunteerism is at a peak, and there are many organizations that take part in promoting workplace giving and charitable donations to its employees.

As a leader of one of these non-profit organizations I think it is great that organizations are encouraging the employees to 'get involved,' and I'm sure many people who are in similar positions as myself would love the opportunity to visit these places of business to again tell the story about our program and all that we do. From Northrop Grumman, to the Postal Service, to public transit companies...there are a variety of career fields, businesses, and organizations that have the potential of setting up opportunities for non-profit leaders to come in and provide information to the employees. And give those who truly care about helping youth, tutoring/mentoring, or those who just love to give back some tips on where and how they can do just that.

Although this is the time that the workplace giving campaign and the promotion for this movement peaks, youth and the programs that provide resources for these youth need resources throughout the year. So make an effort to not only get involved and support now, find ways to continue to support now and in the future. From the youth and as a leader of Cabrini Connections, your support is not only appreciated but it goes a long way!

"Hope, Build, Believe, and Achieve"