In 2021, the leadership of S.L. Nusbaum Realty Co. (“SLN”) in Virginia asked a simple question: How can the company (“SLN”) give back to their community while creating a stronger connection between employees, residents, tenants, clients, and vendors? The answer: organized community service. From that, SLN CARES was born. Kristen Larrea, training specialist, and several other dedicated SLN employees joined forces to help launch their community involvement program. Initially comprised of 14 volunteers supporting two nonprofits, the program has since flourished, expanding to more than 100 regular volunteers serving 22 nonprofits.
Volunteers
Volunteers regularly serving the community
Nonprofits
Nonprofits receiving help
More
More than before SignUpGenius
The program began to grow so quicky that managing the program via emailing and calendaring became a daunting task. A friend recommended that Kristen explore SignUpGenius. Following due diligence and outreach to other companies, SLN chose a SignUpGenius Enterprise plan, a powerful sign up solution customized for the needs of each organization. “We would not be where we are now without SignUpGenius,” Kristen says.
The volunteer program has yielded profound benefits beyond its altruistic goals. Employees, once disparate in their roles, now forge meaningful connections through shared volunteer experiences. Collaborative efforts in community service foster camaraderie and facilitate cross- departmental relationships. Recognition and appreciation extend beyond professional achievements, enriching the corporate culture and enhancing job satisfaction. “People want to make a difference,” Kristen says. “They want to have a direct impact.”
Kristen and other SLN CARES organizers manage volunteer opportunities and signups in addition to their day-to-day responsibilities. SignUpGenius’ efficiency made it possible to start using a new software without sacrificing valuable time needed for other important tasks. Kristen says it takes “no time” to create a registration form. And, she says, managing signups are easy! Good reporting helps. With our reporting feature, SLN CARES can track data such as hours volunteered and the number of volunteers for each opportunity. Furthermore, flexibility in creating custom questions means the program can collect key data, such as if a volunteer has received supervisor approval.
From its small beginnings to its current expansion, SLN CARES exemplifies the power of collective goodwill and shared purpose. As the program continues to evolve, its impact resonates not only within the company, but also throughout the communities it serves, embodying the ethos of corporate social responsibility and meaningful community engagement and SignUpGenius gets to play a small role. “Its been a blessing to our program,” Kristen says.
Kristen Larrea
