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In 2016, Foundry Commercial initiated Serve Week, an annual tradition born from a profound sense of gratitude for being able to establish and grow a company. As a reflection of this gratitude, Serve Week focuses on actively serving alongside the remarkable nonprofits addressing critical community needs.
Serve Week has become about so much more than a week where Foundry’s associates fan out across the country to plug deeper into their communities. Serve Week offers an opportunity for all team members to come together to accomplish something much greater than the individual efforts of any one person, taking time away from the day-to-day busyness of work in the name of serving others.
As Nick McKinney stated in the Serve Week recap video, “proximity is powerful.” Engaging directly with the non-profits in the local communities through hands-on work brings an invaluable understanding of the real needs and challenges they face on a regular basis, fostering genuine connections and impactful change at grassroots levels. It’s in these moments of immersion that Foundry’s associates truly comprehend the depth of impact and find inspiration to drive meaningful, lasting solutions.
When the company was founded, one of the key tenets upon which it was built was the notion of a ‘virtuous circle,” in which Foundry serves others all the way around, whether that be clients, partners, associates, or others in the community. There exists a belief among all team members that giving back and making waves in the community are integral components of the circle, and are key ways in which the company drives its mission forward.
Bronica Glover, executive director of GEP (right), and Denise Rice in Charlotte, NC thanking Foundry this year for the past eight years of serving.
During Serve Week, Foundry’s associates often find themselves smiling ear-to-ear with the sheer joy of helping others, and everybody who is volunteering is doing so because they want to be there. Beyond just a week-long endeavor, Foundry has cultivated profound relationships with various non-profit organizations, embracing their missions year-round. These bonds extend beyond scheduled events, with Foundry associates often plugging in outside of designated service weeks.
For example, in Charlotte, Foundry Commercial has been serving the Greater Enrichment Program (GEP), which serves elementary-aged children in the community by providing a quality after-school enrichment program. At GEP, students are given academic, cultural, and social instruction in a safe and loving environment. And Foundry has been involved with the deserving organization since 2017.
“Foundry’s Serve Week is something we talk about as a model for other businesses to replicate. It’s one of the kids’ favorite days of the year every year. With all the stuff that’s going on in the world, our goal is to give kids memorable, meaningful, and positive experiences. Foundry’s team members come in and are loving, patient, and excited. It makes a difference in the lives of these young people,” said GEP Executive Director Bronica Glover.
Foundry’s Serve Week is something we talk about as a model for other businesses to replicate.
Bronica Glover, Greater enrichment program Executive Director
In addition to GEP, Foundry’s 2024 Serve Week included volunteering alongside:
CitySquare in Dallas, TX, seeks to fight the causes and effects of poverty through service, advocacy, and friendship. The Foundry team helped deep-clean CitySquare’s pantry and enhanced its outdoor space.
John Schneider, Chris Bury, Charlie Howarth, Rick Helton, and Austin Maddux serving in Southern California at South County Outreach.
For over 30 years, South County Outreach has been a beacon of hope in Orange County, Calif., fighting hunger and homelessness through empowerment and essential services. During their time volunteering, the Foundry California team assisted with sorting items within the food pantry.
The mission of Friends of Shelby Park is to preserve, enhance, and promote Shelby Park and Bottoms for everyone to appreciate and protect. With summer just around the corner, the Foundry Nashville team pitched in to spruce up the park.
(From Left) Andrew Genova, Mark Holoman, Justin Barker, and Gregg Ickes serving at Victory Housing
For more than 40 years, Victory Housing has provided quality assisted living for seniors and affordable housing for low- and moderate-income individuals and families in D.C. and Maryland. The Foundry team assisted in organizing and sorting materials used for activities for the seniors residing at the housing development.
Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge, GA, offers fully adaptive camp experiences year-round to children and families facing serious illnesses and disabilities, fostering personal growth and community bonds through intentionally designed programs. The Foundry Atlanta team enhanced outdoor spaces around the cabins and also tended to farming tasks so campers can enjoy fresh produce.
Family Promise of Wake County provides church-based emergency shelter and meals to Wake County families experiencing temporary homelessness. The Foundry Raleigh team handled painting, repair, installation, and landscaping tasks.
The Boca Raton team participating in a beach clean up
Loggerhead Marinelife Center is dedicated to conserving ocean ecosystems, especially endangered sea turtles, through research, rehabilitation, and education. Foundry’s Boca Raton team had a fantastic day at the beach cleaning up trash along the shoreline.
Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County builds and renovates homes in partnership with individuals and families in need of decent, affordable housing. The Foundry Tampa team laid sod, built a porch, hung blinds, and installed closet doors for soon-to-be resident and first-time homeowner, Amber, along with her three children.
Feeding South Florida utilizes innovative direct-service programs and a network of nonprofit partner agencies to aid those in need. The Foundry team from the Coral Gables office inspected, sorted, and packed boxes of food for families in need. In total, the team sorted and packed 920 boxes filled with essential food items, which will go a long way in helping those who are struggling with food insecurity.
Orlando Team serving at Second Harvest Bank of Central Florida
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is a private, nonprofit organization that collects, stores, and distributes donated food to more than 500 feeding partners in six Central Florida counties. Foundry has a longstanding relationship with the food bank, and the team was proud to once again offer up time and talent to help make a dent in the food insecurity issues facing Central Floridians.
The Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville holds a special place in the hearts of the team members. This year, Foundry’s Jacksonville team assisted with the organization’s annual charity golf tournament. It was a rewarding day for everyone involved, supporting a wonderful cause.
And while the daily activities of Serve Week have concluded for 2024, the goal remains: to make a tangible impact in the communities Foundry serves. Through sustained efforts, Foundry fosters a culture of empathy and collective responsibility, leaving a lasting imprint on both volunteers and beneficiaries alike.
Foundry fosters a culture of empathy and collective responsibility.