Community

Building Stronger Communities: The Powerful Impact of FNBO’s Employee Volunteer Programs

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    • Whitney Baker

      Director of Philanthropy and Giving
      Jul 24 2024

Building Stronger Communities: The Powerful Impact of FNBO’s Employee Volunteer Programs

At FNBO, volunteerism is more than just an act of giving back; it is a cornerstone of our commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities. Our employee volunteer programs are designed to foster a culture of service, support local organizations, and create lasting positive impacts in the areas we call home.

Supporting Our Communities Through Volunteerism

FNBO is deeply committed to the communities we serve. We believe that giving back through service and volunteerism not only supports these communities but also enriches the lives of our employees. To facilitate this, FNBO provides up to eight hours of paid time off for each employee to volunteer. Many of our employees go above and beyond this, dedicating countless hours to various causes. In 2023 alone, FNBO employees contributed an impressive 38,603 hours of volunteer service across our eight-state footprint.

The overarching goal of FNBO’s volunteer programs is to create successful, thriving communities. By contributing back to the communities where we live and work, we help build stronger relationships with local organizations, many of which are our customers or recipients of our philanthropic support. Volunteering also provides employees with opportunities to develop new skills such as leadership, project management, and teamwork, which can positively influence their professional roles. Engaging in volunteerism can also enhance job satisfaction and improve team dynamics, leading to a more cohesive and motivated workforce.

Fostering a Culture of Service

Our approach to encouraging volunteerism is multifaceted. FNBO collaborates with local community organizations to identify and curate volunteer opportunities that align with our focus areas of Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, and Financial Literacy.  We support community organizations with Financial Education & Literacy, Skilled Volunteerism and General Volunteerism. Employees are encouraged to volunteer both individually and as part of their teams, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collective impact. This collaborative effort addresses critical community needs and also strengthens the bonds between our employees and the organizations they support.

Our employees consistently express pride in FNBO’s commitment to community service. This commitment is ingrained in our culture and has been a mainstay for generations. Employees often share their experiences and advice on how others can get involved, emphasizing the personal and professional growth that comes from volunteering. To capture these insights, we regularly highlight employee stories and testimonials, showcasing the diverse ways they contribute to our community initiatives through blogs, social media and our Impact Report.

“Volunteering is essential because it plays an important role in strengthening our communities and fostering civic responsibility,” said Molly Duman, Business Development Associate. “Many organizations rely on volunteers to deliver critical services and resources that our communities depend on. Beyond the immediate benefits to the community, volunteering also helps build connections and support networks, which can lead to career opportunities, personal growth, and the discovery of new passions. By volunteering, you’re not only contributing to your community but also gaining valuable experience and a sense of fulfillment.”

How Can I Get Involved?

As we continue to develop and refine our volunteer programs, we remain focused on creating meaningful opportunities for our employees to give back. By fostering a culture of service and supporting our communities, FNBO is making a difference today, and also building a legacy of positive impact for the future. Wondering how you can get FNBO employees involved with your organization? Please click here for more information.

The articles in this blog are for informational purposes only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations. When making decisions about your financial situation, consult a financial professional for advice. Articles are not regularly updated, and information may become outdated.