Numerous Continued team members are giving back to their communities in extraordinary ways.
As part of the company’s commitment to its culture, Continued offers a gift match program or one paid day off each year to participate in a charitable activity. These programs make it possible for team members to offer their time or monetary contributions to the organizations most meaningful to them.
From feeding the hungry to mentoring disadvantaged youth or volunteering with animal shelters, our team members’ service efforts span a variety of causes and are making a difference across the country.
“The fact our company supports volunteerism makes a huge difference in our ability to serve,” said Carolyn Smaka, AuD, Continued editor in chief.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
SEE HOW CONTINUED TEAM MEMBER SHAWN DEVLIN GIVES BACK:
Shawn Devlin believes that giving back to his community is part of being a good businessperson.
It’s a philosophy he solidified nearly a decade ago when he joined AMBUCS*, an organization that helps to enhance mobility and independence for people with disabilities. As an active member of the Lakeside AMBUCS chapter in Rockwall, Texas, he has served numerous people with unique needs and physical limitations.
“I feel so lucky to be able to give to this community,” said Devlin, Continued’s senior SEO marketing analyst. “I break down in tears every time I see how much they appreciate what we do.”
AMBUCS' mission is to enhance the lives of adults and children with special needs and disabled veterans by improving their mobility. Members volunteer their time, talent, and tools to assemble therapeutic tricycles known as Amtrykes, and they also build barrier-free ramps for elderly and disabled homeowners at no charge. The Lakeside AMBUCS chapter also provides scholarships to physical therapy and occupational therapy students.
“There is nothing like seeing a child’s face light up and knowing we’ve given them an opportunity to more easily play and be active.”
Funding for the tricycles and ramps comes from two major fundraisers and membership dues. Devlin helps organize the main fundraiser events, which he says are always fun and promote camaraderie among members.
Chapter members partner with area occupational therapists, physical therapists, educators, and others in the community to match resources with need. Members then work with a physical therapist to properly fit and build the tricycle to each individual recipient. Devlin’s chapter raises funds for and builds approximately 30 Amtrykes per year.
“Every trike is designed and built to meet the specific needs of each recipient,” Devlin said. “There is nothing like seeing a child’s face light up and knowing we’ve given them an opportunity to more easily play and be active. It really pulls at my heartstrings.”
Read more about volunteering with AMBUCS
*Originally used as an acronym for “American Business Clubs,” AMBUCS was adopted as the official organization name in 1961.