Giving support with dignity to people living in poverty

Giving back to the community is very important to the employees of Jefferson Avenue Insurance. Each month, they work with a different nonprofit partner, showing up to volunteer their time and effort in order to help other people. One of the standout nonprofits they’ve worked with is Face to Face, a Philadelphia-based organization that is dedicated to fulfilling the basic human needs of people experiencing poverty in their community.

Providing support with dignity

One of Face to Face’s primary points of focus is ensuring they provide services with dignity; the nonprofit is distinguished both by what they do and the manner in which they do it. This shines through in every service they offer, from their educational equity program to the world-class chefs who cook up delicious free meals for the shared dining spaces. They have been a stable presence in their community for 35 years, and they serve over 2,500 people each year.

A variety of programs and services are provided to their guests: a social services center helps provide housing assistance, a legal center helps with numerous legal issues, and a health and wellness center provides screenings for conditions that are particularly prevalent among people living in poverty – such as asthma and diabetes.

“The first time our team served a meal at Face to Face, we were blown away. It’s a very different type of volunteering experience.”

—Jeff Gallo, agency principal at Jefferson Avenue Insurance

A wonderful volunteering experience

Jefferson Avenue Insurance provides community service in many ways, and Face to Face is special as one of few organizations that allow volunteers to serve their clients directly. Being able to meet with people sheltered by Face to Face has made a huge impact on the employees of the agency who have visited.

“The first time our team served a meal at Face to Face, we were blown away,” said Jeff Gallo, agency principal of Jefferson Avenue Insurance. “It’s a very different type of volunteering experience. It’s impossible not to feel the positive energy as a volunteer.”

Employees of the agency worked to match the staff’s desire to go above and beyond. They laughed with residents, shared stories, delivered their orders and did everything they could to make the guests of Face to Face feel support and compassion.

“With hospitality, we provide a safe environment and practical tools, which enable the people of our community to confront personal challenges, empower their lives and fulfill their unique potential.”

—Jeanne Reiche, director of development and communications at Face to Face

One team member brought their baby daughter along, bringing many smiles to the faces of residents at Face to Face. “It was one of those moments when community service turned into something more tangible and meaningful,” said Kendra Jennis, employee services manager at Jefferson Avenue Insurance. “You are no longer just ‘going through the motions’ but you are in it, and it becomes a part of everything you do.”

Creating hospitable experiences

Jefferson Avenue Insurance has included visits to Face to Face as part of the onboarding process for some new employees, and business partners volunteer with the team regularly. In addition to these visits, the agency also collects items for food and clothing drives whenever possible. The volunteering and donations from the agency and other organizations ensure that Face to Face is able to deliver on their mission statement.

“With hospitality, we provide a safe environment and practical tools, which enable the people of our community to confront personal challenges, empower their lives and fulfill their unique potential,” said Jeanne Reiche, director of development and communications at Face to Face.

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