Why I give back: Regence volunteer voices

Regence believes that every partnership we cultivate, every dollar we pledge and every hour we volunteer make the communities in which we live, work and play healthier.
Today, we continue a blog series featuring the voices of our employee volunteers who have dedicated themselves to be champions of change within their communities. Three of our employees explain why they dedicate themselves to service and what it means to have Regence by their side.

Regence employee Ben likes to say that when he began volunteering with New Avenues for Youth, serving breakfast at the nonprofit's drop-in center, it was “love at first pancake.” Soon thereafter, he began serving on the organization's Ambassador Board, which consists of young professionals who support and promote the Portland-based nonprofit's work to prevent and intervene in youth homelessness.
“New Avenues makes a real and lasting impact for homeless, at-risk and foster youth. A warm meal, a smile, help earning a high school diploma, finding work and a safe place to sleep—it all makes for an incredibly impactful and important mission. And I thank Regence for playing a critical role.” – Ben
Read Ben’s full story in the Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon Annual Overview.

Regence employees Elisabeth and Jan began volunteering with the Utah Food Bank because they wanted to make a difference. But it's the joy and eagerness on the faces of the children they serve that keeps them involved.
Elisabeth and Jan are part of a group of Regence employees who volunteer regularly at the Utah Food Bank's Mobile Pantry program, which delivers food to more than 130,000 people each year. They help at a local school, where they are rewarded with big smiles and exuberant thanks from the children who take home a bag filled with groceries for their families.
“We have so many in our community who are less fortunate, and when you think about children not having enough to eat, it is heartbreaking.” – Jan
Read Jan and Elisabeth’s story in the Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah Annual Overview.

Regence employee Stephanie first learned about the nonprofit Battlefield Addiction when she was searching for resources to help her daughter, who was struggling with heroin addiction.
Stephanie began working with parents who were trying to help their children, many of whom were young adults, overcome addiction. She soon discovered that she was passionate about working with the young adults served by Battlefield Addiction. Stephanie helps them make appointments, update their resumes and find housing. Sometimes she just listens.
“Regence continues to support Battlefield Addiction as we try to end the stigma of addiction and help people realize that addiction is a family disease. It's not just the addict. The whole family needs to get well.” – Stephanie
Read Stephanie’s story in the Regence BlueShield Annual Overview.