Helping students succeed: Regence employees make a difference in Washington

Regence employees assemble snack packs for Communities in Schools of Tacoma.

In honor of National Volunteer Week (April 19-25), we're celebrating something that happens year-round at Regence: employees showing up for their communities in meaningful ways. 

Many students across Washington face barriers both in and outside the classroom. A student might miss school because they don't have shoes, or a family might struggle to access health care or stable housing. When basic needs go unmet, learning takes a back seat. That's where Communities In Schools of Washington steps in, and where Regence employees are making a difference. 

Ensuring every student can succeed 

Since 1991, Communities In Schools of Washington has worked to help students overcome obstacles to success. Together, with 12 local affiliates, they serve more than 144,000 students in more than 200 schools statewide, creating stability through direct support and community partnerships. 

Serving as resource navigators, youth advocates and community organizers, these nonprofit staff members work directly with K-12 students who face real challenges like feeling marginalized at school or navigating available resources. They offer individualized student supports and outreach for students at risk of missing school. 

Our corporate foundation, Cambia Health Foundation, partners with Communities In Schools of Washington to help more students get the support they need through grants and employee volunteerism. Together, we're working to improve the health and well-being of underserved students by addressing barriers that keep them from thriving — ensuring they have what they need to learn, grow and reach their full potential. 

Snacks that make a difference 

Communities In Schools of Washington addresses a fundamental challenge: students can't focus when they're hungry. Local affiliates such as Communities In Schools of Tacoma distributes over 2,500 snacks each month to local schools, helping students feel ready to learn. 

Recently, Regence employee Lynn Boucher and her colleague coordinated an in-office volunteer event to support that goal.  The Tacoma group rolled up their sleeves and got to work, assembling 1,000 snack packs with granola bars and other shelf-stable items. 

Later that day, Communities In Schools of Tacoma distributed those packs directly to seven elementary, middle and high schools throughout Tacoma. The snacks were gone within two weeks. 

"Knowing that we were building these bags for kids to be successful in school, whether that means starting their day with a full belly or having snacks for the afternoon, felt pretty impactful," Boucher said. 

When it hits home 

For Boucher, volunteering carries special meaning. When a colleague who led volunteer efforts for the Tacoma team passed away, Boucher was determined to keep that tradition alive. 

"Keeping that spirit of service going felt important," Boucher shared. "It showed how one person's commitment can carry on and continue to bring people together to do good in the community." 

Her dedication also stems from her own story. Growing up in a single-parent home, Bouchers family received assistance from organizations like the Salvation Army. She experienced firsthand how community support can make a difference. Now, knowing these snack packs would go directly to students in her own community made the work especially meaningful. 

Turning commitment into action 

At Regence, we believe in supporting the communities where we live, work and play, and we empower our employees to do the same. The community engagement team through our corporate foundation connects them to organizations like Communities in Schools of Washington, while programs like Dollars for Doers — which turns volunteer hours into $20 donations that employees give to causes they care about — makes it easy to get involved.   

Boucher's advice to anyone considering volunteering? "Look for opportunities that fit your schedule and align with causes you care about. Volunteering can look different for everyone. The key is finding something that resonates with you and taking that first step." 

This National Volunteer Week, find your way to make an impact. Explore volunteer opportunities with Communities In Schools of Washington and join Regence employees like Boucher who show up for our members and communities.