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One of the unique ways CQuence Health Group separates itself from other employers is through a benefit known as Volunteer Time Off, or VTO.
Similar to PTO, each CQ employee is allotted a certain number of hours away from work; in this case, however, that time is set aside specifically for volunteering for a nonprofit organization. This way, they can support their favorite causes without taking time away from work to do so.
Every year, our employees use these hours in creative ways that enable them to make a positive impact. In looking back throughout the years, we’re highlighting a few of the ways individuals made contributions using their VTO.
Ronald McDonald House
Jennifer White, Reporting Analyst, has used VTO to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities. For several years, she has organized a group of employees to purchase supplies and prepare a healthy dinner for families housed there.
“Every quarter I go with a group of co-workers to the Ronald McDonald House to fix and serve dinner to the families in residence there,” said Jennifer. “I like this charity because it supports families with children experiencing significant medical issues. As hard as that would be in and of itself, these families have the additional stress of having to travel away from their homes to Omaha to get the treatment their child needs. Can you imagine having to live on hospital food for days, weeks, and sometimes months at a time? It feels good to do just a little to brighten their day.”
Jennifer is a member of the CQ Cares Committee. Comprised of employees from CQuence Health Group and Cassling, the committee works throughout the year to manage the numerous activities centered around corporate responsibility and volunteerism. She and her fellow committee members have spearheaded many of the VTO events that the CQ team participates in throughout the year.
The Salvation Army
CQ employees also took part in a number of activities that benefitted the Salvation Army. In addition to donating toys for the annual Angel Tree event and personally giving to the organization’s disaster relief efforts, our team took part in:
- Bell Ringing for the Red Kettle Campaign in the lead-up to Christmas
- The Kids Cruisin’ Kitchen program, which gives nutritious meals to children in need during the summer months, when they can’t rely on schools to provide a meal
- Food sorting at the Burrows Center pantry
Mandy Olderog, Sales Contract Coordinator, even took her support for the Salvation Army one step further:
“I volunteered at Toyland – the Salvation Army Angel Tree toy distribution center,” said Mandy. “I was able to take the participants ‘shopping’ to pick out two special toys, one board game, and two stocking stuffers per child. It was neat to be able to see what happens to all the toys that are donated to angel trees around the city. Seeing the smiles and getting hugs from the participants was icing on the cake.”
I’m humbled by the outpouring of support that the people of CQ have shown to the Salvation Army, a cause that is near and dear to my own heart. I serve as the Chair of the group’s National Advisory Board, where I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible things the Salvation Army does not just in Omaha, but throughout the country.
Keeping the Faith
Some CQuence Health employees choose to use their volunteer hours to support personal, faith-based causes. Whether it be teaching or assisting with myriad events, the CQ team lent a hand.
Ali Roby, Graphic Designer, was one such volunteer:
“I used VTO hours to meet with students from my church’s student ministry, Youth United (I’m a volunteer leader and marketer for them) and to go on a student ministry trip with them.”
Supporting Wellbeing
Every year CQuence employees exercise their passion for giving and being physically active by helping out with the many community events that take place across the Omaha metro.
Fun Runs, 5Ks, Walks, Marches: all of these events require a veritable army of supporters to make happen, and not only did many CQ team members participate in each event, but they also volunteered to help set up and manage them too.
We All Can Make a Difference
Every year, I continue to be awestruck by the selfless contributions of everyone at CQ and Cassling.
The CQ Difference is something we talk about a lot in terms of what separates us from the competition. But seeing each person do their part for the greater good is perhaps the best demonstration of what that difference really means.
If philanthropy and giving back to your community is something that you’re passionate about, then visit our Careers page to see if there’s a position on our team that fits your skills. We’re always on the lookout for talented people who share our passion for making a difference.