A Special Week of CSR
July 01, 2011
As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, TCA organized a special CSR program for associates to participate in community service activities on June 27th, 30th, and July 1st. CSR projects included landscaping and building repairs at Nisqually Valley Care Center, a residential care facility; Gateways for Youth and Families, a family support network; the local YMCA; and beach cleanup at Commencement Bay Wildlife habitats with Citizens for a Healthy Bay.
Over 120 TCA associates volunteered from June 27th through July 1st with these four different area organizations. All enjoyed contributing to the community and learning about the organizations to which they were donating their time. A few enjoyed special attention from the Tacoma News Tribune and Pierce County TV.
35 Associates Restore Section of Coastline
June 24, 2011
As part of TCA’s special week dedicated to activities, thirty-five TCA associates spent Monday, June 24th restoring Commencement Bay habitats with Citizens for a Healthy Bay (CHB). Citizens for a Healthy Bay (CHB) engages citizens to clean up, restore and protect Commencement Bay, its surrounding waters and natural habitat.
CHB is a 21 year old nonprofit environmental organization working side-by-side with local citizens, businesses and government to prevent water pollution and make our community more sustainable.
TCA cleanup activities included removing Scotch Broom and Himalayan Blackberry growing in a restored section. Jamie L reported that beach cleanup was not what she expected, but felt they were making progress removing Scotch Broom, which is considered a Class B Noxious Weed by Washington State. Half a dozen associates removed ivy just a few feet from a bee’s nest. The ivy seemed endlessly interconnected. According to Carol L, “I started pulling one root, and then the next thing I knew there were 12 of them.”
Associates especially liked learning about CHB. John C said he didn’t understand what natural habitat restoration was before working on Commencement Bay and admires CHB’s goal of connecting 19 restored beaches along the shoreline.
Associates Paint Railings, Walls, and Fingernails at Nisqually Valley Care Center
June 27, 2011
Over thirty associates worked on a number of projects at the Nisqually Valley Care Center (NVCC). Projects included exterior painting, repairs, landscaping, as well as interior painting and quality time with residents.
TCA associates weren’t swayed by the gloomy weather, and continued cleaning up branches and leaves as it started to rain. Eventually, the rain drove them inside, where care center residents must have noticed TCA associates’ skill with a paint brush, because they soon requested help with an impromptu manicure session.
The professional staff at Nisqually Valley Care Center (NVCC) designs care plans according to individual and family needs. The facility is surrounded by trees and flowers, a lush lawn, white picket fence and the serene sound of the Nisqually River flowing past. Each day is made special by engaging activities; interaction with a lively family of cats, birds, and other wildlife inspires residents and visitors alike. Clinical services range from post-surgical care (skilled nursing) to wound care and pain management. The NVCC is Medicare and Medicaid certified and has contractual agreements with managed care plans and hospice agencies.
Associates Make Repairs and Headlines at YMCA
June 27 - July 1, 2011
Over 40 associates from TCA community service at the YMCA of Pierce County in Puyallup, Washington. Associates performed several tasks to improve the appearance inside and outside of the YMCA. Some worked on the construction of a new exterior wall outside of the sports park, while others painted inside the facility around the second floor track.
The team accomplished a great deal in the short amount of time and received the thanks of the YMCA. TCA was recognized in the business section of The Tacoma News Tribune during this community event. Additionally, Pierce County Television interviewed several associates including Sonie Hagberg and Luke Nilo, who shared the positive impact that the community service had on them and their fellow associates and how they enjoyed providing service to the community.
TCA’s CSR projects at the YMCA promoted a strong sense of pride and accomplishment throughout the organization. TCA continues to show that it is a great place to work and that it is part of the community.
TCA Washes Cars for South Sound Parent to Parent
July 1, 2011
During TCA’s special week of CSR activities, in addition to off-site activities, TCA associates donated to have their car cleaned by volunteer coworkers. Associates and vendors donated almost $700 to have their cars washed on the premises over the course of three days.
Donations benefited South Sound Parent to Parent (SSP2P), a local nonprofit which provides a network of support to families who have children with special needs. Their programs include a special “Birth to Three” program to help families with young children, but their services provide support to families with children of all ages.
TCA associate Anthony B. suggested SSP2P as the recipient of the car wash donations after having read about the organization at a community event. All TCA associates did a great job washing cars and promoted the event throughout company departments.