What we can tell you about the organizations we’ve worked with recently
Hunt Valley, MD – 11/23/2021 – SAI’s team members provide support to local organizations that help those in need in our community.
“Over the last 18 months SAI team members and their families have responded to difficult times by showing their compassion for those hit hardest in our community. I’m thankful to be part of an inspirational group of folks who want to make a difference. We’re sharing information about the organizations we’ve worked with, and hope you might consider supporting them too,” said Ric Hughes, CEO of SAI.
Summit Community Foundation is a new, long-term, supportive community providing individuals with the tools they need to be successful in recovering from Substance Use Disorder. Summit is unique in that it offers an integrated approach covering the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of recovery, all under one roof.
SAI has been engaged with the organization from its early days and has provided support ranging from digital consulting services to care packages for guests.
Hereford Food Bank serves 10 Zip Codes in northern Baltimore County. It is an all-volunteer operation and 100% of donations of both food and funds go toward fulfilling its mission to help those in need within the Hereford Zone. Hereford Food Bank strives to provide a small safety net for those in need, but this year has been particularly challenging for them to keep up with demand. Hard times can fall on us all and have fallen on many this year.
2021 was the tenth year for SAI to collect food donations. We learned earlier in the year that the food bank continues to experience unprecedented demand. So, this year, we held two separate office drives. We hope others will contribute throughout the year as well, while so many families rely on their support.
First Fruits Farm provides fresh, nutritious produce to those experiencing hunger in the Mid-Atlantic region. The all-volunteer operation has grown and harvested over 16.5 million pounds of fruit and vegetables to share with local food banks, homeless shelters, soup kitchens and other food providers since 2004.
SAI team members have returned to the farm several times to help harvest and package produce that was distributed to local food banks.
Baltimore Digital Equity Foundation works to close the digital divide in Baltimore City by providing access to devices, internet connectivity, digital skills training and advocacy for residents, small businesses, and community organizations.
SAI team members collected and donated used electronics during an office drive.
Back on my Feet Baltimore is a nonprofit seeking to revolutionize the way society approaches homelessness. Back on my Feet uses running and community to motivate and support individuals every step of the way from homelessness to independence.
SAI supported Back on my Feet Baltimore with many team members participating in its 5k.
Ascend Baltimore is a fledgling LinkedIn group designed to provide information to young adults about landing their first job or internship. It also provides information to businesses on how to be inclusive when hiring young adults.
SAI team members conceived and launched this LinkedIn group in response to the closing of Baltimore’s Year Up chapter, an organization that SAI and several team members benefited from over the years. With the loss of that resource, Ascend Baltimore aspires to help fill that gap.
The SAI team views the work they do for these and other organizations as an important opportunity to support their community and bond with each other. Employees decide which groups to support through a continuously growing organizing committee that arranges activities to match the team’s interests.
“Every year, the Giving Back team grows and so does our support for local organizations. Our activities allow us to invest in our community. They also help us bond as a team,” said Kwame Atkinson, a member of the Giving Back committee.