CAHEC staff have collectively contributed more than 800 hours of volunteer service to community organizations in 2025 through the company's Team Outreach program, which has been an integral part of the organization's mission for nearly a decade. Each staff member volunteers 22 hours annually at local nonprofits, embodying CAHEC's commitment to creating positive and lasting change in the communities they serve. The volunteer efforts span multiple organizations addressing critical community needs. Staff regularly assist The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, which provides daily nourishment, disaster supplies, and educational programming for families. Another frequent partner is North Raleigh Ministries, focusing on financial literacy and food assistance for community members in crisis situations.
Additional organizations benefiting from CAHEC's volunteer support include Dress for Success of the Triangle, which empowers women toward economic independence through support networks and resources, and Made4Me, creating personalized adaptations from industrial cardboard for children with special needs at no cost to families. Staff also volunteer with NC Senior Games and The Flower Shuttle, which recycles flowers for individuals living with sickness, terminal illness, poverty, and disabilities who might not otherwise receive them. This year, CAHEC staff expanded their volunteer efforts by writing notes for Amy's Ray of Sunshine, a local nonprofit that sends cards to patients undergoing bone marrow transplants.
Community Relations Manager Stefanie Lee emphasized that volunteerism represents a core organizational value, stating that supporting other nonprofits not only strengthens the communities CAHEC serves but also enhances team cohesion and allows employees to connect beyond their daily roles while making meaningful impacts. As a community development organization, CAHEC strengthens communities through affordable housing and supportive service initiatives across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. The organization engages in diverse areas including low-income housing tax credits, historic tax credits, new markets tax credits, renewable energy credits, loan programs, wellness and education initiatives, affordable housing development, and property management services.
The significance of this volunteer initiative lies in its demonstration of corporate social responsibility integrated directly into organizational culture. By institutionalizing volunteer hours as part of staff expectations, CAHEC ensures consistent community support that extends beyond financial contributions. This approach creates sustainable partnerships with local nonprofits that rely on volunteer labor to fulfill their missions. The program's longevity—nearly ten years—indicates its effectiveness and importance within CAHEC's operational framework. The diverse range of organizations supported reflects a comprehensive understanding of community needs, from basic necessities like food security to specialized services for vulnerable populations.
The volunteer program's structure, with each staff member contributing 22 hours annually, creates predictable support for partner organizations while allowing employees flexibility in how they engage with community service. This model serves as an example of how mission-driven organizations can operationalize their values through employee engagement. The expansion of volunteer activities to include writing cards for medical patients demonstrates how the program evolves to address emerging community needs. For CAHEC, this volunteerism complements their broader community development work, creating a holistic approach to strengthening the regions they serve through both structural initiatives and direct human support.
