As a company, FlexJobs believes wholeheartedly in paying it forward whenever possible. From our commitment to supporting nonprofit organizations throughout the year to encouraging team members to spend time “on-the-clock” every month volunteering, we hope to make a difference in the world.

As a fully remote company and passionate advocate of flexible work, we know how important it is to give staff the flexibility they need to give back to their communities. We are honored to share their amazing stories of kindness!

This month, we’re featuring Kathy Gardner, our Senior Director of PR & Media.

What organization are you involved with, and how did you choose it?

As an active member of the New York Chapter of the Star Legacy Foundation, I support the organization’s efforts to increase awareness, promote education, and encourage advocacy and family support regarding stillbirth, pregnancy loss, and neonatal death. I do all of this in honor of my stillborn daughter, Tinsley.

How much time do you devote to your volunteer work?

I devote about 7-10 hours a month.

What do you do for the organization?

I provide media relations support for events, manage the Peer Companion Program, raise money for the annual festivals, and regularly contribute pieces of writing. I also serve as an admin on a separate Umbilical Cord Accidents (UCA) group on Facebook, coordinating live Q&A events with doctors and connecting bereaved families with additional resources and information on UCAs.

What’s the best part of it for you?

Connecting to other families who understand the pain and trauma of losing a child to stillbirth and giving/receiving support from them. Volunteering with SLF is a critical part of my own mental health in learning how to cope/live with my grief. It is a major priority in my life, and I’m grateful that FlexJobs supports the time I spend on it.

How does flexible work help you volunteer?

The nature of the volunteer work that I do requires that I’m able to move quickly to help someone as soon as they reach out. Because of my flexible work schedule, I am able to devote time during the day to my volunteer work even when it’s unscheduled or unplanned. Having more control over the hours in my day gives me the space I need to respond quickly to those with immediate needs!

How has your volunteering role changed during the pandemic?

Most of my volunteering work is done through computer, email, text, and phone, so the pandemic has not impacted my role very much. Because of remote work, I am able to keep volunteering!

Choose to Pay It Forward

No matter where you are on your career path, finding the time to give back to your community will start a cycle of paying it forward that can continue for many years to come.

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