My name is Ashley. I moved to Fort Collins four and a half years ago from Illinois. I got married last August, and we’re expecting our first child this August. I work for Ripley Design, Inc. and Vaught Frye Larson Architects (VFLA) doing general administrative support, marketing services, photography, and ClimateWise Coordination. I am also our liaison for United Way's Business Cares and the Volunteer Project Leader (VPL) programs.

VFLA and Ripley Design are founding Business Cares members. We participate in Business Cares for a few reasons. The selfish reason is that we enjoy it – it is fun to work with everyone at our company in different environments, and it allows us to “team build.” The unselfish reason – our company has made a commitment to positively impact our community, both as a company and as individuals. We provide opportunities for our employees to be active with the hope that they will continue on in their personal time. Many times it has led to long-term relationships, some outside of the VPL program.

The VPL program is an organized program that gives an individual the tools and skills to help lead a volunteer project. Without it, we would be blindly looking for volunteer opportunities. It has helped me find the skills I need to get our company organized so we can complete a successful volunteer project.

The VPL position was handed down to me when I started at our office. Since I was new to the area, our office manager thought it would be a good way for me to meet people and get involved in the community. I agree. This position has taught me a lot about Larimer County, and I have met many people because of the program. I have been a VPL since National Volunteer Month 2012, and so far I’ve led nine VPL projects.

Most recently, we did a bunch of painting projects for the Boys and Girls Club of Wellington for National Volunteer Month. We love seeing our projects come to life and become a part of the community. It’s rewarding to know that I helped make a positive impact in other people’s lives and helped an organization that needed it.

Are you interested in making a difference in our community much like Ashley and her teammates at VFLA and Ripley Design, Inc.? Click here to learn about how you can add community outreach and volunteerism to your workplace through Business Cares. If you are interested in leading larger scale volunteer projects for your workplace, school group, church, or friends, click here.