At HAI Group, supporting communities extends beyond the work we do with housing organizations across the country. It also includes giving back locally through the efforts of our Community and Resident Services team.This internal staff volunteer group leads a variety of charitable initiatives throughout the year, bringing employees together to support causes that strengthen communities and help individuals thrive.
A culture of giving back
The Community and Resident Services team organizes fundraisers and donation drives throughout the year that reflect our employees' values and the needs of our communities.
Over the years, these initiatives have supported a wide range of causes, including:
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Food bank donations for local families
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Backpack and school supply drives for students
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Disaster relief donations when communities face unexpected challenges
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Fundraising for organizations such as Make-A-Wish
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Sweet Cases created with Foster Love for children entering foster care
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Clothing drives, such as prom gown donations for local students
These efforts are made possible through the generosity of HAI Group employees who consistently step forward to support causes that matter.
A book drive to support early literacy
Most recently, the Community and Resident Services team organized a children’s book drive to support Read to Grow, a nonprofit dedicated to helping families build strong foundations for lifelong learning.
To support this mission, HAI Group employees donated books for children and young adults. The response from staff was overwhelmingly positive, with employees contributing books that will soon find their way into the hands of young readers across the community.
Delivering 450 books to local families
Last week, two members of the Community and Resident Services team delivered the collected donations to Read to Grow.
Josephine Chase, assistant director of legal and compliance, and Elizabeth Owens, director of risk control and consulting, helped deliver approximately 450 books donated by employees.
“Donating books to Read to Grow was an incredibly rewarding experience,” said Chase. “As a mom of young children, this experience resonated deeply with me. I know firsthand how essential early access to books and learning resources is, and how meaningful that support can be in nurturing a child’s growth and development.”
She added that the organization’s passion was clear throughout the visit. “The Read to Grow team was welcoming, passionate, and accommodating, and it was evident how deeply they care about their mission and the children they serve. Seeing the impact they make within the community was truly inspiring.”
Why Read to Grow
For the team, supporting Read to Grow was a natural fit. “Our team is deeply committed to partnering with organizations that positively impact the communities we serve, and Read to Grow truly stands out in this regard,” said Owens. “Their mission to provide books and literacy support to children and families throughout Connecticut aligns closely with our values and our aspiration to foster lasting, meaningful change.”
Owens also highlighted the organization’s community presence and innovative outreach.
“One of their most inspiring initiatives is the Bookmobile, which travels to neighborhoods, schools, and local gatherings, delivering free books directly to children and families," Owens said. "This approach helps ensure that access to reading materials is not limited by geography or circumstance.”
Her connection to the organization also runs deep.
“I first learned about Read to Grow through their partnership with RJ Julia Booksellers, a bookstore I frequented as a child," Owens explained. "Seeing how organizations like this work together to inspire curiosity and a love of learning has stayed with me.”
Strengthening communities together
The Read to Grow book drive is one of many ways HAI Group employees come together to support the communities they care about.
Through the work of the Community and Resident Services team and the generosity of staff, these efforts continue to grow each year. Whether collecting books, supporting families during the holidays, or responding to disaster relief efforts, HAI Group remains committed to making a positive impact.
