At Teamwork Commerce, we believe in the power of collaboration and community support. That’s why we’re excited to share our recent partnership with Habitat for Humanity during National Volunteer Week. On Saturday, April 20th, our team had the privilege of joining forces with Habitat for Humanity to help finalize two new homes for families in need in the Pinellas County area.

One of the families we had the honor of supporting is Denise Cookinson and her 12-year-old son, Grayson. Denise’s journey with Habitat for Humanity is a testament to the transformative impact of stable housing. She shared, “My life now will be greater, and I will be achieving more goals, knowing that I have stability not only in a house but in a home.”

This sentiment resonates deeply with us at Teamwork Commerce. We believe that everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home, and we’re proud to be part of initiatives that make that dream a reality.

Another family we are privileged to assist is Ashley Skelton, a single mother of three children, on her journey towards homeownership with Habitat for Humanity. Ashley dreams of having a home where her family can enjoy activities together without worrying about safety or privacy. She emphasized the importance of community support, saying, “Habitat has been such a blessing, and the staff is phenomenal.”

Each family who partners with Habitat completes a certain number of hours of sweat equity — typically between 200 and 400 — before move-in day. Often, any adult member can contribute to this total; sometimes volunteers can also help out. Each Teamwork Commerce volunteer donated their “sweat equity” from the day to the recipients of Habitat for Humanity. 

Our partnership with Habitat for Humanity reflects our commitment to social impact and community building. We believe that by working together, we can create lasting change and help families build brighter futures.

If you’re interested in supporting Habitat for Humanity or getting involved in similar initiatives, we encourage you to visit their website and learn more about how you can make a difference.

Together, we can build dreams and create homes where families can thrive.

We chose this project for Teamwork Cares because housing is a basic human need and stable housing provides a foundation for individuals and families to build their lives.  It supports education, employment, and community engagement, leading to long-term stability and prosperity.       

Melinda Muniz, Communications Manager

TeamworkCares utilizes its global reach and diverse group of team members to promote initiatives that aim to impact our communities, promote awareness and fight for equality. Since its inception, members have impacted communities worldwide.

Situated in the heart of the Temple Terrace community, Witter Elementary School has been a pillar of education for six decades. However, as a Title 1 transformation school, it faces unique challenges, serving a significant number of students from low-income families. Chelsea Olson, Assistant Principal at Witter Elementary, emphasizes the school’s dedication to supporting every student, with 100% of the student body coming from low-income families within the area.

One of the school’s most pressing challenges is meeting the basic needs of its students, particularly in terms of food, clothing, and footwear. Many children undergo rapid growth throughout the academic year, often outgrowing their shoes and clothing. These challenges set the stage for the compassionate efforts of Teamwork Cares, the philanthropic arm of Teamwork Commerce.

Responding to the specific needs of Witter Elementary students, Teamwork Cares orchestrated an impactful initiative on March 6, 2024, by organizing a shoe donation event at the school. The donation included new pairs of Asics shoes, ensuring that these students not only receive essential footwear but also high-quality, durable shoes that can withstand daily wear and tear.

Beyond footwear, Teamwork Cares also provided backpacks and essential school supplies, recognizing the importance of a comprehensive approach to support for these students. This initiative reflects our dedication to fostering educational equity by empowering these students with the necessary tools for their academic advancement.

As the Teamwork Commerce family extends its support to Witter Elementary School, the impact extends far beyond the tangible items donated. It fosters a sense of community, empathy, and collaboration, underscoring the profound impact that corporate social responsibility can have on the lives of those in need. The donation event exemplified Teamwork Commerce’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the lives of students at Witter Elementary School through impactful initiatives.

TeamworkCares utilizes its global reach and diverse group of team members to promote initiatives that aim to impact our communities, promote awareness and fight for equality. Since its inception, members have impacted communities worldwide.

In honor of International Women’s Day, Teamwork Cares proudly joined forces with local community center, EmpowHERment, dedicated to supporting the growth and well-being of women in our community.

Founded in 2020 by Ambee Stephens, the EmpowHERment Community Center in Clearwater, Florida, stands as a beacon of hope, catalyzing positive change not only locally but also on a broader scale. Since EmpowHERment’s inception, this Women Empowerment Non-Profit Organization has remained steadfast in its commitment to supporting, empowering, and advancing women.

EmpowHERment makes a significant impact by helping women flourish through various avenues, including workshops, events, therapy and counseling programs, and entrepreneurship programs. One of its flagship programs, the EmpowHERment Entrepreneur Academy runs twice a year in January and August. Led by successful women in business, this 8-week program empowers 10 selected women to either start their own business ventures or enhance existing ones. Participants receive a $500 grant and support in building their websites. Details about these initiatives and events are available on the EmpowHERment website, with the goal of providing every woman with a program that aligns with her unique aspirations and needs.

EmpowHERment aims to actively engage with women, listening to their voices and tailoring programs to ensure a personalized experience for each woman who walks through their doors.

In a recent demonstration of solidarity, Teamwork Commerce visited the headquarters of EmpowHERment, extending their support by donating a variety of business attire items, including blouses, purses, slacks, dresses, shoes, and more. These resources are aimed at helping women in need dress confidently and make a lasting impression.

This gesture underscores Teamwork Cares commitment to empowering women and supporting initiatives that positively impact the lives of those in the community. Together, these efforts contribute to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where women can thrive and achieve their aspirations.

TeamworkCares utilizes its global reach and diverse group of team members to promote initiatives that aim to impact our communities, promote awareness and fight for equality. Since its inception, members have impacted communities worldwide.