Putting Motion Behind the Movement

The Louisiana Loyal Service Project engaged employees and enhanced our local community, providing traction for a better Baton Rouge through our partnership with Front Yard Bikes.

‍

‍

LWCC’s Louisiana Loyal Service Project provides employees an opportunity to come together to make a difference in our local community. More than a tagline, Louisiana Loyal is a movement to celebrate and elevate Louisiana. It guides us in the pursuit of our purpose, vision, and mission and comes to fruition in two ways: through our core business and innovative initiatives that drive transformational change in Louisiana.

Over the past year and a half LWCC partnered with Front Yard Bikes for the inaugural Louisiana Loyal Service Project. On June 6, 2022,employees joined a group of more than a dozen students from Front Yard Bikes for one of their regular bike field trips, used to embrace the fun aspects of riding bikes while exploring educational and recreational opportunities available within safe biking distance. The group rode 3.2-miles from Front Yard Bikes’ Terrace Park location to LWCC’s main office, where riders were greeted warmly by employees with signs and cheers. Upon arrival, riders were invited to enjoy sno-balls, visit with employees, see LWCC’s office, and participate in a post-ride stretch and fitness discussion led by Jeff Barbera, LWCC Corporate Wellness Partner and Cooper Wellness Instructor.

‍

Front Yard Bikes is a community bike shop located in Baton Rouge that focuses on teaching participants of all ages how to fix and maintain bikes as part of a safe, free after-school program. In addition, Front Yard Bikes aids in enhancing participants’ skills in math, physics, and mechanics, while also promoting inclusivity, mentorship, recreation, and academic achievement. The mission of the organization, to impact the lives of youth who will become future leaders all while building a better community, precisely aligns with the purpose of both the Louisiana Loyal movement and the Service Project.

‍

“At the heart of LWCC's mission of helping Louisiana thrive is the belief that we have a duty to make a significant contribution to our home state. This comes alive through our employees living out our core values within the community. To that end, LWCC is proud to provide employees both volunteer time off and the opportunities to get involved and make a difference,” said Elizabeth Briggs, LWCC Human Resource Business Partner.

‍

The Service Project was officially launched in December of 2020 with an opportunity for employees to volunteer with Front Yard Bikes’ garden project. Soon after, COVID-19 restrictions and mandates altered plans for additional in-person engagement opportunities. Instead, LWCC donated 100 bike helmets, 60bike lights, and numerous gift bags to participating students during their annual awards ceremony and Christmas party during the holiday season.

LWCC's efforts were led by the Corporate Citizenship Committee and made possible through the company’s Volunteer Time Off (VTO) program.

‍

“The Corporate Citizenship Committee is dedicated to helping Louisiana thrive. As a good corporate citizen within Louisiana, LWCC recognizes a desire, consistent with our values, to assist with the needs of our communities,” said Amanda Didier, AVP, Sr. Investment Portfolio Manager and Corporate Citizenship Committee Chair.

As we continue to lead this movement, we are excited to benefit future Louisiana Loyal Service Project recipients and foster change for Louisiana. But we can’t do this alone. We need your help in cultivating this change and helping ensure that Louisiana’s brightest days are ahead.

Wondering how to get involved? Take a look at our list of 30 ways to be Louisiana Loyal.

‍

‍

Feedback on the Fun

‍

LWCC’s commitment to community enhancement through the Louisiana Loyal Service Project exemplifies our pledge to actively elevate our community and state through deliberate action. Here’s what participants of the Louisiana Loyal Service Project had to say about their involvement:

“It was awesome to be part of the Louisiana Loyal Service Project. The excitement the students had for the event was contagious and our conversations proved the need for programs like this. Through our interactions with Front Yard Bikes, we’re able to see the impact we have had, not only on the students, but also on the community. This is how we celebrate and elevate our state. This is how we continue to better Louisiana for generations to come. This is how we are truly Louisiana Loyal,” said Shawn Zeringue, Marketing and Communications Specialist.

“The Front Yard Bikes event was significant to me because it represented how healthy choices can be made by anyone. I understand the importance of staying active, and this organization encourages children to be active while providing them with a safe space for interesting activities. Similar to Front Yard Bikes, we are elevating Louisiana and aiding its citizens with living a healthy lifestyle by encouraging everyone to remain active,” said Lisa Huffty, Claims Specialist.

‍

"Throughout the bike ride, we had a bunch of opportunities to engage in fun and positive conversations with the program participants in a casual way. They asked great questions and I know all the LWCC employees who participated really enjoyed getting to motivate and support them throughout the day," said Drake Boudreaux, Marketing and Communications Specialist.

“A bike is many things- a toy, a tool, and a lifelong skill that people seem to never forget. It was so awesome to have the opportunity to become part of the community that Front Yard Bikes has built. Seeing the work that these kids have put into not only themselves, but also their bikes, the Front Yard Bikes shop, and the other programs like gardening and nutrition was amazing. The impact that all of these things have had on our community has made this an experience that- just like riding a bike-I will never forget!,” said Chris Bishop, PHS Operations Specialist.