VEC Team Members donate their time in support of the VEC Community Fund.

How the VEC Community Foundation Strengthens the Mahoning Valley

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Community isn’t just one of VEC’s core values, it’s a commitment we put into action every single day. That commitment comes to life through the VEC Community Foundation, an initiative rooted in service, generosity and collaboration. Supported by The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley (CFMV), our fund ensures that the places where we live and work continue to thrive.

Recently, we sat down with Shawntae Burton of CFMV for an in‑depth interview, sharing her insights on CFMV and other employers like VEC. Her perspective affirmed something we at VEC already know well: when businesses empower their employees to give back in meaningful ways, the entire community benefits.

A Partnership With Impact

The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, established in 1999 by local trust companies and community partners, has awarded more than $48 million in philanthropic support across Trumbull and Mahoning counties since its inception. Through CFMV, families, nonprofits and businesses can create charitable funds designed to serve local needs.

VEC is proud to partner with CFMV, tapping into their expertise to ensure our contributions create real, lasting impact. But what makes our partnership truly special is something Shawntae noted in our conversation: VEC is the only organization partnering with CFMV that has an employee‑funded community fund.

This means the heartbeat of our foundation is our people.

The Power of an Employee‑Funded Approach

Every VEC team member has the option to contribute monthly to the VEC Community Fund. These contributions, managed and distributed by CFMV, allow us to support causes throughout the Mahoning Valley and beyond.

This structure creates a special sense of ownership. When we donate toys to local children, support animal rescues, or match employee‑driven fundraising, our team knows their contributions made those moments possible.

Philanthropy in Action: Paid Time to Give Back

Giving back at VEC isn’t limited to financial contributions. It’s also built directly into how we support our employees.

Every VEC team member receives eight hours of philanthropy time each year to volunteer with local organizations and causes they personally care about. This paid time empowers employees to give back during the workday, removing barriers to service and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to make a hands‑on difference in the community.

While many companies offer some form of volunteer time off, VEC integrates it into our culture of community and service, further strengthening the impact of our employee‑funded community fund and our partnership with CFMV.

Real Impact, Right Here at Home

Just in the past year, the VEC Community Fund contributed to a range of local organizations, including:

These contributions directly support recovery services, youth programs, families in need, and animal welfare, among other critical causes.

Community as a Core Value

At VEC, Community stands proudly among our core values, alongside Faith and Family. It represents more than occasional giving; it’s a year‑round pledge to uplift others.

The VEC Community Foundation, strengthened by our partnership with CFMV, allows us to live out that value with purpose. And through both employee contributions and our philanthropy‑time program, we’re building a legacy of service that will grow for generations.

Looking Ahead

Our conversation with Shawntae Burton reinforced a belief we’ve held for years: when generosity starts with people, community impact becomes limitless.

With continued contributions, volunteer efforts, and a growing partnership with CFMV, the VEC Community Foundation remains a powerful force for good in the Mahoning Valley.

At VEC, community isn’t an initiative. It’s who we are.