STF Cares

STF Cares is a program established to serve the communities where we live and work as well as support STF employees in making a difference. STF Cares takes our mission of bringing Excellence, Ethics, and Engagement to the work we perform every day and applying it to our communities.

Fredericksburg, VA

Ceili Leahy Day of Service

In May, STF participated in the Ceili Leahy Day of Service at James Monroe High School (JM) in Fredericksburg, VA. In July 2013, before her senior year of high school at JM, Ceili was diagnosed with metastatic Ewings sarcoma, and in April 2015, was diagnosed with treatment-related acute myeloid leukemia. Ceili is remembered as a passionate activist and fearless leader who cared deeply about her community and global development. In her honor, this organization inspires and recruits students and others to serve local nonprofits that reflect Ceili’s vision and values. They connect students with organizations in need of volunteers and support Day of Service events. CLSP raises money through direct contributions and fundraising events to support the Service Scholarship and community service activities.

East Coast

Stop Soldier Suicide Endurance Fundraiser

In July, STF exceeded our $2500 contribution goal for the Stop Soldier Suicide (SSS) campaign. After we met our goal, STF matched up to $2500, doubling our contribution. SSS is the only national nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to reducing suicide among U.S. veterans and service members. The organization has set an ambitious goal of reducing the military suicide rate by 40% by 2030. Each year, approximately 6,000 veterans and service members die by suicide, impacting more than 90,000 family and community members. Through proactive outreach, evidence-based care, and critical support services, SSS provides hope and life-saving assistance to those who need it most. This was an endurance-based fundraiser, and while participation was completely optional, team members were encouraged to support the cause by running, walking, hiking, or tracking miles through the SSS platform.

West Coast

Interact: Rotary’s Youth Leadership and Service Organization

One of the most meaningful ways we can invest in our communities is by investing in young people. For the past school year, Bethany Reed did exactly that through her volunteer work with the Interact Club and Leadership program at Conejo Valley High School as the Youth Services and Engagement Chair for NextGen Rotary in Ventura County. Interact, Rotary’s youth leadership and service organization, helps students build leadership skills while creating positive change in their schools and communities. Throughout the school year, students at Conejo Valley High School organized fundraisers, supported faculty appreciation initiatives, raised awareness for important causes, and helped strengthen school spirit across campus. NextGen Rotary was able to support the students by providing monthly speakers, engaging activities, purchasing the Seniors sweatshirts, and of course bringing lots of snacks. As part of her role with NextGen Rotary, Bethany dedicates time each month mentoring and supporting students through leadership development and community engagement. At the group’s final meeting of the year in May, graduating seniors shared exciting milestones, including new jobs, enrollment in trade schools, and future educational plans — a powerful reminder of the impact encouragement, mentorship, and service can have on young adults. They celebrated the end of the year with a Tostilocos bar that was a total hit with the students! When asked what their favorite speaker or event that NexGen hosted this last year, the students were emphatic about “the girl with the gecko!”. The diverse members of NextGen are lucky enough to include an animal expert! She spoke to the Interact students about opportunities at the local teaching zoo and the incredible zoology program available at Moorpark College.

Bethany and the NextGen Rotary are proud to help cultivate a new generation of community-minded leaders across Ventura County by creating opportunities for service, connection, and civic engagement.