TerpSys is a perfect example of the kind of business that others should emulate. Led by President and CEO Ed Woods, TerpSys incorporates creativity, community, and philanthropy in its company culture. Since 2000, TerpSys has been committed to corporate citizenship that ensures its partner community organizations are equipped with the latest technologies and web designs to address their missions. TerpSys has donated to For Love of Children since 2002.
TerpSys has a unique way of partnering with organizations — it complements the organizations’ passion for a cause with its employees’ innovative technological expertise. TerpSys works consistently with three community organizations and chooses one additional organization to support each year, nominated by TerpSys employees. For Love of Children is thrilled to be one of the three organizations consistently supported by TerpSys.
TerpSys has expanded For Love of Children’s ability to offer educational opportunities to DC youth. Since 2004, TerpSys has participated in FLOC’s Holiday Toy Drive, and since 2008, they have contributed over $120,000 in in-kind services, revamped FLOC’s website design, and assisted upgrading FLOC’s logo.
Each year FLOC students provide a wish list containing three wishes for the holidays. TerpSys employees have pledged to purchase at least one of those gifts for 200 students, and often they purchase all three. Their participation in our Holiday Toy Drive guarantees many happy faces and a room full of excitement.
On the technology front, TerpSys has given FLOC a sleeker, more modern look to its website and logo. Since the launch of FLOC’s new Website, views increased from 67,000 to 78,000 and both online and more traditional donations have increased from 49 to 94.
TerpSys understands that nonprofits frequently rely on volunteers to carry out their mission. TerpSys’ commitment to FLOC has helped secure a tutor for each child who requires individual tutoring in math and reading. Over the past four years, FLOC’s seniors have had a 100% graduation rate from high school and a 100% enrollment rate in postsecondary programs.
There is no doubt that FLOC has served more youth in the community and engaged more leaders in its mission to teach, empower, and transform the lives of young people, thanks in part to support from TerpSys.
TerpSys is a family and working there means sharing time, talent, and growth through community development. Employees are encouraged to challenge themselves and give back to society. The culture at TerpSys has earned numerous accolades over the years. TerpSys was named one of the Best 50 Small & Medium Size Companies to Work for in America by the Society for Human Resource Management in 2009; one of the 50 Top Corporate Philanthropists by the Washington Business Journal in 2006, 2A07, and 2008; and was a recipient of Greater DC Cares’ My Business Cares Seal of Social Responsibility Award in 2006, 2007, and 2008.
TerpSys offers its employees paid volunteer leave and a corporate structure that promotes active involvement in community service.
All of us at For Love of Children know from firsthand experience that TerpSys’ corporate culture offers an inspiring model of giving back to the community. It is exactly this commitment that has made our partnership with TerpSys such a critical component in FLOC’s successful outreach to DC students and families and the reason FLOC was positively thrilled and eager to nominate Terpsys for the Greater DC Cares “Community Impact” Award.
(Ellie Haga and Denise Hernandez collaborated on this post. Ellie is the Executive Assistant at FLOC, and Denise is the Development Assistant.)
