Rockwell Automation has been a longstanding partner of United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County, and we couldn’t do the work that we do without sponsorship from companies like Rockwell. Within the past ten years alone, more than 1,000 Rockwell employees have volunteered in United Way’s Seasons of Caring.
Seasons of Caring connects individuals, companies, schools, and entire organizations to meaningful volunteer projects, and it’s an effort that Rockwell Automation champions.
“Our employees are volunteering their time because our company cares about the communities in which we live and work,” explained Sarah Kaufmann, Community Relations at Rockwell Automation.
Volunteering also allows their employees to build relationships among their colleagues and showcase their different skillsets. During Seasons of Caring in 2009, help at a nearby Girl Scout camp was posted on United Way’s Volunteer Portal, which aligned with one team's interest in combining their desire to volunteer with the opportunity to utilize specific skillsets. Volunteer activities at the camp range from clearing brush, building sheds, roofing, splitting wood, and more.
There is always a sense of excitement leading up to this day of caring. Team members never want to miss it and plan ahead in order to participate. They look forward to not only the unique projects at the camp, but also the overwhelming sense of joy they have at the end of the day.
“I have two daughters,” said Brian Frank, Global Program Manager - Digital Tools at Rockwell Automation. “It gives me a sense of pride knowing that we're supporting an organization geared towards activities that they hopefully will do as they grow up."
Garrett Wolff, CIRT Development Lead at Rockwell Automation, agreed, “I have a daughter myself. It's getting us involved in the community. And it's a way for us to pour back into the community and support those efforts and support, whether directly or indirectly, the family members of our employees as well.”
“We even have some individuals on the team who have retired and reach out to us and say, ‘I still want to do it. I still want to come help,’” Brian added. Retirees are welcome to come back to continue to provide their expertise to the team for the day’s efforts at the Girl Scout camp.
Which speaks to the culture at Rockwell Automation. The company 
encourages their employees year-round to take paid time to volunteer and supports their efforts in participating in projects that mean a lot to the employees themselves. In addition to supporting Seasons of Caring, Rockwell also supports United Way’s Holiday Giving Tree and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Days of Service, and are frequent visitors to United Way’s Volunteer Center to pack lunches, supply kits, and repack diapers.
“Rockwell loves being involved in the community,” Garrett said. “Whether it is matching donations or the Holiday Giving Tree which has happened for many, many years. And Rockwell really has an appreciation for that.”
“We support organizations and opportunities, like United Way, that allow employees to develop an understanding of the social, economic, and educational challenges in our communities,” said Sarah.
The efforts made by the team haven’t gone unnoticed by the Girl Scouts, who annually requests Rockwell Automation's help to maintain the camp. Their gratitude for Rockwell Automation is equally recognized by United Way throughout communities where Rockwell employees live and work.
“It’s that joy of helping, of learning, and that encouragement across the team,” Brian reflected. “It's extremely impactful knowing, ‘Hey, Rockwell is the one sponsoring this activity. They care enough to let us go do this, and all the different activities we’re able to get done.’ That’s the value to me.”
United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County thanks Rockwell Automation for their continued support and sponsorship of our volunteer efforts. Rockwell’s dedication and efforts to the community remind us that to live better, we must Live United.
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