In Louisville, GE Appliances stands not only as a beacon of innovation in home appliances but also as a firm supporter of community engagement and volunteerism. At the forefront of this commitment is a longstanding partnership with Cedar Lake, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Central to this collaboration is the tireless efforts of individuals like Josh Huber, a dedicated member of Cedar Lake’s Young Professionals Auxiliary Board.
The Cedar Lake, GE Appliances Connection
Josh’s journey with Cedar Lake began at the organization’s Gala, where he was introduced to its mission and vision. A close friend, Adam Waldner, further inspired Josh’s involvement, leading him to join Cedar Lake’s Young Professionals Auxiliary Board two years ago. Since then, Josh has been instrumental in fostering connections between GE Appliances and Cedar Lake, ensuring that avenues for volunteerism and donations remain open and accessible.
As the Director of Financial System Strategy and Data Analytics at GE Appliances, Josh brings with him fifteen years of experience within the company. He notes that GE Appliance’s commitment to giving back to the community has always been ingrained in its culture, a sentiment that gained renewed vigor following the company’s acquisition by Haier in 2016. In 2023 alone, GE Appliances employees volunteered an astounding 11,000 hours, a testament to the company’s dedication to making a positive impact in the regions it serves.
Integral to GE Appliances’ philanthropic efforts is its Volunteer Council, comprising representatives from various functions within the organization and employee resource groups. Meeting regularly, the council coordinates both small-scale volunteer events and large-scale initiatives such as the Blue Wave Day, where thousands of employees come together to support chosen causes. Josh highlights the significance of employee involvement in selecting organizations to support, emphasizing GE Appliance’s commitment to empowering its workforce to make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Josh recounts the joy and fulfillment derived from volunteering with Cedar Lake. He shares specific examples of projects undertaken by GE Appliances at Cedar Lake, such as organizing pumpkin painting activities at the fall festival and creating interactive science experiments with the Young Professionals Auxiliary Board. The most recent volunteer effort, Josh mentions, was when GE Appliances volunteered at Cedar Lake Enrichment Center for their Derby party, an event that brought immense joy and excitement to both volunteers and participants.
Josh further emphasizes his enjoyment of entering Cedar Lake Enrichment Center and witnessing the excitement of the individuals who attend the day training services. He notes that whenever he brings a group of volunteers to Cedar Lake, they are always eager to come back, drawn by the warmth and appreciation shown by the individuals supported at Cedar Lake.
GE Appliances Volunteerism
At its core, GE Appliances is a people-first organization, dedicated to bringing good things to life – not only through its products but also through its commitment to community engagement and volunteerism. Josh notes that this tenet permeates every aspect of the company, from manufacturing processes to corporate social responsibility initiatives. By prioritizing the well-being of both employees and the communities they serve, GE Appliances exemplifies the transformative power of corporate citizenship.
As GE Appliances and Cedar Lake continue to collaborate and inspire, our partnership serves as a shining example of the profound impact that businesses and individuals can have when they unite for a common cause. Through their collective efforts, they embody the true spirit of compassion, empathy, and service, paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for all.
Volunteering at Cedar Lake
Volunteers are the backbone of our organization. They serve in many capacities within Cedar Lake by contributing time and talent to help us fulfill our mission and enrich the lives of those we support. The folks who call Cedar Lake home prosper because of connections within our community.
We accept volunteers of any size and skill level. We certainly welcome you to join our circle of friends. Come as a stranger, leave as a friend. Contact us today to learn more about our volunteer opportunities.
