Impactful Volunteer Work Creates a Meaningful Workplace

Whether you're hosting a charity event, donating to or volunteering with a nonprofit organization, creating impactful opportunities to give back provides a sense of purpose in the workplace. Pivot Cycles works closely with the Welcome to America Project (WTAP) to help provide transportation to refugees in our backyard.    

The Tempe-based nonprofit, WTAP was formed in 2001 after the September 11th attacks. With a mission to share strategic resources and accelerate faster self-sufficiency and fuller integration, WTAP has grown into a collective group of volunteers who share the common purpose of celebrating resettled refugees. Assistance is provided in the form of furniture, household goods, clothing, a warm welcome to America, and – in many cases – bicycles for transportation. Since WTAP formed, more than 2000 families have been positively impacted, and thousands of volunteers have played a role in welcoming these families.

In 2019, Senior Forecasting, Planning, & Product Manager; Daniel Limburg met with Michael Sullivan, Agency Director at WTAP. Michael mentioned the non-profit launching bike nights, and Daniel saw this opportunity to get involved. Daniel emphasized, "I realized I could make a difference by repairing and helping people get on bikes." He extended the invite in a company email, and three Pivot employees joined Daniel on the first repair night. As more and more repair nights occurred, the Pivot volunteer numbers continued to increase.    

The pandemic impacted everyone and hit many refugees hard, with the threat of losing their jobs and isolation. The unforeseen obstacle of volunteers gathering in a safe space sparked a unique opportunity for Pivot to step up our involvement. Daniel began picking up bikes, and Pivot HQ started hosting repair nights. Every other week, upwards of 12 Pivot employees volunteer their time after work to help prep and service bikes for WTAP families. The Pivot workplace strives to provide real opportunities for both professional and personal growth, and our work with WTAP creates a meaningful connection to families in our community, and to the power bikes have in all our lives.

Learn more about The Welcome to America Project here: