Empowering the Next Generation’s Future through Scholarships & Mentoring with Take Stock in Children

For more than 20 years, we have been proud to support Take Stock in Children (TSIC) of Palm Beach County, an organization empowering youth through education and opportunity. We have been especially honored to witness the incredible success of hundreds of students from the Glades communities over the past two decades, who have received our support of mentoring and fully funded college scholarships.

In addition to our financial support of the program, we currently have a wonderful group of employees who volunteer as mentors, including Ashlee Alfonso, Jennifer Ginn, Stephen Ippolito, Renee Shouse, Caroline Villanueva and Melissa Wheat. Through their compassionate support and commitment, they make a lasting difference in the lives of the students they mentor. Their dedication exemplifies the values that drive our organization, and we take great pride in the positive impact they make in our community.

Our volunteers meet with their mentees several times a month, and their sessions can include anything from discussing school goals and reviewing progress to building confidence, planning future ambitions, or simply giving them space to share what’s on their mind.

“Being part of the Take Stock in Children mentorship program has been a very meaningful part of my week over the past year and a half,” said Ashlee Alfonso, Senior Buyer, Direct Materials. “Through this program, we’re able to offer students steady encouragement and genuine guidance, which is the kind of support that helps them stay motivated and envision a brighter, purpose‑driven future. It’s a small commitment with a big impact, and I’m proud to be part of a company that truly lives its commitment to community involvement.”

For students who consistently meet with their mentors and fulfill all program requirements, the journey culminates in a fully funded college scholarship. For example, Aaron Rowley, an employee who works in our Belle Glade Tellus facility, received a full scholarship through TSIC that changed his life and led him to our company without any student debt.

In addition to our volunteer mentors, additional team members give their time to help guide the nonprofit. In January, Rob Sproull, Senior Vice President, Sales, Marketing & New Product Development, joined the TSIC board of directors representing our organization. Rob replaced Shiva Ahrens, Technical Director, Research & Development, who served as a board member for five years.

As part of our support of the program, we are also proud to be the presenting sponsor of their signature fundraising event, the Bridge the Gap 5K race on February 28.

Our 20-year journey with Take Stock in Children is a testament to what we can achieve together.  We are grateful to all our employees who selflessly give their time to support children and families to make our communities stronger.