Enclara Pharmacia is a deeply mission-driven organization centered on the comfort of patients in hospice care, but also extending to broader community needs. Enclara’s employee volunteering initiative is a way to engage with a wide variety of causes while fostering deeper engagement among colleagues across different parts of the company. Together, they form The Herd, a name that connects to the elephant in Enclara’s logo, chosen because of the deep social ties and altruistic rituals elephants exhibit in the wild.
Many Opportunities to Serve
One of Enclara’s longstanding partnerships is with the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge program, which provides accommodations to cancer patients receiving care far from home. “We originally chose this partnership because the hospice movement is so deeply rooted in cancer care,” explained Enclara Manager of Performance and Recognition Vickie Miller. “This allows us to serve patients who we hope won’t need hospice anytime soon thanks to advances in treatment and also provides us an opportunity to engage associates who have been impacted by cancer in some way.”
Pharmacist Supervisor Michelle Ciociola, PharmD, is a longtime Hope Lodge volunteer who values each opportunity to serve. “Every time we go there and prepare a home-cooked meal, we see their gratitude. It’s overwhelming,” she said. “Interacting with these individuals and helping take their minds off their circumstances is one of the most rewarding aspects for me.”
The Herd’s efforts extend to a variety of other causes, too. Over the years, volunteers have contributed to a diverse array of initiatives, including food drives for local pantries, collections of coats and socks for the homeless, and donating their time to groups including the SPCA and Habitat for Humanity.
The geographical scope of participation is also broad, with events in areas with Enclara operations, including Philadelphia, Memphis, Charleston, S.C., and Cincinnati, as well as virtual volunteer opportunities. Over the past seven years, volunteers have raised thousands of dollars for medical research, walked hundreds of miles to increase awareness for Alzheimer’s and cancer causes, and devoted hours to hands-on activities.
Shared Experiences and Personal Impact
Research has consistently shown the benefits of volunteerism, a sentiment echoed by participants at Enclara. For Senior Implementation Project Manager Sue Gildea, the physical and emotional advantages are undeniable. “Volunteering enhances empathy, brings happiness, and even benefits health by lowering blood pressure,” she said. “It’s a great way to boost team morale while doing something meaningful.”
For Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations Erin Harris, PharmD, volunteering has been a lifeline. “Working from home since the pandemic, I began to feel lonely and isolated. As soon as in-person volunteer opportunities opened back up, I started volunteering weekly,” she recalled. “It has helped me feel connected and really has improved my well-being.”
Facilitating a Culture of Giving Back
The Herd exemplifies Enclara Pharmacia’s broader commitment to meaningful action, showcasing what’s possible when individuals unite behind a purpose. Whether walking for awareness, raising funds, or simply offering a meal, the contributions of employees continue to ripple outward, creating an undeniable impact. When people think about getting involved, Harris has advice for those who might not know where to start: “Find something you’re passionate about. You’ll never know the good it can do for you until you give it a try.
