These Everence employees carry out acts of service as part of their daily lives
Everyday Stewardship
|
To celebrate our 80th anniversary, Everence launched our 80 Acts of Service initiative, inviting employees to make a direct impact in the communities they serve. Throughout the year, Everence teams and employees have helped pack or serve meals, mentor students, and assist with landscaping and cleaning, among other activities. Beyond the intentional community engagement this year, many Everence employees go out of their way to serve their communities as part of their daily lives. The following stories highlight eight employees who have taken serving to heart; they share why they help and offer advice for those seeking to do the same.
Denise Wayman
DENISE WAYMAN Director of Branch Operations
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Since joining Everence Federal Credit Union, Denise has built relationships with community-focused nonprofits. She volunteers at Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity and serves on the boards at Assets of Lancaster and Love in the Name of Christ (Love INC). She’s also volunteered previously with Everence colleagues to teach workshops at Tenfold, a local social services organization.
All these organizations offer financial education, the possibility to forge new beginnings, and the tools to become entrepreneurs in South Central Pennsylvania.
“For me, I truly enjoy helping and educating others, as well as being a role model as a woman and Latina,” Denise said about why she’s involved. “I always say, ‘you only know what you know.’ I want to help others know, learn and grow.”
Denise suggests finding a local organization that interests you and shares your values. Volunteers can learn more about the organization they choose and how it functions by joining a committee.
Shari Beck
SHARI BECK Financial Planner
Archbold, Ohio
Shari spends a considerable amount of time serving her community in whatever capacity is needed, giving priority to “be where [her] feet are” – she’s even more excited when she’s volunteering in community activities where her kids are involved.
The list of organizations she’s involved with includes Pettisville Schools, North Clinton Church, the Archbold Community Garden, Fulton County Festival of Trees, BIG Committee, 4-H, FFA and Project 216. While Shari doesn’t usually log her volunteer hours, this year’s 80 Acts of Service initiative gave her the chance to track her time. In 2025, she volunteered for at least 21 hours.
She credits her work in the financial industry and Everence both for gaining the skills that allow her to use them to serve her community, and for connecting her to organizations that help others.
“In my role at Everence, I’ve had the opportunity to see the great work of many local nonprofit organizations – helping with committee work, volunteering at events, or even cheering on and rallying participation from others in the community.”
Annette Ridenour
ANNETTE RIDENOUR Digital Marketing Coordinator
Goshen, Indiana
Annette began attending Rock River Bible Camp in Dixon, Illinois, when she was 6 years old and started volunteering at 15. More than a decade later, she hasn’t stopped going.
Annette seamlessly transitioned from attending to volunteering, following in the footsteps of her older siblings. To her, there was no doubt about whether she’d return to help younger kids, either as a counselor or in some other capacity.
“It was a place where I always felt so loved and seen and supported, and it was a place I really felt confident being myself and that I was going to be accepted,” she said. “Most of my big summer memories are all camping.”
Now she looks forward to creating a place that’s as loving and supportive as the one she encountered as a kid. “They’re seeking out that kind of support and mentorship and friendship, and so I think that’s really special,” she said.
Dennis LeFevre
DENNIS LEFEVRE Financial Consultant
Denver, Colorado
With close ties to Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp in Divide, Colorado, first as students and then as staff, Dennis and his wife, Jen, have assisted in running the Roots Music Camps for the past 11 years.
Dennis coordinates logistics and experiences for instructors and students at the family-friendly camp, which has classes during the day, concerts at night, and jam sessions in the afternoon and late evening. The days at the week-long camp are long and busy, but Dennis enjoys seeing people come together to learn and make music.
“Music can be the bridge that allows us to share enjoyable and refreshing experiences that make us all better people and make our communities better places,” he said.
Dennis says finding an organization that supports one’s passions and has a positive impact on the community adds value not only to the individual as a volunteer, but also to the organization and its mission.
Jo Ellen Davis
JO ELLEN DAVIS Sales and Distribution Operations Manager
Goshen, Indiana
For 12 years, Jo Ellen has supported the local growing community by serving at the Community Sustainability Project, a nonprofit in Goshen, Indiana. The organization runs the Goshen Farmers Market and oversees programs that connect the community with fresh food.
Jo Ellen serves as the Farmers Market Manager, managing the operations of the market and supporting the Community Sustainability Project board of directors. Helping cultivate local businesses and future farmers inspires her work.
“Supporting our local growing community and small artisan businesses is something I highly value,” she said.
Jo Ellen said she’s grateful for the opportunity to serve her community and for the connections she’s made along the way, and she stresses that many nonprofits can use a variety of talents from volunteers.
“By serving our community with our time and skills, we not only share our gifts with others but also experience personal fulfillment.”
Brenda Shelly
BRENDA SHELLY Client Services Representative
Souderton, Pennsylvania
Every evening for about two years, Brenda would drive to Dock Woods Senior Living Community in Lansdale to visit her father, who was a resident at a memory care unit. After he passed away in December 2024, Brenda found herself not only missing her father but also many of the residents she had come to know during her visits, and worrying for their well-being.
With 40 years of experience as a nurse, Brenda sought an outlet to use her skills and joined the volunteer staff at Dock Woods.
Every day is a rewarding one – Brenda appreciates the opportunity to serve residents who sometimes remember her and sometimes don’t.
“I do like to be busy,” she admits. “My husband and my mother will tell me that I’m perhaps ‘too busy.’ But I intend to keep moving while the good Lord gives me motion and breath. Hopefully, I can make someone else’s life a little easier with my efforts.”
Emma Eitzen
EMMA EITZEN Client Services Representative
Goshen, Indiana
Looking to network with local business owners, Emma served on the board of directors for Downtown Goshen, Inc. from 2022 to 2024, while working as the manager at Ten Thousand Villages in Goshen. She currently serves as an executive board member at Art House, a nonprofit that supports local artists in northern Indiana.
“Having witnessed the challenges that small artists face, I understand how crucial it is to support them in building both their confidence and their portfolios,” she said.
Emma values getting involved because it takes volunteers out of their comfort zones and opens the door to new perspectives, relationships and opportunities.
“Volunteering is a rewarding way to give back to society while also enriching your own life with purpose and connection,” she said. “There’s something truly joyful about connecting with both the community and the people you volunteer alongside.”
Jeff Richendollar
JEFF RICHENDOLLAR Foundation Charitable Administrator
Goshen, Indiana
When Jeff’s youngest kids showed an affinity for the performing arts, he became immersed in the world of marching band and winter guard.
He donated and served food, and helped build props throughout the whole season. Then, he joined the Fairfield Music Boosters in hosting its benefit auction.
Jeff saw firsthand how performing arts help young people learn about themselves. Volunteering over the past several years has taught Jeff that every bit of time or talent one can share is highly appreciated when it comes to getting involved.
“’It takes a village’ is highly undervalued! In today’s busy world, it can be difficult to find ways and time to help, but no matter the time, the task, or the involvement, anything you can do to help an organization deliver upon their goals and missions is appreciated and needed!”
