Page 25 - Top Workplaces 2018

Operator: lwahowskidoellDesc: Time: 02-14-2018 12:50Jobname:

MIDSIZE COMPANIES NO. 3
COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR CHILDREN

Continued from Page 24
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Engagement Committee, which offers FOR CHILDREN
recommendations on how employees
can best communicate and participate. Daisha Hernan-
Margraf said one of the main reasons ■ Founded: 1967 dez works with
children making
employees love their jobs is they are ■ Ownership: Nonprofit paper cutouts of
committed to the mission of Communi- ■ Sector: Education spiders. The
ty Services “to prepare young children improvement of
children is the
and their families for success in school ■ Employees: 305 staff’s biggest
and in life.” ■ Website: www.cscinc.org priority.
Somogyi agrees.
“I have spent my entire career in the
early childhood field so … I see that the on state and federal funding, Communi-
CSC approach to carrying out the mis- ty Services has not always been able to APRIL GAMIZ/
sion is very effective and that’s why I offer salaries that could compete with THE MORNING CALL
choose to stay here,” Somogyi said. those at similar positions elsewhere, she
“We provide needed support to families said. But salaries have improved as part
that are at risk, children that are at risk of the organization’s commitment to
and we’re doing it effectively.” hiring and retaining talented people.
She and other Community Services “Probably about 10 years ago we
staff also rave about the group’s health were not competitive and under former
care benefits, which include medical, CEO Jane Ervin, we made a conscious
dental and prescription plans. effort to say we have to find ways to staff education, including tuition reim- my bachelor’s degree, am working on
“We get great coverage for a minimal start getting caught up and stay current,” bursement for teachers getting degrees my master’s degree, attended a boatload
out of pocket expense,” Somogyi said. Margraf said. and some graduate level classes. of conferences, really knowing they
Margraf says the organization under- “We just believe our staff are our Vachier had an associate’s degree want the best of the best,” said Vachier.
stands how important those benefits are biggest resources. We are caught up when she started with Community Serv- “It’s an incredible investment in staff
to its workforce. with the market and are competitive ices. The group helped pay the tuition development and more specifically for
“We do see the health benefits as a with like organizations.” for her bachelor’s degree and graduate education staff.”
retention strategy,” Margraf said. Community Services also provides courses in the field.
As an organization that relies greatly “Over the last 20 years I’ve obtained Margie Peterson is a freelance writer.
opportunities and support for furthering

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2018 ❘ TOP WORKPLACES 25