After his Navy service, Maintenance Technician Milo S. needed a hand and the nonprofit U.S. Vets stepped in – changing the course of his life. Years later, Milo nominated the organization for a Spectrum Employee Community Grant, resulting in a donation that will help U.S Vets reach more veterans in need. Milo’s son, a fellow veteran and Charter employee, couldn’t be prouder.
A big part of our commitment to support the communities we serve is our partnership with organizations that support veterans. U.S. Vets-Inglewood received a $2,500 Spectrum Employee Community Grant (SECG) earlier this year. Through SECG, employees nominate organizations with whom they have strong relationships and that provide critical social services in our communities.
The work done by U.S. Vets is close to Field Technician Milo's heart. After completing his Navy service, Milo unfortunately struggled with homelessness and addiction. But U.S. Vets was there as a resource, helping him get off the streets.
“They gave me a place to sleep,” said Milo. “I had food. And I got sober – coming up on 18 years. They’ve helped me a lot.”
After establishing a new life for himself, he was hired by Charter. Milo felt a strong need to give back, so he started volunteering on his personal time with U.S. Vets to help other homeless veterans. When Charter presented the opportunity for employees to help a community organization, Milo thought immediately about the group that stepped up to help him. “I heard about SECG, and this year I nominated U.S. Vets,” he said. “It means a lot to me that Spectrum supported them and awarded them a grant.”
U.S. Vets-Inglewood recently held their annual Veterans Day celebration, where Charter presented an additional $10,000 donation to the organization.Spectrum News 1 Los AngelesAnchor/ReporterTanya McRaeemceed the event, which was attended by area civic leaders such as Congresswoman Maxine Waters and Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts. During the festivities, Milo was recognized for his Navy service and volunteer work.
The event in California coincided with Forbes Magazine naming Charter one of America’s Best Employers for Veterans 2021. Nine percent of the company’s employees identify as veterans.
This year, to date, Charter has awarded more than $370,000 in Spectrum Employee Community Grants to 95 organizations nominated by our employees. Nominations submitted by November 1 are currently under review and may receive a grant before the end of the year.
