More than 70 Customer Service leaders stepped away from their desks and into the community, volunteering at four local nonprofit organizations as part of a dedicated day of service.
Following a morning spent aligning on priorities during a strategic planning session, team members put those conversations into action – giving their time and energy to support organizations making a difference across southeast Michigan. Volunteers spread out across four sites, including Haven in Pontiac, Alternatives for Girls and Brilliant Cities in Detroit, and Gleaners Community Food Bank in Taylor.
“I enjoyed engaging with peers at our recent volunteer event at Alternatives for Girls. Our efforts focused on organizing donated goods and creating clear, safe pathways throughout each aisle in order to improve accessibility in their storage/garage area,” said Maria Jeter, Customer Service supervisor. “While it was a significant undertaking, especially with 90-degree weather, I was very proud of what we accomplished as a team and happy that we were able to produce a meaningful outcome.”
Across each location, employees made an immediate, hands-on impact:
• At Haven (Pontiac): Volunteers supported shelter operations by organizing donations, refreshing shared spaces and helping create a more welcoming environment for individuals and families seeking support.
• At Alternatives for Girls (Detroit): Team members assembled care kits, sorted supplies and helped prepare resources that support young women on their path to stability and independence.
• At Gleaners Community Food Bank (Taylor): Employees sorted and packed a total of 4785 lbs. of food, helping prepare 3,828 meals for distribution to families across the region facing food insecurity.
• At Brilliant Cities (Detroit): Volunteers pitched in on home and community projects, helping create safe, engaging spaces that support early childhood learning and neighborhood development.
From organizing donations to supporting essential services, the hands-on work offered a meaningful opportunity to connect with and support neighbors across the region.
The day reflected DTE’s “Caring” value in action – demonstrating how employees not only work hard to serve customers but also give back just as deeply.
“Volunteering at Alternatives for Girls was a truly meaningful and fulfilling experience. It was rewarding to contribute my time by helping organize supplies, making it easier for young mothers to access clothing and essential items when they need them most,” said Robin Jennings, Customer Service principal supervisor. “Being able to support an environment that provides stability and resources to young women and their children was incredibly impactful, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for the work they do every day. I felt proud to represent the company while giving back to the community and contributing to a cause that empowers women on their path toward independence.”
By pairing a day of strategic focus with an afternoon of service, the Customer Service team reinforced a simple idea: delivering for customers goes beyond the workday – it extends into the communities where we live and serve.
