DCI Cares: Our Commitment to the Communities We Serve

Last week, DCI took its commitment to corporate social responsibility out into the community with the DCI Cares volunteer initiative.

Three separate events were organized in Toronto, Denver and New York City, where DCI employees teamed up with local organizations to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable communities. In line with DCI’s mission statement of elevating the lives of people through travel, exploring new cultures and doing good, these events showcased our staff’s dedication to making a positive impact both inside and outside of work.
Helping Refugees Rebuild in Denver with the African Community Center
In 2022, 108.4 million people were forcibly displaced from their homes due to the threat of persecution, political unrest or general human rights violations. Of those, 25,465 refugees were granted asylum in the United States and over 1,000 people started a new life in Denver with the help of the ECDC African Community Center.

Some of the DCI team had the privilege of hearing how the African Community Center works to provide these refugees with a safe, sustainable life in Denver. Despite challenges like inadequate funding, leasing obstacles and rushed time frames, ACC staff work to provide refugees with the tools, knowledge and community they need to live in Denver. In addition to learning about their mission, DCI collaborated with the organization to organize their warehouse, which serves as a vital hub for storing apartment essentials for refugees. To donate or get involved, visit their website.

Nourishing the Unhoused in New York City
Bridges Outreach, Inc. is an organization that seeks to end homelessness through volunteer-driven outreach and individual case management that focuses on health, housing and independence. With more than 70,000 unhoused adults and children living on the streets of NYC and New Jersey, Bridges team of outreach specialists works to connect with the unhoused and understand their most urgent needs. Starting with street outreach and engagement and working up to permanent housing and skill building, Bridges is doing their part to mitigate the global homelessness crisis.

DCI team members gathered in our New York City headquarters last week to support the Bridges team in their street outreach and engagement efforts, packing over 400 meal kits to be distributed to those experiencing homelessness throughout the city. What seems like basic necessities for most have become dire needs for many living without shelter. If you are interested in participating in one of the organization’s many volunteer opportunities or donating to their efforts, visit here.

Creating Safe Spaces for At-Risk Youth in Toronto
Horizons For Youth is a shelter for at-risk homeless youth between the ages of 16-24 in Toronto. Its mission is to provide residents with the support they need to escape from the cycle of poverty and leave the streets behind for good. The shelter offers 24-hour intake services, 365 days a year, to ensure that young people in need of a safe place to stay have access to one at all times. The incredible staff works to guide homeless and at-risk youth so they can achieve wellness and become contributing community members.

The Toronto DCI team was onsite at Horizons for Youth last week to help with general shelter upkeep and organization. Having a comfortable, clean place to live is something no person, especially a child, should have to worry about and lending a hand to ensure that is the case for incoming residents was incredibly fulfilling. If you are interested in supporting their mission, you can find ways to help here.

The DCI Cares volunteer initiative was born out of our mission to elevate the lives of people living, traveling and working in the places we serve. Last week, our efforts at these three incredible organizations showcased the power of collective action and made a difference in the lives of people around the world. We know there is still so much work to be done as we strive towards a more diverse, equitable and inclusive world for all and hope that other organizations join us in this pursuit.

For more information on the DCI Cares initiative or to learn more about the African Community Center, Bridges Outreach, Inc. or Horizons For Youth, please reach out to julie.curtin@aboutdci.com.