At The Bernard Group, we believe in being a force for good, not just in our operations and services (like our online division, Smartpress), but also in our commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR). In 2023, we cultivated partnerships with some impressive local and national charitable organizations. Here, we spotlight three of these key collaborations, showcasing the positive impact our support has had on their missions and the communities they serve, along with our aspirations for 2025.
Partnership Driven by Purpose: Beyond Our Core Business
The Bernard Group (TBG) is an employee-owned business, so supporting our employees and local community comes with the territory. Along with our online division, Smartpress, we believe in contributing to something larger than ourselves, extending beyond our dedication to delivering exceptional online printing services and marketing solutions.
Lisa Beck, the Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, emphasizes this: “It’s very important to us to be involved in the community in which we do business. Not only is it ‘business for good,’ but also gives our employees a chance to engage by participating in volunteering opportunities so they can make a positive impact.”
Our social responsibility strategy focuses on supporting those most in need populations, particularly children, teens, and women. However, our commitment extends across various sectors, as demonstrated by our partnerships with organizations like Trees, Water & People, Launch Ministry, Neighbors Inc., Feed My Starving Children, Operation Christmas Child, Toys for Tots, Dress for Success and more.
5th Annual TBG Golf Event
Our 5th annual golf event in August was a significant success. “I’m incredibly proud of how much it’s grown,” says Beck. “Thanks to the generous sponsorships and participation of our top suppliers, we raised over $110,000 and it was a fun way to contribute. 100% of the proceeds went directly to our partner charities.”
Hint: Dive deeper into our social and environmental endeavors: Social Responsibility.
Partner Spotlight: Empowering Youth at Hope House
Demonstrating our commitment to social responsibility in business, we actively support Hope House, an emergency shelter for youth who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in the southwest Twin Cities metro. We spoke with Rodney Provart, Executive Director of Hope House, about the impact of their partnership with TBG and Smartpress.
How has TBG’s support impacted Hope House?
Provart: “The generosity and support from The Bernard Group has again been a catalyst for positive change at Hope House. TBG has strengthened our programs and expanded our outreach, which translates to transformed lives. Smartpress’ support of our Border Battle baseball event not only provided valuable marketing support, but also heightened Hope House community awareness and provided a significant morale boost to our entire staff and volunteer team.”
“The professional banners and table coverings added legitimacy and excitement to the event for everyone included. The dedicated leaders at TBG and Smartpress have fostered a sense of shared purpose that extends beyond events to our core mission of transforming the lives of teens at Hope House.”
Why is corporate partnership vital for your nonprofit?
Provart: “Hope House wouldn’t exist without the generosity and support of corporate partners like TBG and Smartpress – we couldn’t do it without you! It goes beyond financial support; it’s about forging a meaningful connection with a partner who shares our passion for making a positive impact in our community.
“TBG’s commitment to corporate social responsibility aligns seamlessly with our values, creating a synergy that propels our mission forward. Their expertise in printing services and marketing support, coupled with their passionate commitment to local nonprofits, has been instrumental in enhancing the Hope House brand and our outreach strategy.”
“This collaboration not only amplifies our impact, but also opens new avenues for youth outreach, positive teen impact and Hope House sustainability.”
How will TBG’s support help Hope House in 2025?
Provart: “In 2025, the support from TBG becomes even more crucial in realizing our goal of building a new Hope House. With your continued partnership, we envision increasing our capacity and expanding the services available so we can serve more teens and their families. TBG’s financial contributions will directly fund construction, renovation and projects that’ll make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.
“Our partnership with TBG is not just a collaboration – it’s a shared commitment to building a brighter future for teens. Together, we are planting the seeds of hope and fostering a community where every teen has the opportunity to thrive. We are deeply grateful for a transformative 2024 and eagerly anticipate the continued journey in 2025.”
Partner Spotlight: Strengthening Community with People Reaching Out to People (PROP)
People Reaching Out to People (PROP) shares our commitment to social responsibility, compassionately providing food and support to neighbors in need. We spoke with PROP Executive Director Jenifer Loon about how their partnership with TBG and Smartpress helps create pathways to self-sufficiency for community members.
How has TBG’s support impacted PROP?
Loon: “The Bernard Group has been a vital community partner to PROP for many years. This year, we were especially honored to be one of three nonprofits recognized and supported with a generous grant from your golf tournament proceeds. This financial support has made all the difference at PROP, as we strive to meet growing demand for basic food support, as well as other essential services.”
Why is corporate partnership vital to your nonprofit?
Loon: “Each year, PROP helps over 4,000 individuals access healthy, nutritious food to ensure they have enough to eat. We strive to have a wide variety of fresh produce, dairy, meat and plant-based proteins, pantry staples, basic hygiene and household items. We also offer culturally significant foods to meet the diverse needs of our clients and provide a welcoming source of support for those experiencing financial hardship.”
“The rising costs associated with serving more individuals and covering our growing food budget would not be possible without the incredible support of TBG. While we receive some grants, most of our financial support comes from individuals and local businesses.”
“TBG has simply been an outstanding corporate partner, helping PROP fulfill its mission of welcoming our neighbors in need, offering food, support and community.”
How will TBG’s support help PROP in 2025?
Loon: “PROP has experienced a 35% increase in the number of food visits by clients and a 25% increase in emergency housing support provided in the past year. As we move into 2024, there doesn’t appear to be a slowing of the need for PROP’s services. The rising cost of food and housing impact our program budgets, as they do the budgets of individual families.”
“With the help of TBG, PROP has added more food appointments to our schedule, helping to ensure shorter wait times for food visits and more families can obtain a second food visit during the month. We prevented 82 families from homelessness through our emergency housing support program last year, and short-term rent assistance continues to be a critical need.”
“While some housing programs have had to shut down mid-year when funds were depleted, we have been able to keep our housing program open and accept applications. PROP is so very grateful for the partnership – together, we’re changing lives.”
Partner Spotlight: Providing Safe Haven at Haven Housing
Whether through donating time or funds, we recognize the valuable support organizations like Haven Housing provide. This women’s homeless shelter that offers a safe environment for women to stabilize, heal and work to overcome histories of abuse, chemical dependency, homelessness and incarceration. We spoke with Haven Housing Assistant Director Emily Seddon about working together with TBG and Smartpress.
How has TBG’s support impacted Haven Housing?
Seddon: “Support from The Bernard Group is critical to providing a safe haven to 16 homeless women-led families each night at St. Anne’s Place. St. Anne’s Place is in a former convent building with small rooms, so TBG helped us buy trundle beds so families can make the best use of the smaller spaces. After our recent renovation, TBG ensured each room at the shelter was a welcoming and healing space.”
Why is corporate partnership vital to your nonprofit?
“There are more families experiencing homelessness now in our service area than there has been in the past decade. The county provides limited funding, but it’s not enough to shelter 16 families each night.”
“TBG is Haven Housing’s largest private partner. Without [their] support at St. Anne’s Place, we wouldn’t be able to shelter families and help them explore options for their future. Our shelter guests can express the importance best: Vivian, a mom staying at St. Anne’s Place with her kids said, ‘Working on myself and my needs is creating a payoff for my kids. The changes that I’m making will break the cycle of poverty and negativity for my children.’”
How will TBG’s support help Haven Housing in 2025?
“In 2025, TBG is helping to offer therapeutic support to shelter guests and ensure that St. Anne’s Place continues to operate as a safe, welcoming and healing environment for women-led families experiencing homelessness. We’re particularly excited to start music therapy for children!”
Our Ongoing Commitment to Social Responsibility
While 2024 saw significant progress through these and other meaningful partnerships, our commitment to social responsibility in business is an ongoing journey. We are excited about the possibilities for positive change in 2025 and beyond.
“In 2025, we’ll continue to support the charities we’ve built relationships with that align with our giving strategy,” states Beck. “We’re always aiming to expand our reach and build new relationships to further our impact on our community.”
Make a Difference with The Bernard Group
Inspired by the impactful CSR initiatives you’ve read about, imagine integrating that same commitment to community into your brand’s physical presence. At The Bernard Group, we’re your strategic partner in creating immersive branded experiences that not only captate clients but also communicate your dedication to corporate social responsibility.