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Citizens Community Service Sabbatical Program

What if you had the chance to step away from your daily routine—not for a vacation, but for something even more rewarding? Imagine not only applying your professional skills in a new way but also developing new ones, helping a nonprofit address real challenges while gaining fresh perspectives that could transform the way you work.

Citizens Community Service Sabbatical program is our pinnacle volunteer opportunity that invests in the growth of our colleagues and nonprofit partners.  Selected colleagues receive a paid, four-to-six-week leave of absence to perform hands-on, skills-based volunteerism in their local communities supporting the business needs of one of Citizens’ workforce development or financial empowerment partners.

Short-Term Commitment with Long-Term Impact

    We value our colleagues' well-being and growth, both personally and professionally. Sabbaticals have been shown to improve work-life balance, spark creativity and innovation, enhance skills and knowledge, and offer new experiences and perspectives, with these positive effects often lasting long after the sabbatical ends. By intrinsically linking our sabbatical with volunteerism efforts, our program delivers a unique way for colleagues to live our Credo.

    Colleagues are paired with nonprofit partners who are seeking business support.  By leveraging their skills and talents in new ways, Citizens Community Service Sabbatical participants are able to support and propel the critical missions of organizations that are helping make a lasting difference in our communities.

    • Joseph stepped away from his role in business analysis and automation to assist the Genesis Center in Providence, RI in drafting their 2025 strategic plan. Diving into interviews, data analysis, and creative problem-solving, his sabbatical helped impact the organization’s growth.

    • Ruby used her financial analysis expertise to develop a budgeting model for NYC-based nonprofit Futures and Options, tracking revenue allocation of staff costs, directly supporting its mission to grow and succeed.

    • Silavong helped the YMCA of Greater Boston elevate the YGB Games, an annual corporate event that blends team building with philanthropy, through strategic market analysis and creative problem-solving to enhance its impact and expand its reach.

    Silavong's Sabbatical Experience

    Q: What new skills or perspectives did you gain and what learnings are you bringing back to your work at Citizens?

    At Citizens, my role is centered on business growth, but at the YMCA, I saw how partnerships are driven by mission and community impact. My market analysis of similar events helped the YGB Games identify new ways to strengthen corporate engagement and fundraising potential while refining its event structure. This kind of benchmarking - understanding how to position an initiative within a competitive landscape - is something I'll apply to my work at Citizens.

    Q: Reflecting on your time with the nonprofit, is there a moment or accomplishment that stands out as the most impactful for both you and the community?

    I actually signed up for a YMCA membership while I was there. Immersing myself in that community firsthand really hit home - it helped me see the direct impact of their work beyond just the corporate level. I was invited to sit on a couple of YMCA boards. One of them, the Chinatown YMCA, holds a special place in my heart because growing up, Chinatown was one of the few places my family could access essential groceries and cultural staples. This full-circle experience made me realize that this sabbatical wasn't just about professional growth - it was about reconnecting with my roots and contributing in a meaningful way.

    Q: What advice would you give to colleagues considering applying for a sabbatical?

    If you're considering applying, take the leap - even if you're unsure. I've realized there's never a ‘perfect’ time. The professional insights were valuable, especially around event strategy and corporate engagement, but the personal growth was just as impactful. This sabbatical isn't just about developing skills - it's about stepping outside your usual environment, gaining new perspectives, and reconnecting with what matters to you. If you're even slightly considering it, go for it. You'll come back with a fresh outlook, valuable lessons, and maybe even a deeper sense of purpose.

    Learn more about the impact our colleagues make by living our Credo, putting their time and skills to work for our communities here.

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