Collaborating to Serve and Support

A Veteran's Family Has a New (Play)Home

At Citizens, we're committed to fostering a culture of inclusion, service, and collaboration — principles that lie at the core of our Credo. Our colleagues consistently step up to embody these values, whether through teamwork, supporting each other, or volunteering for impactful initiatives. Members of two of our Business Resource Groups (BRGs) — Caring for Citizens and Veterans — joined forces to make a lasting difference by constructing and decorating a children's playhouse for a local veteran's family.

Two teams of Citizens volunteers came together on the Johnston, RI campus, along with guidance from a Habitat for Humanity professional, to build a playhouse from the ground up for the young Laprade family. Timothy Laprade, an Army veteran with nine years of service, and his family were the honored recipients. Volunteers painted cheerful flowers and added personal touches that made the house truly special. As the day unfolded, the excitement grew, culminating in a big reveal when the family arrived.

Susan LaMonica, our Chief Human Resources Officer and executive sponsor for Caring for Citizens BRG for working parents and caregivers, personally presented the Laprade family with a "certificate of homeownership" for their new playhouse, thanking both the volunteers and the family for their contributions. The smiles on the faces of the two children, who immediately pulled their new table and chairs into the playhouse to play, were a testament to the day's success. The family happily took their playhouse home, eager to set it up in their backyard for endless hours of joy.

Business Resource Groups (BRGs) like Veterans and Caring for Citizens play a critical role in the culture at Citizens. They provide employees with opportunities to connect around shared experiences, support important causes, and make a difference in the communities we serve. This volunteer event served as a powerful reminder that when we collaborate, we’re able to create something meaningful — not just for ourselves but for those around us.

Hear from our volunteers

Our volunteers, who rolled up their sleeves to bring this playhouse to life, felt the impact of this initiative firsthand.

Citizens’ culture of inclusion can be felt during experiences where teamwork and collaboration create a lasting impact. We celebrate our colleagues embracing opportunities to give back, strengthening our communities, and each other, in the process.