Recently, one of my co-workers, Alyce Phillips, and I had the pleasure of volunteering and participating with the WILMA Network to help build a house for a deserving recipient with Habitat for Humanity. 
 
The WILMA Network organized a group of 30 women for our group to help put up the frame of the house for this build.
 
WILMA, for those of you who may not know, is a Wilmington-area magazine that focuses on women – women’s issues, women’s needs, women in the news and news for women. Obviously, WILMA is so much more than just a magazine, though. It is also a wonderful network of women working with women, providing help for and supporting women throughout our community and helping to enrich the lives of us all. 
 
Case in point – organizing this Habitat build that was composed of an all-women team, under the direction of Habitat staff contractors, of course. Alyce and I left feeling that we made a difference that day for the life of the family that will be moving into this house, a house that was built out of devotion from a community that wants to take care of one of their own.
 
At ONST, we believe in helping people. In fact, that’s the whole purpose of a trust company. We don’t just crunch numbers or pay bills and invest money. We are a group of people dedicated to helping other people. Many times, we become an extension of the family for the clients with which we work. The very nature of our client relationships creates a familial type of bond. The more we know about our clients, the better we can meet their needs and accomplish their goals.
 
Our company motto of putting clients and employees first extends beyond our existing relationships into the communities we serve. We enjoy and are committed to being involved in each of our communities, both from a personal and a company level. Most of our employees volunteer in some capacity, several are members of boards or are involved in their church, and we even provide for time away from work to volunteer to support these efforts. 
 
That’s why, when WILMA called, we answered! Alyce and I showed up bright and early on a Monday morning ready to hammer away and help someone in need, but we quickly found out that we were the ones to be touched by the experience. 
 
The day started with a message from representatives of Habitat, WILMA and the homeowner-to-be and her mother. What a treat! I have worked on a Habitat house in the past, but the experience was far different this time.
 
The first time was many years ago and with a different institution. It was far less organized, and the future homeowner was not present.  Everyone working was scattered around, unsure of what to do, and we didn’t seem to accomplish much. It was disappointing. 
 
This time couldn’t have been more different or more rewarding. Rewarding, not just because we could see the results of our labors, but because we could meet the homeowner and get to know her a little.  We thought we were going to be blessing her, but it turned out to be the other way around. 
 
It was an honor to be a part of such an amazing experience.  It is also an honor to work for a company that not only allows our employees to be involved in our communities but also encourages us to do so. There are plenty of companies that allow employees time off to volunteer, but at ONST, we are not just allowed but seriously encouraged to do so.
 
At our company meetings, we discuss the opportunities we have as individuals and groups to work in the areas in which we live, work and play. We have been provided company T-shirts specifically for volunteer work. We are continuously reminded to send pictures to our marketing director to include on our social network pages to share the good news – not so that the person or ONST can get a “pat on the back,” but so that we can truly live up to our motto of taking care of our people. 
 
Our people includes clients, employees and our communities. It’s who we are. ONST: protector of wealth, guardian of legacy!

Old North State Trust, LLC (ONST) periodically produces publications as a service to clients and friends.  The information contained in these publications is intended to provide general information about issues related to trust, investment and estate related topics.  Readers should be aware that the facts may vary depending upon individual circumstances.  The information contained in these publications is intended solely for informational purposes, is proprietary to ONST and is not guaranteed to be accurate, complete or timely. 

Susan Willett is the director of trust services and oversees all aspects of trust administration for Old North State Trust, LLC. Old North State Trust, a North Carolina chartered trust company, provides: asset management services; income, estate and trust tax consulting; retirement planning and administration; and trustee and estate services to both individuals and businesses. Old North State Trust professionals have many years of experience and for over a decade have assisted clients in identifying and reaching their financial goals. For more information, visit www.oldnorthstatetrust.com or call 910-399-5470.