Unleashing the Power of Purpose

"Yield to your purpose. You’re here for a reason.”

These words from a staff member at The Bowery Mission really stuck with me after volunteering for their annual Thanksgiving feast last week. He shared a story of how he was once homeless – and hopeless. But with the rehabilitation programs that the Bowery Mission offered, he was given a new life. Now, he gives back to the community as a staff member and lives out his purpose.

Left: Parker Murff and Right: Mabel Egbenoma

 The Bowery Mission, a nonprofit that serves homeless and hungry New Yorkers since the 1870s, feeds more than 3,000 people on Thanksgiving. Last week, I had a chance to volunteer with my fellow colleagues on one of the busiest days of the year for the organization. Needless to say, it was a chaotic, fun, and amazing experience as we cleaned up the dining area and prepared 100+ turkeys in an assembly line.

Preparing turkeys in an assembly line

When I reflect on my own purpose to build community (more on that here), I was really touched by how the Bowery Mission is all about building relationships with the homeless to help them become functional members of society. Beyond the transitional programs, job assistance, meals, and shelters, it’s about giving people hope – that there is a safe place where people care.

Left: Parker Murff and Right: Brett Hoffman

Brett Hoffman, Sales Account Manager, reflects on his experience:

“While we get busy in the race of managing our own business, we should all remember and help the less fortunate who are managing a much more difficult fight. A fight for their lives.”

At Sprinklr, we have flexible vacation days – but we also have dedicated days to invest in ourselves and in our communities called 24-4-U and 24-4-Others, respectively. For me personally, I really appreciated disconnecting from the day-to-day and making new connections with my fellow coworkers.

Here’s what Mabel Egbenoma, Senior Analyst, Strategic Advertising, had to say about her 24-4-Others experience:

“Our work is so digital that doing something physical is a way to feel grounded. I feel present in reality – today, I know that I’ve achieved something tangible.”

And thanks to passionate employees like Parker Murff, Client Instructor at Sprinklr, our NYC employees take monthly trips to The Bowery Mission:

“When I go out to the community, I want to connect to the world outside of the office with the world inside the office. I know that I’m spending my time doing something meaningful when I volunteer. Every month – it’s a part of my #SprinklrLife.”

Whether it’s a coat drive to keep people warm, a volunteer day, or even a kind word or gesture to a stranger, it’s small acts like this that multiply and make the world a happier place. What’s your purpose and how are you making an impact?

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