Troika Gives Program supports S.E.R.V.E.

When Travis Reese retired from the Marine Corps in 2016, he and his wife Alia began searching for ways to be more involved in their Stafford County and Fredericksburg community. Travis and Alia felt strongly about financial and food insecurity and their impacts on area families. In the Spring of 2018, Travis joined the Board of Directors for the non-profit food pantry Stafford Emergency Relief Through Volunteer Efforts or S.E.R.V.E. (https://www.serve-helps.org/)

Alia came to S.E.R.V.E. as a special advisor to the executive director with vast experience as a military spouse, mentor, and as an award-winning author on military family issues. Travis used his talents as a planner to help S.E.R.V.E. develop their five-year strategy, while Alia helped with IT modernization and public outreach efforts.

S.E.R.V.E was founded in 1979 by former Stafford County Social Worker Ms. Jeri Redman. The organization supports food relief, energy assistance through a program sponsored by Dominion Energy, and helps with prescription drug costs through the non-profit Moss Clinic of Mary Washington Hospital. In June 2020, Travis was elected as the President of the Board of S.E.R.V.E and has continued to work on growth, client services, and employee programs to ensure S.E.R.V.E. can continue its mission for another 40 years.

Ken Lasure, CEO, initiated the Troika Gives program in 2019. A Cone Research Study found that 79% of employees prefer to work for a socially responsible company – one that shares in their desire to give back and improve the lives of others. In short, Troika Gives is an opportunity for the company to support the philanthropic priorities of Troika’s staff.

“Our people are the most important part of our business. Troika Gives is a simple way to be part of their passions. We encourage our staff’s volunteerism and appreciate the hard work they do in their communities. We believe our practice of corporate social responsibility helps us make a difference while strengthening our commitment to employee satisfaction and retention.” -Ken Lasure, CEO

Through the Troika Gives program, Travis has helped Troika coordinate a donation for the last two years to assist S.E.R.V.E with its Holiday Food Basket Program. That program provides meals and holiday gifts for approximately 400 families each year at Thanksgiving and Christmas in collaboration with Stafford County Department of Social Services. Even Travis’s daughter Emma has helped by leading one of the numerous “Stuff-the-Truck” fundraisers held outside area grocery stores. Troika is grateful to have employees who care for their community and happy to help partner with them in their charitable efforts. Travis is currently supporting Troika’s work with the Marine Corps’ Deputy Commandant for Information as a planner and strategy developer.

Written by Sarah Plaut