Helping employees plan for their future is tough, especially when you're busy running a business day-to-day. But it's so important to take care of the people who take care of your company. That was the challenge facing our friends at Verde Valley Sanctuary, a nonprofit offering support for survivors of domestic violence. With a team of 35 compassionate employees, they needed to provide solid benefits and retirement plans. But who has time to navigate the messy world of regulations, costs, and details?
That's where we come in. Benefit & Financial Strategies brings the know-how to the table, crafting customized plans to meet each client's unique needs. And we don't just set it up and disappear. We're partners; here for ongoing support so you can focus on what matters most.
To illustrate this, let's dive into the story of Verde Valley Sanctuary, a local non-profit organization offering refuge and support for victims of violence. With a compassionate team of 35, the organization needed a way to ensure its employees had access to benefits and retirement plans that were both beneficial and sustainable.
Despite the complex landscape of benefits, Benefit & Financial Strategies was able to provide solutions tailored to the Sanctuary's needs while allowing them to focus more on their mission of helping others.
In the following Q&A, we speak with Jessye Johnson of Verde Valley Sanctuary about her experiences navigating the complexities of employee benefits and how working with Benefit & Financial Strategies has shaped their workplace for the better.
Let's Get to Know Jessye Johnson…
What do you do for fun?
“I love to do things with my family, like go to the movies and rock concerts. My favorite concert so far is Puscifer in Ohio. We love Disneyland. We go three to four times a year.”
What about work is fun?
"Oh gosh, I love my job. Part of that is about having such a great team. Having such a good team running things makes my life easier.”
A highlight for her is the organization’s 30th-anniversary gala in Sedona. “I’m excited to have that and share 30 years of what we’ve done with our supporters.”
Whether professionally or personally, what is one thing you’re proud of that happened in the last 3 months?
“Probably launching and opening a transitional housing program. I’m proud that we’ve had the ability to do that, especially considering how difficult housing is in rural Arizona.”
She is also proud of the recent expansion of the pet facility at the emergency shelter. “We’re adding 5-6 kennels so survivors can bring their pets, too.”
What advice would you give yourself at age 18?
Jessye's advice echoes her own life choices: "Something I always tell my son is to choose a career that you love and find fulfilling. Do something that you love, but be smart about it, but still make sure it’s something you love."
Learn More About Verde Valley Sanctuary…
How long have you been in business?
“We've been in service for 30 years since July 1993.”
How many employees do you have?
“We have about 35 employees, both part and full-time, working across various departments.”
For how many years have you been able to offer benefits?
“We've been offering benefits for about 11 years, maybe even longer.”
What benefits do you currently offer to your employees?
“We offer medical, dental, and vision insurance, long-term and short-term disability, life insurance, supplemental life insurance, an employee assistance program, and a 401k." She appreciates the expertise of Benefit & Financial Strategies in helping navigate these benefits effectively. “None of us are experts on benefits,” she says, “so it’s nice to have that access to expertise.”
The Value of Offering Benefits to Your Team…
Why is it important to you to be able to offer benefits to your employees?
“People’s health and well-being are tied to their ability to perform work, sustain the household. Even just basic primary care to those with health issues brings security and peace of mind in knowing they have a safety net that they can use.”
What does it mean to your employees to have benefits available?
With many of the employees being single parents, affordable health coverage for themselves and their dependents is invaluable. "They appreciate the peace of mind and security that comes with being able to take care of themselves and their families."
What was the greatest challenge of being able to offer benefits to your team?
“Balancing the rising costs of benefits and ensuring affordability for our employees is a major challenge. Deciding on medical options and ensuring we stay within network providers can be tricky."
Despite these challenges, the rewards are great. For Jessye, having Benefit & Financial Strategies to provide guidance and expertise in navigating these intricacies has been crucial.
What do you love about working with Benefit & Financial Strategies?
Above all, Jessye values the accessibility and customer service provided by Benefit & Financial Strategies. "They're always available to answer questions, explain benefits, and provide support, which is incredibly important."
Invest in Your Team Today…
At the end of the day, taking care of your people should be a top priority as a business leader. Investing in robust employee benefits shows your team that you genuinely care about their well-being, not just as workers but as human beings. It builds trust, loyalty, and a sense of security that pays dividends in performance and retention.
But trying to navigate the complex world of benefits on your own can be a nightmare. Between healthcare plans, 401ks, life insurance, and more, it's enough to make your head spin! That's where having an experienced partner by your side makes all the difference.
Here at Benefit & Financial Strategies, we've spent years in the trenches helping organizations just like yours. We live and breathe this stuff, so you don't have to. Our goal is simple - to put together benefit packages tailored specifically to your company's needs and budget. Packages that show your people you've got their back while keeping costs reasonable for you.
We're also experienced at clearly communicating benefits so your team truly understands their options and takes full advantage of what's available to them. Because benefits don't make an impact if people don't use them!
The bottom line? Investing in your people is wise. Doing it alone is hard. We're here to make it easier for you so you can focus on growing your business.