Chevron Renewable Energy Group Steps Up to Support Mental Health Services

For more than a decade, Chevron Renewable Energy Group has been actively involved in supporting a variety of programs, services and campaigns benefitting Mary Greeley Medical Center. From a major gift in support of families that helped build the new Birthways and Pediatrics Units to its recent contribution in support of the broad range of Mental Health Services available at the medical center, when a community health need arises, Chevron Renewable Energy Group is quick to respond.

Support for Mental Health Services is rooted in the organization’s ongoing relationship with the Mary Greeley Foundation. Jeff Staton, Vice President of People Development at Chevron Renewable Energy Group says his company is in regular contact with the Foundation to identify opportunities that match the company’s giving priorities.

When an initiative is identified that aligns with the giving goals of Chevron Renewable Energy—the company supports projects that fall within one of four key pillars: safety and health, education, environment, and underserved communities—it is presented to the organization’s philanthropy team. The team considers the opportunity and provides guidance on whether it meets the criteria for a gift.

"Our philanthropy team is a cross-sectional representation of our people,” Staton says of the team, which is led by Grace Larkey. The process ensures gifts are considered at the employee level, not just at the senior leadership level. “It includes people from all aspects of our business. That framework has really worked well for us. This inclusive approach helps the us make consistent, community-oriented decisions.”

When it came to supporting Mental Health Services, the commitment aligned with their pillar of safety and health, making the decision an easy one.

"It is a critical service that will help the medical center provide vital services in our community,” Staton says. “At Chevron we are really committed to people. We're known as the ‘human energy company’ because investing in people is very important to us. This is a need of the people in our community, so we are invested in getting behind it to ensure the services needed are available."

Mental Health Services at Mary Greeley have evolved significantly in recent years as providers around the state have decreased services. The new Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit opened in August and is providing essential capacity for those experiencing acute crises. The expansion of outpatient services has helped to ensure patients can continue to access a continuum of care after they have been discharged from the inpatient unit and investments are being made in more community resources.

The ambitious vision has come to fruition because of supporters like Chevron Renewable Energy Group. Staton said it is humbling to work for an organization who recognizes critical community needs and steps up to offer support.

“I have a tremendous sense of pride working for a company that is so supportive and so involved in its communities,” Staton says. “That commitment is not just unique to Ames, but it is a pattern that follows the company around the globe. We care about the people who work here, and we care about the communities where they live and work.”