Small Acts, Big Impact: Week of Service 2025

Lending is only part of what it means to serve our communities. From May 12-16, Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group® hosted its annual Week of Service, a companywide tradition powered by its charitable arm, AB Cares. 

With more than 50 team members participating across over 150 projects, the event brought to life a purpose-driven philosophy: "We’re in the business of helping people, and that doesn’t stop at closing day." 

Since 1996, we've helped thousands of individuals and families achieve their homeownership dreams. But for this Virginia Beach-based mortgage company, service goes far beyond the closing table. With a culture rooted in heart, we strive to empower our people to support the causes they care about most – whether through financial contributions, annually-allotted volunteer hours, or hands-on community work. 

Each year, employees receive 8 paid hours dedicated specifically to volunteering. During the Week of Service, those hours add up to something even bigger: a companywide impact felt throughout our footprint. 

This year’s projects ranged in size and scope, but all carried a common theme – genuine care for community. 

Take Senior Processor Joel Mason and Processor Amie Willard’s cleaning and organization project in Georgia at their local Ronald McDonald House, for example. The facility, and the many locations across the country, “provide room, meals, and other services to families to ease the burden and stress of having a child in the hospital,” shared Joel. “The organization is supported by donations and support from the local community, so what better way to help a kid’s life start out right than being there to support them and their family during a very stressful time.” 

“We helped clean kitchens, dining rooms, and living rooms,” explained Amie.  

When we asked Joel and Amie to, admittedly restrictively, encapsulate their experiences into one singular word, Joel said, “worthwhile,” and Amie said, “meaningful!” 

And over in Virginia, Regional Business Development Manager Tiffany Miller Jenkins, along with the team of April Marshall, Amanda Hevener, Cara Bonazza, and Stephanie Shiflett, packed and filled food boxes at the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. 

The organization, which serves more than 148,000 people each month, welcomed the helping hands of five Atlantic Bay team members who jumped in to make a difference. Reflecting on the experience, Tiffany shared, “Simply put, everyone should have enough to eat. Helping at the food bank is a simple act with a profound impact.” 

Meanwhile, Senior Business Development Coordinator Sara Lovern “delivered Meals on Wheels” with her local office. Alongside teammates Tammie Aldridge, Adam Jones, Shane Whisnant, Kaila Elam, and Cayleigh Hayes, the group “paired up and headed into the community with routes serving about 10 local seniors, delivering hot lunches to their homes and spent time chatting with them,” shared Sara. 

“It’s an organization I’ve been personally involved with for several years, and I serve on their advisory council.” That personal connection was something another member of the team shared with Sara, too. “One volunteer’s family member received Meals on Wheels in the past and was so grateful for the care he received, they wanted to carry on that tradition.” 

We don’t have an all-encompassing word from each team member who delivered Meals on Wheels, but Sara did let us know her experience was “joyful,” and so much more. 

And similarly, we didn’t get a chance to speak in depth with everyone who ventured into their local communities to do good and give back for the Week of Service, so we gathered a few choice quotes about the organizations they supported. 

Funding Manager Jessica Grau said, “Lynnhaven River Now clean ups are always so great! We’re surrounded by so much water, and to feel like I'm doing even a little to help reduce the trash that ends up in the water is so great!” And Senior Condo Review Specialist Debbie Smith added, “I volunteered for Operation Blessing in Chesapeake. I learned so much about all they do to help those in need, respond to disasters, and more. I had a great time packing food bags!” 

“Always support the SPCA! They always appreciate the extra support hands and who doesn’t like puppies?” says IT Build Team Lead Allison Johnson. Well put, Allison! And you’re right. Who doesn’t like puppies?  

The Week of Service is just one of many initiatives supported by AB Cares, Atlantic Bay’s employee-led program focused on charitable giving and community engagement. 

Through AB Cares, Atlantic Bay team members have volunteered countless hours and supported causes that align with the company’s values of genuine care, inspired growth, and – don't forget – having fun. 

But what sets the company apart, employees say, isn’t just the resources – it’s the intention. Atlantic Bay encourages its people to bring their whole selves to work, and that includes their passions, values, and compassion for others. 

The goal is simple: continue showing up for the communities that have supported the company for nearly three decades. 

So, with the 2025 Week of Service now behind us, we can confidently say that our communities’ momentum is just beginning.