It’s here that the remarkable service of State Farm shines. Bringing the largest disaster response in the industry means a coordinated effort of people, technology and resources, all working together to provide exceptional service to policyholders and support to the community.

State Farm is there

State Farm Claims specialists assist customers at Louisiana Customer Care sites

In addition to thousands of employees remotely helping thousands of customers on the phone and online, State Farm claims operations are on site, day after day, helping policyholders in impacted areas.

In support of Ida response, State Farm set up seven mobile Customer Care sites – four in Louisiana and three in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. These operations bring claims teams and customers together to inspect vehicles, help with questions, and disburse payments.

Over the last two weeks, more than 1,500 customers have been given in-person help at our Louisiana Customer Care sites. So far, our overall claims operations have been able to reach more than 90% of customers who have filed a homeowner claim related to Ida, with 1 in 4 of those claims already settled.

Neighbors helping neighbors

A big part of the State Farm difference is the 19,000 State Farm agents who live and work in the same communities as our policyholders. That means that in addition to access by phone, app, and web site, State Farm customers have a State Farm agent right there in the neighborhood, ready to talk through your hopes, plans, and needs. And when disaster happens, they are neighbors ready to help.

In the wake of Ida, State Farm agents reached out to customers in impacted areas to help the recovery process.

Agent Courtney Gulledge of Harahan, La., lived up to that promise when one of her policyholders, Tassanee Nirandorn, received severe damage to his home. Courtney used draft authority, which allows agents to directly disburse payment toward the settlement of a claim. By providing an advance on claim payments, we can help customers start the process of recovery. Nirandorn was pleased with this service, saying, “On the news, all I have heard is that insurance companies are a pain to deal with, but that has not been my experience. State Farm has been exceptional during this process.”

Supporting the larger community

In addition to helping policyholders recover from the unexpected, State Farm has used its philanthropic resources to support community organizations that are helping the recovery process.

State Farm has issued $900,000 in disaster-relief grants to community organizations in Louisiana, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, plus a $10,000 grant to the Midwest Food Bank in Illinois to provide support to multiple Ida-impacted areas.

Louisiana:

• $400,000 to support the local Red Cross chapter of Southeast Louisiana
• $150,000 to support Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans
• $100,000 to support Northshore Community Foundation
• $100,000 to support The Catholic Charities Diocese of Houma – Thibodaux

Northeast:

• $50,000 to support American Red Cross New Jersey Region
• $50,000 to support American Red Cross Greater New York Region
• $25,000 to support American Red Cross Southeastern Philadelphia Region
• $25,000 to support the Philabundance organization

“In the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, we are truly proud to work alongside partners such as State Farm who have raised their hand to support thousands of families impacted by this devastating storm,” said Lindsay Mathieson, regional disaster officer of the American Red Cross of Louisiana. “It is that generous support that allows us to provide much-needed comfort and care to help the people who need it most.”

Said Natalie Jayroe, Second Harvest Food Bank President and CEO, “This major support from State Farm will be critical to our response to this latest disaster impacting South Louisiana. Our deepest thanks go out to the entire State Farm team and their customers.”

The work continues

Recovering from a disaster like Hurricane Ida will take time. State Farm claims operations will continue the work of serving impacted policyholders in the weeks and months ahead. More than 98,000 total claims have been received so far for Hurricane Ida-related damage, and every one of those claims is a life changed by this storm.

Being a good neighbor is about more than just one moment or just one act. For State Farm, it means continuing the work until every last claim has been handled and finding ways to help our communities thrive. When the unexpected happens, State Farm is there to help policyholders and communities recover.

“So you’re telling me, what we did…turned into a thing?” asked Cheryl Pisko.

Doing good is a powerful thing.

Pisko, is among a group of workers whose decision to volunteer served as the inspiration for a State Farm commercial. "On the Board" depicts a friendly competition between two employees. They do activities ranging from neighborhood cleanups, to wildlife conservation, charity fun runs, and supporting the fight against cancer. While the employees are portrayed by actors, the acts of good are real performed, by people like Pisko.

“Typically, I fly under the radar! But when I learned about an opportunity to record my actions and share those stories, I jumped in. It’s energizing.”

Leading up to the State Farm 100^th Anniversary in 2022, employees and agents are performing acts of good in the communities where they live and work. As part of the process, they share their experiences through an online portal.

“Giving back is something many of us have been doing for a long time, we just haven’t always talked about it,” said Pisko. “This is a way to do that, and support coworkers in the process. But I never knew my submissions would receive national attention!”

Small acts can have a big impact.

Like Pisko, Customer Care Rep Shawna Meiners couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw the commercial.

“I had to watch it a second time so everything could sink in! How cool to be part of something so special.”

From donations to fundraisers – Meiners says a little bit, goes a long way.

“Growing up, I was one of the people who needed help – and didn’t always get it. Now that I’m established, it’s my prerogative to give back. That’s why I give an extra dollar, stop to help someone cross the street, or donate clothes. What might be small to you, means the world to someone else. I know it. I lived it.”

Being a good neighbor feels good.

As they re-watched the national commercial, the acts of good triggered memories.

“The charity run for Parkinson’s!”

“I save turtles!”

“I support cancer research!”

But what stood out most to employees wasn’t one action. It was the underlying message.

“This isn’t about where we work or where we’re from. At the heart of it all is humanity,” said Pisko. “Acts of good create a generous spirit. And that spirit grows and multiplies and changes lives when we make a decision to help.”

“Anyone can make a difference,” added Meiners. "And maybe, just maybe, this commercial is what people need to put that lesson into practice."

“We could not be more thrilled about the relationship we are building with State Farm and their dedicated agents,” said Barry Stowe, chief executive officer of Jackson Holdings LLC. “Jackson and State Farm are both committed to helping consumers prepare for the risks they may face in life, and that includes increasing their readiness for life after work. We have been serving customers for more than 150 years combined. We look forward to working together to provide quality products to consumers who want and need to protect their financial futures.”

Although State Farm has traditionally offered fixed annuity products, the addition of a select group of Jackson’s industry-leading variable and fixed index annuities will allow authorized State Farm agents to introduce a more robust suite of annuity products to consumers.

“Our goal is to help people live life confidently, and an important component of that is helping people grow their savings, then position those savings to last a lifetime,” said Joe Monk, senior vice president, Financial Services for State Farm “As a top provider of annuities in the country, Jackson brings a proven track record of strong product offerings, solid risk management, consistent financial strength and award-winning service. The addition of these annuity products positions State Farm agents to help customers in more ways.”

Jackson and State Farm are both members of the Alliance for Lifetime Income, a nonprofit 501(c)(6) organization formed and supported by 24 of the nation’s leading financial services organizations to create awareness and educate consumers and financial professionals about the importance of protected lifetime income.

“As a founding member and current co-chair of the Alliance, we believe it is critically important for our industry to work together to solve a significantly pressing social issue — millions of Americans are retiring every year without adequate financial security, and they are genuinely concerned about outliving their savings,” Stowe said. “This new relationship with State Farm is a prime example of how collaborating with others in our space, particularly those who share the same vision to alleviate our country’s retirement crisis, can increase Americans’ access to critical products that can help protect their income for as long as they live.”

That was a real-life look for Shane into the drug problem facing America, in particular youths.

Now a country music recording artist and live performer, Shane has connected with thousands of high school students through his music behind the support of State Farm^® agents in Ohio and West Virginia.

Shane performed a couple dozen live shows at 30 high schools earlier this year. There is no charge to the students or school. Shane and his band set up in the gym or auditorium and play to hundreds of students. He always plays his song “Tattoos” and shares a message about staying clean.

“I had such an incredible experience after the first one,” Shane says. “I never would have thought my favorite show of the year would be playing to a couple thousand sober high school kids.”

Shane’s tour was part of the Drug Free Clubs of America, a voluntary program established in 2005, in which high school students with parental permission submit to voluntary drug testing.

State Farm agents donated resources to keep Shane, his band and operation going from town to town.

Leigh Greene, Wheelersburg, Ohio, was one who supported the tour. Leigh and Shane first met when he became a customer.

“We talked about his risk of being on the road, and he also shared his idea for the concert series at high schools,” says Leigh. “He asked about a sponsorship and said he was going to take his idea to other agents.

“I wanted to get involved because our family had a State Farm agent when I was growing up who had a great impact on my family. He meant a lot to many people because he was so grassroots. I am trying to create an office just like he did.”

Other participating agents were Dave Strickland, Chillicothe, Ohio; Dan McPherson, Parkersburg, W.Va.; Lorri Grisell, Wheeling, W.Va.; Zach Bradley, Canal Winchester, Ohio; Matt Coyne, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.

“The agents gave me the confidence that we could do this and it would make a difference,” says Shane.

Well, that depends on your financial goals, which are different for everyone. And thinking about your financial well-being can be anywhere from simple to incredibly complex.

For Camile, “Financial well-being means having my expenses for the month covered and being able to save at the same time. Staying debt-free is the main goal.”

Shanda says, “I think it’s going to be different for everyone. A lot of people think of it as security. Some think of it as having money to buy whatever you want. For someone else it could just mean having money to pay for a modest home and make sure your kids go to a good school.”

State Farm^® challenged Dallas residents to spend a few minutes just thinking about their financial goals in a temporary, pop-up space called “Let’s Start Today Café.” The café was open for several days and offered complimentary hot beverages.

Yamid was curious about the pop-up space. “You’re like, ‘What’s going on in there?’, so you want to walk in,” he says. “Next thing you know you are thinking about your life choices, financially. So that’s pretty good for the community.

“This year, I definitely want to try to purchase a home, my first home,” he adds. “Hopefully here in Dallas where my family and friends are. That’s my main goal.”

Professional football running back Alfred Morris, known for his frugality, participated in the event and drew a large crowd. Many came into the café for free coffee and spent a few minutes talking about their financial goals.

Mike says, “What’s financial well-being? For me it’s to spend time with my friends and my loved ones. So that would be my true definition of financial well-being.”

Find more financial resources at LetsStartToday.com.

Fortunately for North Carolina State University students, a group of State Farm agents are here to help.

Sixteen agents from across the state started a new Career Development Center Sales Lab. The center will give students access to resources needed for real world experience in sales.

With agent donations and a company grant, NC State outfitted a new sales lab. The multi-functional space has high definition cameras, computers, software, and workplace furnishings. All of which are similar to a real life office setting.

The students can participate in recorded mock interviews and sales calls. They will be able to review and critique their performance to improve interview skills. They can also share their results with potential employers.

The agents mentor and coach students. This includes preparing for events like the National Collegiate Sales Competition.

“The ability of students to sell themselves and sell their ideas is something that never goes away,” shared Agent and volunteer Chad Richards. "Whether these students think of themselves in a traditional sales role or not."

The new sales lab will provide opportunities for students to think critically and solve complex problems. These skills can help with job recruitment after graduation.

“We believe in investing in education,” Agent Charles Oxendine shared. “So we are doing everything we can to grow this country, as well as grow State Farm.”

What do you do when you are feeling blessed by the career you chose? Seven State Farm agents in Nashville, Tennessee, chose to give back to the community where they live and work. They created their own 501©(3) non-profit called “Nashville Community Partners”.

“Our purpose is to promote and solicit donations to support the exceptional work of people and organizations which impact our community in profound ways,” says group leader Valinda Burks. “As independent business owners, we recognize the importance and the power of involvement.”

One of their most rewarding events is the annual Santa Store. During a two-hour party each December, they provide toys and other gifts to children ages 0-12 from 100 families.

The group publicizes the Santa Store via television spots asking for nominations of worthy recipients.

Darnell Clay explains, “As agents, we hear of families that are in need. The Santa Store is our way to try to help them and others that are dear to them.”

“Parents and children watch Christmas movies, have treats, take photos with Santa, and select free gifts in the Santa Store,” says participating agent Terry W. Jones.

According to agent Dejuan Buford, “The best part of the day for me is I get to play Santa. It’s such an awesome feeling to see the kids’ faces when they get to see Santa and take a picture. It makes me feel good and takes me back to my own childhood. Some of the parents are really happy to see Santa too!”

“This non-profit group has made a positive impact in the Nashville community since 2010. I’m excited to be a part of it and hope to bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm as we move forward into the new year,” said Darian Horne, the newest member of the group.

Current members of the group are State Farm agents Valinda Burks, Dejuan Buford, Darnell Clay, Darian Horne, Terry W. Jones, Leonard E. Jordan, and Bryson McCarley.