October 1, State Farm® will serve as the exclusive insurance provider for Lyft and their drivers and passengers in Oklahoma, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, S. Carolina and Tennessee.

Under the policy, Lyft drivers are covered from the moment a driver turns on the Lyft app to wait for a trip request, while driving to pick up a rider and until the trip ends. Lyft riders are also protected during the trip.

State Farm History Supporting TNC (Transportation Network Companies) Drivers
 

• 2015: State Farm worked with others to set consistent and modern insurance regulation for TNC services. It supported the growing industry and created a framework to protect consumers.
   
• 2016: State Farm launches the Rideshare Endorsement. It is now available in 46 states and the District of Columbia. With the endorsement, State Farm customers extend their personal auto policy to fill coverage gaps.
   
• 2019, State Farm worked directly with Lyft to provide direct insurance coverage to Lyft drivers and riders in Georgia, Texas and Arizona. 

Working with Lyft allows State Farm to meet today’s insurance needs and explore future opportunities. It brings nearly 100 years of insurance experience to protect Lyft drivers and riders from the unexpected.

To put it in perspective, in 2019 State Farm received around 6,000 claims from named storms, totaling approximately $26 million. In 2020, claims filed neared 163,000 and exceeded $1.9 billion in cost.

Total Claims Paid | Home & Auto

1. Louisiana $1.3 billion
2. Alabama $165 million
3. Georgia $94 million
4. New York $64 million
5. Texas $45 million

Hurricanes cause destruction to homes, communities, and lives. It is important to plan and prepare best you can for hurricane season with an evacuation plan, updating insurance documents, and ready-to-go emergency kits.

• How to create a home inventory
• Preparing for a hurricane
• FAQs following a hurricane

Arson dogs are trained to work with a human handler and find evidence at fire scenes. The dogs are searching for accelerants such as gas, oil or fuel used to start fires. State Farm is the only company in North America that provides funding for the training of arson dog teams.

The State Farm Arson Dog Program is available to fire departments and law enforcement agencies across the United States. Since its beginning in 1993, the program has placed more than 425 dogs in 46 states, three Canadian provinces and the District of Columbia.

Arson is one of the most difficult crimes to solve, as the evidence literally burns up. Insurance fraud causes billions of dollars in damage each year. In fact, many police and fire departments are seeing an increase in suspicious fires because of business closures, financial challenges and social disruption.

"Fire investigators should have every tool possible to combat this deadly crime," said Heather Paul, State Farm Arson Dog Program Coordinator. “These dogs help fire investigators to do their job. Arson dog teams can quickly locate evidence of accelerants such as gasoline or fuel used to start a fire.”

Meeting and training with a new best friend

All of the dogs are Labrador retrievers and come from animal rescues or disability assistance programs. The dogs are trained months before they meet their human handler and must work for every meal. When the dog smells fuel, they sit down and point with their nose. Their “reward” is a handful of dog food and praise. They can locate accelerants quickly, even if it is buried under debris.

Canine handlers are police detectives or fire investigators. The training class is four weeks long and the handlers know it will be intense. Over the four weeks, the handler and dog will repeat training drills multiple times a day. Food reward dogs only eat from the hand of their handler so these training drills will be repeated multiple times a day for the life until the dog retires.

Following a month of classes and drills, the arson dog teams are tested and certified by the Maine State Police. Once certified, the teams travel back to their communities to begin investigating fires. The dogs live in the home of their handler and they retire in the home of their handler. For the men and women training in the program, working with a dog is a career highlight.

Congratulations to the newly certified teams in Class No. 52!

1. Fire Chief Billy Dillon & K-9 Piper - Howe Springs Fire Rescue (Florence, SC)
2. Special Agent Michael Kuban & K-9 Phantom - Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (Springfield, IL)
3. Special Agent Kenny Arnold & K-9 Gunny - Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (Springfield, IL)
4. Special Agent Jeff Pride and K-9 PJ - Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (Springfield, IL)
5. Captain Stephanie Schofield & K-9 Jennifer - Rawlins Fire Department (Rawlins, WY)
6. Fire Inspector John Neeb & K-9 Mika - West Fargo Fire Department (West Fargo, ND)
7. Fire Investigator Thomas Cantola & K-9 Maya - Girard Fire Department (Girard, OH)
8. Fire Investigator Brian Acors & K-9 Erny - Richmond Fire Department (Richmond, VA)
9. Arson Investigator Darren Jurado & K-9 Brownie - Compton Fire Department (Compton, CA)
10. Fire Investigator Lee Maness & K-9 Vinny - Cobb County Fire and EMS (Marietta, GA)
11. Detective Michael Douglas K-9 Ruthie - State of Florida, Division of Investigative & Forensic Services (Tampa, FL)
12. Detective Cody McIntyre & K-9 Rico - State of Florida, Division of Investigative & Forensic Services (Tallahassee, FL)
13. Firefighter Brent Autry & K-9 Tony - Milan Fire Department (Milan, TN)
14. Assistant Fire Chief Jim Kanavy & K-9 Mikey - Scott County Fire Department (Georgetown, KY)

Arson Dog Calendar

Each of this year's class of K-9 crime-fighters is featured on one of the calendar pages below. Click to download.

In the News:

• West Fargo Pioneer: Fire corner: Welcoming Mika to the team (09/30/20)

Eighteen-year-old Miski Abdirizak knows the value of hard work. In the '90s her parents migrated to the United States, seeking refuge from Somalia.

“Dad was a gas station clerk, restocked grocery shelves and tutored. Mom went to school to get her associates degree in nursing. They did this while raising me, my three older sisters and gaining citizenship to the U.S,” Miski said.

“My parents taught us to aim for the stars. What might be out of reach really isn’t if you strive to achieve. It’s about problem solving and perseverance,” the State Farm® technology intern said of her family’s journey.

So when State Farm presented Miski with an opportunity to solve problems through STEM, she took it.

She applied and was accepted to Girls Who Code in 2018. During the seven-week summer program, she did everything from learning JavaScript, HTML and Python to building data clouds, graphs and websites.

Girls Who Code is building the largest pipeline of future female engineers. It is on track to achieve gender parity in computer science by 2027.

State Farm became a Girls Who Code (GWC) sponsor in 2017. It offers the free summer immersion program to students at its Park Center campus in Atlanta.

“We’ve had nearly 100 Girls Who Code graduates since coming on board,” said State Farm GWC lead Katrina Torres. “Nearly half of our girls come from historically underrepresented groups. Many are Black, Latina or from low-income households and don’t have access to technology or the ability to take IT courses."

"Receiving messages from past graduates on their personal achievements or acceptance to a college computer science program is motivating. But even more exciting is when graduates' technical skillsets enable them to compete for a spot in our highly competitive technology intern program.”

When COVID-19 prevented in-person learning this year, State Farm pivoted GWC to a virtual summer immersion program. That allowed the program to expand its reach beyond Atlanta to girls across the country.

Committed to serving students amid challenging circumstances, it also honored job offers and internships. In May, State Farm welcomed nearly 450 college and high school interns. Only 4 percent of companies moved forward with internship programs.

“We knew it was important to continue the support of GWC in the wake of the pandemic. We understood the importance of providing these opportunities to all. Knowing tech jobs are the fastest growing occupations in the U.S., it’s critical to provide a foundation of computing skills for these young women,” Katrina said. “To alleviate technical glitches in a virtual environment, we purchased laptops and mobile Wi-Fi hotspots for our 2020 class.”

While teaching girls to code is a large component of GWC, Miski says it’s more than that.

“I learned courage and empowerment. Each week we met a woman in tech and had designated mentors. Seeing women dominating in this field - women who looked like us and we could relate to - made me realize I can do this too. Being a minority in the field shouldn’t be a scary thing. It’s about having confidence to go for it.”

Watch out world!

Following her GWC graduation in 2018, Miski’s received three State Farm technology internships. Her responsibilities ranged from product suites, to data analysis, to scrum.

“I love working at State Farm,” she said. “It’s cutting-edge, it’s creating solutions and it’s about helping people. I’ve learned so much.”

This fall, she’ll begin her freshman year at Georgia State University. In 2017, State Farm pledged $20 million to support student education and bring GSU’s pioneering data analytics work to life.

To explore tech opportunities at State Farm, visit statefarm.com/careers.

In the News

FOX54 Atlanta: Georgia State intern uses summer coding program to gain valuable experience with State Farm (12/13/20) 

“Current State Farm driving data and claims experience show a considerable decline in miles driven and fewer accidents,” said Dan Krause, Senior Vice President. “As a result, we’re looking for ways to continue supporting our Georgia customers while we monitor and adjust to trends.”

In addition to the auto rate reduction, the discount for participating in Drive Safe & Save™ is increasing to 10%, and empowers drivers to save more on their auto premiums through their driving behaviors.

Rate changes are subject to regulatory approval. Customer rate reductions will vary based on their individual renewals. Customers are encouraged to visit with their State Farm agent about individual policies, coverage and any opportunities for discounts, including Drive Safe & Save.

As a way to express solidarity and thanks to these critical front-line workers, instead of our signature red, we're shining blue.

The lights are part of a nationwide effort to show support. Our Marina Heights hub in Arizona was the first to “Light it Blue” in response to a call by Governor Ducey. We’ve since extended the visible salute to the Corporate Headquarters in Bloomington, Illinois, Park Center hub in Atlanta, and CityLine hub in Dallas. The lights will be lit from dusk to dawn for the next several weeks.

“We want all on the frontlines of this crisis to know how much we care about them,” said Jenny Greminger, Vice President – Administrative Services. "We appreciate their sacrifices to keep us safe and healthy."

Blue light represents calm, faith, trust and helps elevate mood. We hope when essential workers – and others in the community - see the lights they feel uplifted.

In addition to the blue lighting, State Farm has donated millions to nonprofit organizations in direct support of COVID-19 relief efforts.

Through a four-week meal program, more than 1,000 hospital workers, including doctors, nurses and first responders treating COVID-19 patients in Atlanta will receive meals from local restaurants.

With frontline caregivers being asked to work longer shifts and hospitals nearing capacity, the Hawks Foundation and State Farm are funding the preparation of 4,000 meals weekly to serve approximately 1,000 healthcare workers restaurant-quality, nutritious meals that serve two, five times a week.

Providing support and resources to deliver meals, the program will bolster the Atlanta restaurant community, allowing restaurants to re-employ workers laid off or furloughed.

“We’re humbled and honored to have the opportunity to help feed those who are on the front lines of this fight, as well as support our communities by providing business to local restaurants and establishments,” said Dan Krause, Senior Vice President, State Farm. “The essence of our business is to be a good neighbor and help people. It’s who we are at our core.”

“The work of the medical community in combatting COVID-19 across the nation has been inspiring and absolutely incredible,” Atlanta Hawks Principal Owner Tony Ressler said. “While there is no way to truly repay our doctors, nurses, first responders and other healthcare workers for making this sacrifice and taking the risks they are taking every day, this effort is an important way to show our great appreciation of their heroic work on behalf of the city of Atlanta.

“We are also proud that this program will aid our friends in the restaurant community, allowing many Atlantans in the food industry to keep or regain employment during this difficult time.”

The four-week meal deliveries program began March 27.

Food pantries have long known the impact peanut butter can have. It's a prized addition to their shelves.

For the past three years, State Farm employees have stepped up to help meet that need. In February, more than 33,500 pounds of peanut butter were donated at our hubs and operations centers. The total surpassed last year’s total by more than 10,000 pounds.

Local organizations in several locations across the country received donations in early March.

Not too long after, COVID-19 shuttered our offices and much of the country. Now, with resources scarce and more people than ever relying food banks, the peanut butter will make an even bigger impact.

Ashley Edling is the Food Panty volunteer and programs manager for the Network of Community Ministries in Dallas. It’s one of 13 agencies that received peanut butter from this year’s drive.

“Shelf stable items like peanut butter provide a lasting effect. We can distribute it to families for weeks after the initial donation," Ashley said.

Some of the Atlanta Hub employees’ donation went to Georgia State University’s food pantry. Many in the university’s student population face unique challenges including food insecurity. There State Farm LIFT Scholars, who receive scholarship support from State Farm, helped stock the pantry’s shelves.

“Philanthropy can have an amplifying effect. The peanut butter donation allowed our LIFT Scholars to give back and support others facing difficult circumstances,” said Heath Wood, Senior Director Corporate and Foundation Relations, Georgia State University.

“It showed them the resources, education, and attitude necessary to succeed in the face of the challenges they’ll face in life.”

Peanut Butter Drive Highlights:

• Phoenix Hub employees collected 10,526 pounds of peanut butter. It was donated to Midwest Food Bank, United Food Bank and St. Mary’s Food Bank.
• Atlanta employees collected and donated 7,255 pounds of peanut butter. It went to the Midwest Food Bank of Georgia and the Georgia State University Panther Pantry.
• Employees from the Bloomington campus collected 6,313 pounds of peanut butter that went to the Midwest Food Bank of Bloomington-Normal.
• In Dallas, 8,467 pounds of peanut butter was donated to the Network of Community Ministries’ food pantry and the Richland College and the UT Dallas campus food pantries.
• State Farm Operations Centers in Austin, Charlottesville, Lincoln, and Newark collected over 1,021 pounds of peanut butter for their local food banks.

By providing support to Goodr, an Atlanta-based social impact startup leveraging technology to reduce food waste and end hunger, senior citizens and low-income students who rely on subsidized school meals will have access to five pop-up grocery stores in underserved communities throughout Atlanta.

In collaboration with the Atlanta Department of Recreation, Goodr, founded by social entrepreneur Jasmine Crowe, is adapting its normal operations to comply with CDC guidelines recommending social distancing and avoidance of large gatherings. Using a drive/walk-through system to distribute the food, three of the five pop-up grocery stores will be at State Farm Good Neighbor Clubs, dedicated educational and entertainment centers, or basketball courts renovated through the Hawks Foundation.

“This is the third time Jasmine and her team at Goodr has provided the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm with a platform and a means to help our more vulnerable neighbors during a critical time of need,” said State Farm AVP – Human Resources Clarence Hearns. “In the weeks to come, we hope what is shared at these free pop-up grocery stores will be a source of nourishment as well as give the families a sense of reassurance in community.”

Each pop-up grocery store is expected to serve 300 to 600 families with two weeks of groceries, including fresh produce, shelf-stable items and meats.

“In this unprecedented time filled with uncertainty for so many, we are honored to partner with Jasmine and support her team at Goodr,” Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena CEO Steve Koonin said. “They are providing a tremendous vehicle to truly help our fellow Atlantans, providing the comfort of knowing where their next meals are coming from.”

LIFT Scholars stock GSU food pantry

Also in Atlanta, State Farm LIFT Scholars stocked a Georgia State University campus food pantry with more than 1,000 jars of peanut butter donated by State Farm employees. The State Farm Education Assist^® program offers 50 scholarships per year and other assistance to Georgia State students.

“State Farm’s support is an amazing example of the way that philanthropy can have an amplifying effect,” said Heath Wood, senior director of Corporate and Foundation Relations for Georgia State. “The LIFT Scholars receiving scholarship support from State Farm are paying that generosity forward by giving back to the community to support others facing difficult circumstances.”

A State Farm customer in Atlanta recently left a pan on the stove unattended, and it caught fire. They forgot the adage and attempted to put out the fire by throwing water on it. While nobody was hurt, the damage increased.

"The result was $9,000 in insured damages to the stove, cabinets, countertops and floor," said their agent Ken Anderson, of Alpharetta, Georgia. “You should never use water to try and put out a grease fire."

It could have been worse. The average State Farm cooking/grease fire claim in the U.S. was more than $48,000 in 2018.

Georgia is the top state for cooking fire losses. Anderson has seen at least two dozen cooking-related fire claims in his 38 years as an agent. Many were made worse when oil and water mixed.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking is the leading cause of home fires. One out of three home fires begins in the kitchen - more than any other place in the home. Unattended cooking is the number one cause of kitchen fires. NFPA data shows that Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires.

The oil and water pitfalls are not reserved to the kitchen. Last year, around Thanksgiving, one of Ken's customers attempted to fry a frozen turkey. In addition to not having thawed the bird, the customer had too much oil in the fryer. When he dropped the turkey in, the hot oil spilled over, leaving him with second degree burns and a damaged deck.

Among the advice Ken shares with customers?

“Make sure you have smoke detectors and fire extinguishers that are up to date,” he said. “And, keep a cooking or grease fire-approved fire extinguisher nearby when cooking or frying.”

It pays to follow the advice. In 2018, State Farm paid more than $118 million for nearly 2,500 cooking/grease fire homeowners* claims across the U.S.

*Note: excludes renters and condo unit claims.

Because many families and friends engage in cooking during the holidays, it is important to follow some basic safety tips:

• Always keep an eye on what you are cooking/frying. Never leave the cooking area unattended.
• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.
• Keep a lid beside the pan when cooking. If a fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Never throw water on a grease fire.
• Keep a fire extinguisher approved for cooking or grease fires nearby. Make sure your smoke alarms are working.

Mouse over (or touch on mobile) the + on the interactive image below to see the safety tips.

For DeWayne Griffin, that person was his next-door neighbor. In fifth grade, he moved next to the Brindzas. These neighbors, especially Mrs. Brindza who was an English teacher, had a huge impact on his life.

The teacher inspired a lifetime love of reading and learning and actually gave him his first car. It seems DeWayne was destined to be inspired by Mrs. Brindza. If he had never moved, she would have been his English teacher at his old school.

"Mrs. Brindza was a huge role model for me. Though, no doubt, my mom was my number one role model," DeWayne shared.

For Becky Leach, the mentor she was destined to meet was DeWayne.

Becky first met DeWayne at a high school long jump pit. Even though he coached a different school, DeWayne went out of his way to help Becky get a better distance.

Their paths continued to cross. Becky studied Information Systems and became an intern at State Farm where DeWayne is a tech exec. He became her formal mentor.

“He always pushed me to be authentic and empathetic and bring my best self to whatever I did,” Becky said.

She took a full-time job with State Farm. Eventually, as destiny would have it, both she and DeWayne ended up at the company’s Atlanta Hub.

“Throughout my State Farm career, I had great roles, teams and role models,” Becky shared. “But, I came to realize in this city with so much opportunity, I only knew State Farm.”

When she made the decision to accept a tech role at another company, she wanted to tell her long-time mentor, in person.

“He was so supportive and encouraging, like always. He did say he hopes my path brings me back to State Farm one day,” Becky said. “I was nervous going into the meeting, but DeWayne helped me leave confident.”

DeWayne understands the importance of mentorship, encouragement and support. He is where he is today because of others, like Mrs. Brindza, who guided him. He believes it’s something leaders should do “no matter what.”

This servant leader philosophy is one of the many reasons Women in Technology (WIT) chose DeWayne – a man - to receive the first ever Build Her Up Award.

The Atlanta organization empowers women and girls to take charge of their science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) careers from the schoolroom to the boardroom. WIT hosts an annual awards gala celebrating female visionaries in the tech space.

“I’ve had a lot of leaders in my life. When I heard about this award, he was literally the first person who came to mind,” said Becky, a WIT member. “I can think of 100 reasons why he deserves it. Even though I’m no longer at State Farm, DeWayne continues to help me, and so many others, with our careers.”

DeWayne hopes the people he mentors will continue to pay it forward for the next generation. As destiny would have it, that generation includes his 14-year-old daughter. She’s interested in a STEAM career.

A State Farm customer in Atlanta recently left a pan on the stove unattended, and it caught fire. They forgot the adage and attempted to put out the fire by throwing water on it. While nobody was hurt, the damage increased.

"The result was $9,000 in insured damages to the stove, cabinets, countertops and floor," said their agent Ken Anderson, of Alpharetta, Georgia. “You should never use water to try and put out a grease fire."

It could have been worse. The average State Farm cooking/grease fire claim in the U.S. was more than $48,000 in 2018.

Georgia is the top state for cooking fire losses. Anderson has seen at least two dozen cooking-related fire claims in his 38 years as an agent. Many were made worse when oil and water mixed.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking is the leading cause of home fires. One out of three home fires begins in the kitchen - more than any other place in the home. Unattended cooking is the number one cause of kitchen fires. NFPA data shows that Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires.

The oil and water pitfalls are not reserved to the kitchen. Last year, around Thanksgiving, one of Ken's customers attempted to fry a frozen turkey. In addition to not having thawed the bird, the customer had too much oil in the fryer. When he dropped the turkey in, the hot oil spilled over, leaving him with second degree burns and a damaged deck.

Among the advice Ken shares with customers?

“Make sure you have smoke detectors and fire extinguishers that are up to date,” he said. “And, keep a cooking or grease fire-approved fire extinguisher nearby when cooking or frying.”

It pays to follow the advice. In 2018, State Farm paid more than $118 million for nearly 2,500 cooking/grease fire homeowners* claims across the U.S.

*Note: excludes renters and condo unit claims.

Because many families and friends engage in cooking during the holidays, it is important to follow some basic safety tips:

• Always keep an eye on what you are cooking/frying. Never leave the cooking area unattended.
• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.
• Keep a lid beside the pan when cooking. If a fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Never throw water on a grease fire.
• Keep a fire extinguisher approved for cooking or grease fires nearby. Make sure your smoke alarms are working.

Mouse over (or touch on mobile) the + on the interactive image below to see the safety tips.

More than one billion people worldwide are unnecessarily blind or vision impaired. Most just need a pair of glasses. Thousands of American children are among them. Children who should be busy learning, are instead struggling to see.

Kovan Reynolds was one of those kids. The 13-year-old from Atlanta had to stand up at the front of the classroom to read the white board. He would squint and get headaches playing his favorite video game. He wanted more confidence on the soccer field. He wanted a new pair of glasses.

Kovan’s mom, Rene Elmore, knew he needed a new pair after losing a few frames. His eyesight had gotten worse and he needed an exam. But life kept getting in the way.

The single mom had just put herself through college and landed a new job. With everything on their plates, getting to the eye doctor ended up on the backburner. Then a State Farm employee decided to celebrate her 30^th work anniversary by giving back.

A happy hour or food day wasn’t really Michele Means’ style, but community service was. She also wanted to engage her work colleagues in the act of good, and help youth.

“I was looking for an idea that would be impactful and different,” Michele said. “I reached out to the local Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta because of the amazing work they do.”

Sophie Felix, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta Director of Teen Services, suggested an eyeglass collection campaign paired with free exams and fittings; Project Vision.

“I have two adopted brothers whose birth mother was blind…my mom initially struggled to get them the eyecare and glasses they needed,” Sophie said. “I know what a difference having proper glasses makes.”

“I thought, it must be so difficult to learn and succeed if you can’t see properly. Good vision should never be taken for granted,” Michele shared. “Sophie thought 30 frames would be a good goal. But I knew my State Farm community could pull off more.”

She was right.

• 145 frames were collected from Michele’s State Farm network, more than 200 total.
  • 11 State Farm employees also donated their time at the event.
• 113 Boys and Girls Club members attended the mid-October Project Vision event.
  • The extra glasses will be used at future BGCMA events.
• 31 members had free eye screenings and received free exam vouchers, including Kovan.
• 34 members with prescriptions received free glasses.

It was a pretty impactful way to celebrate a work anniversary. 

And, a huge weight was lifted off Rene’s shoulders; Kovan is getting his glasses!

Have old frames? Skip the junk drawer and instead help people all over the world. Across the US, the Lions Club has drop-off locations.
 

More than one billion people worldwide are unnecessarily blind or vision impaired. Most just need a pair of glasses. Thousands of American children are among them. Children who should be busy learning, are instead struggling to see.

Kovan Reynolds was one of those kids. The 13-year-old from Atlanta had to stand up at the front of the classroom to read the white board. He would squint and get headaches playing his favorite video game. He wanted more confidence on the soccer field. He wanted a new pair of glasses.

Kovan’s mom, Rene Elmore, knew he needed a new pair after losing a few frames. His eyesight had gotten worse and he needed an exam. But life kept getting in the way.

The single mom had just put herself through college and landed a new job. With everything on their plates, getting to the eye doctor ended up on the backburner. Then a State Farm employee decided to celebrate her 30^th work anniversary by giving back.

A happy hour or food day wasn’t really Michele Means’ style, but community service was. She also wanted to engage her work colleagues in the act of good, and help youth.

“I was looking for an idea that would be impactful and different,” Michele said. “I reached out to the local Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta because of the amazing work they do.”

Sophie Felix, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta Director of Teen Services, suggested an eyeglass collection campaign paired with free exams and fittings; Project Vision.

“I have two adopted brothers whose birth mother was blind…my mom initially struggled to get them the eyecare and glasses they needed,” Sophie said. “I know what a difference having proper glasses makes.”

“I thought, it must be so difficult to learn and succeed if you can’t see properly. Good vision should never be taken for granted,” Michele shared. “Sophie thought 30 frames would be a good goal. But I knew my State Farm community could pull off more.”

She was right.

• 145 frames were collected from Michele’s State Farm network, more than 200 total.
  • 11 State Farm employees also donated their time at the event.
• 113 Boys and Girls Club members attended the mid-October Project Vision event.
  • The extra glasses will be used at future BGCMA events.
• 31 members had free eye screenings and received free exam vouchers, including Kovan.
• 34 members with prescriptions received free glasses.

It was a pretty impactful way to celebrate a work anniversary. 

And, a huge weight was lifted off Rene’s shoulders; Kovan is getting his glasses!

Have old frames? Skip the junk drawer and instead help people all over the world. Across the US, the Lions Club has drop-off locations.
 

Georgia State University Perimeter College – Decatur created the Learning, Income and Family Transformation (LIFT) program in 2017 with the support of State Farm. The program aims to improve student success rates by combining data-driven academic advisement and support with scholarships, employment opportunities and leadership training.

The first of the State Farm Scholars are expected to graduate in the next three semesters at a rate of 85 percent – five times better than the university’s overall graduation rate. The support from State Farm for the LIFT program has likely transformed the lives of these students and their families.

“The State Farm Scholars’ journey over the past two years has been nothing short of inspirational,” says DeWayne Griffin, Enterprise Technology Executive – Data. “It’s a proud moment to witness them and their families’ excitement, as well as playing a part as an organization in helping them realize their post-secondary educational dreams come true.”

State Farm Education Assist, part of the Neighborhood of Good^®, provides funding for a series of full-ride scholarships for these State Farm Scholars. The program expands staff support, supports emergency grants to help students cover life’s necessities, funds a mentoring program and supports financial literacy programming for students and families in South DeKalb communities.

State Farm employees volunteer time and expertise to these programs and students through professional development and networking opportunities. State Farm agents provide internship opportunities.

“The GSU LIFT/Education Assist is a unique public-private partnership that has been and will continue to be instrumental in transforming lives and creating a path for upward economic mobility in South DeKalb County,” says Mark Robinson, Philanthropy analyst. “The fact that education is the driver of this work is absolutely consistent with who we are as an organization.”

The LIFT program will be scaled to each of Perimeter College’s campuses this academic year because of the success at the Perimeter College – Decatur Campus.

She donated blood for the first time last year following a harrowing experience with her husband, Kenneth Brooks.

Kenneth was feeling under the weather and could not get an appointment to see his doctor for six weeks.

“We were just waiting on the appointment,” Amy says. “One night, I heard a crash and found my husband on the bathroom floor having some type of seizure. The thought of losing my husband… I lost it.”

She called 911, and her husband was conscious before they arrived, but still wasn’t right. After getting her daughters placed with a neighbor, Amy met her husband at the emergency room.

“I explained the seizure. After several hours, I stepped out of his room. When I came back, it looked like a bomb had gone off. There were things thrown everywhere. He had another seizure,” she says.

After running blood work and doing scans, they found the problem: a bleeding stomach ulcer.

“Normally, when you have a bleeding ulcer, you show signs. We had no indication,” Amy says. “His blood count was really low, so they immediately got blood for him.”

When receiving blood, as long as it’s the same type (A, B, AB or O), your body will accept it. But Kenneth needed a lot of blood.

“It wasn’t his exact blood type, so his body was rejecting it. We called the Red Cross and they typed his specific blood type, but couldn’t find any donations available. They said it could take two or three days,” Amy says.

The doctors couldn’t get the bleed to stop and they had to pump the new blood out. Kenneth was put on a ventilator and sedated.

“It was hard knowing I had to wait for something you would think would be so simple, that gives life so easily,” Amy says.

At the 25^th hour, they found an exact match.

“I’ve never been so relieved. We did a little happy dance.”

It’s been a year, and Kenneth is still recovering.

“Eventually, we got the ulcer fixed. They had to remove half of his stomach because they couldn’t stop the bleeding. Losing that much blood, people don’t realize how much weaker you get. He’s still not 100 percent,” she says.

A few days after Kenneth’s recovery, Amy was leaving the hospital and saw an American Red Cross worker delivering blood to the hospital.

“I went up to him and I said, ‘It probably wasn’t you, but I’m going to thank you anyway. Because of people like you, my husband is still alive.’”

Amy had never given blood because of medical conditions she thought restricted her.

“I was wrong. I can donate as long as I’m healthy. The next time the Red Cross came to my office I invited my peers to donate in the name of my husband because they saved his life. It was nice to give back.

“You don’t think your life will change in an instant, but it can.”

State Farm^® is partnering with the American Red Cross Missing Types campaign for the second year. The campaign focuses on the need for blood by requesting people “fill in the missing types” of A, B, AB and O blood. Partners can promote the campaign by removing those letters from logos and communications. Schedule a donation to help fill in the missing types.

Her post boldly asked for a living kidney donor to be sent their way, so Jason could avoid dialysis and enjoy a healthy life with Ainsleigh and their young children, Connor and Avery.

Robert Sharp, who knew of his neighbors four doors down through an association with Cub Scouts, read the post. They had known each other only a few years since Robert moved to the Atlanta area from Charlottesville, Va. Yet, Robert couldn’t shake Jason’s story.

“She put out a call for folks to consider the living donation process,” Robert says. “There was something about it that just connected with me. The more I thought, the more it occurred to me that this would be a part of him for the rest of his life.”

Unbeknownst to the Barretts, Robert began researching the long process of kidney donation.

“My wife, Lynda, could see that I was committed to and felt called to do this,” Robert says. “We figured out the logistics to make it work.”

About one-third of transplanted kidneys are from living donors. The average wait for a transplant is three to five years. The process to determine compatibility was extensive.

“They run every test on you can imagine,” says Robert, a 19-year State Farm^® employee. “They want to be sure it’s going to be a good match.”

About four months into the process, Robert was still proving to be a match. It was finally time to share exciting news with the Barretts as Jason neared Stage 5 kidney failure.

Nearly a year to the day of Ainsleigh’s post, Jason and Robert were getting ready for surgery at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital.

“It’s humbling and incredible at the same time,” Robert says. “We have the medical technology to take a living organ from someone and put it into another human being and it begins to work immediately.”

Robert and Jason both work in underwriting at different insurance companies.

“Robert and I share quite a bit in a common, and I am truly blessed to know him,” says Jason. “The admirable thing about Robert is that even if I’d never met him and he saw my story, I truly believe he still would’ve donated.”

More than two months since the donation, Robert and Jason are doing fine. What’s more, Robert says the process was educational for him as he’s discovered many misconceptions about kidney donation.

He says there have been no drastic changes to his lifestyle.

“The only significant change I’ve had to make is I can’t take ibuprofen,” he says. “I had to switch to acetaminophen for minor pain relief.”

Robert encourages others to learn more about the option of live kidney donation. “By choosing to be an organ donor on your license or donating blood, you can help others struggling with medical needs,” he says.

“I will occasionally have a phantom pain in my left side where they took the kidney. Beyond that, I feel no different today than I did the day before the surgery.”

And, Jason continues to do well.

“We were sitting around about a week later and Jason said he felt better now than he could ever remember feeling,” Robert says. “When you’re in the situation he was in, you don’t remember what normal or good felt like.

“It was such a good thing to be a part of.”

State Farm sponsored assist patrols in 18 states help keep the nation’s highest-trafficked roadways safe and clear. They reduce congestion, help stranded motorists, and provide traffic control and safety at incident scenes.

Safety patrols are operated by state departments of transportation and toll road authorities. They are known by a variety of names in 40 states. Their free services include changing flat tires, providing a jump-start or small amount of gasoline, and minor safety repairs.

“The safety patrols embody our ‘good neighbor’ philosophy and underscore our commitment to auto safety,” said Ed Gold, advertising director. “They help people recover from the unexpected, which is the heart of the State Farm mission.”

State Farm sponsorship helps increase coverage areas and raises awareness about the patrols. This helps the motoring public feel more secure when traveling the nation’s interstate system. Sponsored highway signs mark coverage areas. The bright red State Farm reflective markings also improve patrol vehicle visibility.

State Farm sponsors the safety patrols in Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

State Farm has been committed to roadway safety since its founding in 1922. The company seeks to increase the safety of all drivers and passengers from infancy to the driver’s seat.

*Safety Service Patrol Priorities and Best Practices: USDOT Federal Highway Federal Highway Administration, April 2017

In addition to the operational capabilities granted by these FAA waivers, State Farm will continue to utilize drone technology as a tool for our claim representatives to assist in individual inspections of our customers’ homes and properties related to these hurricanes.

It was less than one month ago when Hurricane Florence struck North and South Carolina. State Farm was the first and only insurance company to receive an FAA waiver allowing Claims pilots to operate drones beyond visual line of sight and over people for damage assessment. Drone flights were coordinated with the FAA and Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP) at Virginia Tech as part of the Integration Pilot Program for large-scale damage assessment in Virginia and South Carolina.

State Farm requires the ability to quickly assess damage after significant weather events in order to serve customers as efficiently as possible. Drone technology is an additional tool providing technical capabilities to quickly deploy over an event site and assess damage from the air. Data obtained from drone flights can be used for determining severity of the event for better resource allocation and quick determination of uninhabitable insured property.

State Farm drone pilots will operate eBee fixed-wing drones for flights approved under the FAA waiver for damage assessment. Claims representatives conducting drone flights for roof inspections will utilize Kespry multi-rotor drones.

“This decision symbolizes our pledge to making a difference in communities, building our brand locally and nationally, and ultimately growing State Farm,” said State Farm Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael Tipsord. “The Atlanta Hawks Basketball Club is well known for giving back in this community. Along with our Neighborhood of Good initiative, we’ll have new opportunities to invest in the local community.”

With one of its three regional hubs based in Dunwoody, State Farm is an active member of the local community employing approximately 7,000 individuals with over 6,000 located in metro Atlanta. The insurance giant prides itself on activating its workforce in the communities in which they reside. Over the past four years, State Farm staff has volunteered over 2 million hours in their respective communities.

With a mission to be good ‘neighbors dedicated to helping people, and to developing safer, stronger and better educated communities across the country’ and to ‘turn caring into doing’, State Farm and the Hawks will co-create impactful community initiatives and bolster existing community and social responsibility programs.

“We are honored to work with State Farm, one of the nation’s most recognizable and civic-minded organizations and want to thank Michael Tipsord and Rand Harbert for their leadership and commitment to this exceptional collaboration,” said Principal Owner Tony Ressler. “Our ownership group considers the Atlanta Hawks Basketball Club a community asset, and we are excited to have found a partner that shares our vision and has committed to working with us to expand on the community engagement and philanthropic initiatives we do that benefit the many communities that make up this great metropolitan area. Generations will be positively impacted by the work we do throughout Georgia, and we could not be prouder to have the State Farm name on our new arena.”

State Farm Arena, the new home of the Hawks, will open its doors following the completion of the $192.5 million-dollar renovation, the 2^nd largest in NBA history, and in time to celebrate the team’s 50^th year in Atlanta in October. The transformed arena will feature the third-largest center-hung scoreboard in the NBA and most immersive video experience, new sightlines with 360-degree concourses and new seating and first-of-its-kind in-venue entertainment options with Topgolf Swing Suites, the company’s first permanent amenity in a major sports arena, Killer Mike’s SWAG Shop (a four-chair barbershop overlooking the court) and the signature Hawks Bar, the NBA’s first courtside bar. State Farm Arena will also be the first NBA venue to offer fan-friendly food pricing with 12 popular food and beverage items priced at $5 or less.

Consistently ranked among the top 10 concert and event venues in the world by Pollstar, State Farm Arena hosts approximately 170 events and nearly 2 million guests annually. Superstars already scheduled to visit the venue after it opens include Drake, Elton John, Justin Timberlake, P!nk, Shawn Mendes and Carrie Underwood.

Fans will get their first opportunity to enter the new State Farm Arena on Saturday, Oct. 20^th with the “Welcome to the Neighborhood” Open House Party, a free, public event inviting fans to experience the new venue.

# TrueToAtlanta #

“The company’s current financial strength is allowing us to pass along a rate reduction to our Georgia customers," said State Farm Senior Vice President Dan Krause. “We continually evaluate how we can best serve our customers and are very pleased to be able to offer this rate decrease in Georgia.”

Overall changes in premiums for individual motorists will vary depending on the specific details of an individual customer’s policy and chosen coverages. The effective date for new and renewal business is July 9, 2018. Georgia customers with questions can contact their local State Farm agent to discuss their individual situation.

In addition to this rate reduction, State Farm agents are able to review with new and existing customers the many opportunities for additional discounts that may apply to an individual’s unique circumstances. A rate decrease combined with discounts offers an exceptional long-term value to State Farm customers.

To celebrate, the company held builds in its Phoenix, Atlanta, and Dallas hub locations. More than 400 State Farm employees participated alongside four families in need. The volunteers helped revitalize a historic neighborhood and complete a Habitat townhome community.

“State Farm is proud of our relationship with Habitat for Humanity. It's helped families across the U.S. build homes to call their own,” said Ed Woods, State Farm human resources director. “The October builds helped us further that tradition while turning caring into doing.”

"We are incredibly grateful for the generosity State Farm continues to extend. It helps connect young leaders to Habitat's mission. It also helps families achieve the dream of home ownership," said Colleen Finn Ridenhour, Habitat's senior vice president of development. "We are proud of our accomplishments together."

State Farm has once again joined with the United States Fire Administration for National Arson Awareness Week to raise awareness about reducing the risk of arson fires.

It’s impossible to prevent all arson crimes, but creating an environment that reduces the risk of damage and injury is important. Homeowners, business owners, and community leaders can help reduce the risk of arson through security measures and public education.

External and Internal Safety

• Illuminate building exteriors and entrances – arsonists fear light.
• Clear things like shrubbery that block the view of the home or building.
• Clean up – remove anything that could fuel a fire for an arsonist.
• Install smoke alarms and a fire sprinkler system.
• Keep doors and windows locked when the building is unattended.
• Establish an arson watch program in your local neighborhood and community.

State Farm Arson Dog Program

Since 1993, State Farm has funded the acquisition and training of accelerant detection canine teams, commonly called arson dogs. The State Farm Arson Dog Program has placed more than 380 arson dogs in communities across North America. 

An arson dog team can quickly search a fire scene for evidence of arson. This saves time and money for tax payers and increases the likelihood that the arsonist will be caught and prosecuted. As of May 2017, there are 96 active and certified teams trained through the State Farm Arson Dog Program in North America. This includes 12 new teams certified in April 2017. 

Hover over the interactive image below for details on these newest investigative teams:​

• Fire Chief Ricky Flowers & K9 Cato - Darlington County Fire District (Hartsville, SC)
• Fire Marshal Pat Weaver & K9 Izzy - Picayune Fire Department (Picayune, MS)
• Fire Investigator John Wauchek & K9 Mikey - Rutherford County Fire Rescue (Murfreesboro, TN)
• Arson Investigator Shane Arndt & K9 Mazy - Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office (Springfield, IL)
• Fire Investigator Scott Wilson & K9 Bandel - DC Fire and EMS (Washington, D.C.)
• Deputy Jerry Riggins & K9 Marvel - Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Department (Chatham, VA)
• Fire Investigator Dan Roberts & K9 Gibson - Council Bluffs Fire Department (Council Bluffs, IA)
• Arson Investigator Ryan Press & K9 Jenna - San Antonio Fire Department (San Antonio, TX)
• Lieutenant Brandon Ferrell & K9 Pearl - Conroe Fire Department (Conroe, TX)
• Firefighter Shane Weltikol & K9 Webbster - Mandan Fire Department (Mandan, ND)
• Patrolman Brian Gilmore & K9 Elou - Upper Chichester Township Police Department (Boothwyn, PA)
• Assistant Fire Marshal Jim Pasley & K9 Izzo - Columbia Fire Department (Columbia, MO)

Three Church Fires in One Evening

A church should be a safe and peaceful place. The theme for 2017 National Arson Awareness is “Preventing Arson Fires in Houses of Worship”. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that from 2007 – 2011, the average for structure fires at religious properties (church, mosque, synagogue, temple or chapel) was 1,600 fires and $105 million in direct property damage. Recent analysis by the Pew Research Center indicates that 51% of these fires were determined to be arson.

December 2, 2014, will go down in history as one of the most devastating for Felton, Delaware. It was around 2:00 a.m. when firefighters from the Felton and Frederica Volunteer Fire Companies were called to a fire at the Healing Hands Christian Church. Firefighters were already battling the blaze when they received word that a second church, Manship Chapel, was on fire four miles away. Within hours, a third fire was reported at the nearby Law Mennonite Church. For the members of the three churches, the fires left them heartbroken and scared.

Arson was suspected in all three church fires, but it would take more than suspicion to bring the criminal(s) to justice. Arson is a very difficult crime to solve because the evidence burns up. For fire investigators, having every tool available is critical when arson is suspected. Deputy Fire Marshal John Galaska with the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office had the powerful nose of his partner, K9 Tanya, to help with the investigation. As an accelerant detection, or “arson dog” team, their job is to help find evidence that a fire was intentionally started.

Deputy Marshal Galaska and K9 Tanya worked with state and federal law enforcement agencies to collect evidence. Their hard work led to the arrest of two local men. Both men confessed to breaking into the churches following a night of heavy drinking. They pled guilty to second degree arson, third degree burglary, and second degree conspiracy. For Galaska and K9 Tanya, it was another investigation resulting in an arsonist behind bars. It also allowed the community and the congregations to begin healing.

Renowned dog trainer, Victoria Stilwell, spent the past several years embedded with the Gwinnett County (GA) Sheriff Department K-9 Unit. Her work resulted in the Guardians of the Night series. It brings viewers into the real lives of police K-9 teams. A new episode airs every Tuesday (Feb. 21-April 11) on Victoria’s Facebook page and her YouTube Channel.

Working dogs help law enforcement search for and apprehend criminals. They also detect guns and explosives; locate drugs, and find evidence used in criminal investigations. Guardians of the Night follows the team of sheriff’s deputies and their two German Shepherds. They track wanted criminals and try to balance family life. The series breaks the emotional wall law enforcement often shows. It shares the officers' sense of humor and the raw emotion following the loss of a canine partner.

“I was fortunate Sergeant Paul Corso and Deputy Sheriff Jason Cotton allowed me to film with them,” says Stilwell. “You can’t understand what these amazing dogs and their handlers go through without living in their world. I spent four years filming the ultimate ride-along!”

For Stilwell, filming the series was a passion project. It shows humane training techniques to be effective with high-drive working dogs, like police canines.

“I have always been an advocate for positive training – teaching without the use of any techniques or equipment the dog finds intimidating or causes pain or fear,” says Stilwell. “While the companion dog world is embracing more humane training techniques, the working dog world is far behind.”

"People often tell me working dogs can’t be trained positively. That they need a heavier hand because of their energy and drive," Stilwell says. "I successfully train many high-drive dogs in the companion dog world. So why is the working dog world so averse to using methods that are more humane? To answer this question, I set out to explore whether working dogs could be trained in a kinder way. There was no better dog to prove it with than the ‘Ferraris’ of the dog world – police dogs.”

State Farm has a long history of supporting first responders and working dogs. For a quarter of a century, State Farm has funded training of arson dog teams across North America through the State Farm Arson Dog Program. In 2014, State Farm worked with Stilwell to create a web series called Arson Dogs. It depicts the training of accelerant detection canine teams.

“My journey into the police dog world has opened up so many doors. Among them, working with the exceptional State Farm Arson Dog Training Program and seeing what it’s like to be in the world of law enforcement. During filming, we had unique perspective into the lives of these handlers and their dogs. Along with my colleague Alex Andes, we set out to tell their stories."

"Guardians of the Night shows one side of law enforcement. However, the series also shines a light on the courage and dedication of all first responders. To be able to tell their stories, with the support of State Farm, has been a true honor," Stilwell continues. "Through Guardians of the Night we are giving back. It is a thank you to all first responders for their dedication and service.”

Wife Brande works for State Farm Agent Ann Price in Duluth, GA. Her customer interactions help families find solutions that protect what’s important to them.

Husband Tommy is a Deputy with the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Department in the DUI, Drug, and Veteran’s Treatment Courts. He protects the public by helping people better themselves rather than re-offend. His job is not without risks and Brande recognizes that.

“When people are angry about being in jail they have nothing but time to think of ways to hurt him,” she said. “There have been a couple of instances where I wanted him to change jobs."

To help provide peace of mind to first responder families like the Maloys, State Farm teamed up with the home security company Canary to launch Protect the Protectors. The program donates Canary devices to first responders so they can watch activity in their homes through a smartphone.

“We want to acknowledge first responders for the work they do and dangers they face,” said John Carter, head of communication for Canary. “There’s a person behind the badge and they have families.”

Brande proudly joined 29 State Farm Agents at a September event where home monitoring devices were provided to Gwinnett County sheriff deputies.

“As the wife of a law enforcement officer, I have a heightened awareness of the high risks police face on the job. The donation of the Canary devices was gracious and falls in line with our (State Farm) focus on helping life go right.”

Tommy also praised the program.

“Being able to check my phone and see my home and family while I am at work is great,” he said. “The kids may not like it, but I do.”

Extending the Protection

During the very first Protect the Protectors event in December 2015, 400 home monitoring devices were donated to Allentown, PA first responders. Protect the Protectors has since donated more than 5,000 home monitoring devices to police and fire departments.

State Farm employee Josh Boyd volunteered to help distribute devices to more than 300 Irving, TX police officers. It was a special honor for Josh, his dad, Larry, served the citizens of Irving for 12 years as police chief before retiring in 2016.

“At one point my dad stopped being a police officer because my mom was too scared,” Josh said. “But he went back because that’s what he’s passionate about. Officers face risk every day and I am pleased the company I work for has chosen to appreciate them.”

Learn more

To learn more about a Canary special offer for State Farm customers, visit the State Farm Home Protection & Automation website. Homeowners and renters may qualify for the Local Burglar Alarm discount level under the State Farm Home Alert Protection Discount. No documentation of installation is required. Availability and terms of discounts vary by state. Contact a State Farm agent for details.

Elizabeth relied on friends and busses to get her children to school and herself to doctors' appointments. Every day was a battle.

In 2016 things started turning around. In the form of a 2012 sedan. The Gomez family became one of the more than1,000 families across the country who were handed keys to reliable transportation from the National Auto Body Council.

For nearly a decade, the National Auto Body Council's Recycled Rides program has provided reliable transportation to families in need. Nearly 300 cars were donated by the program in 2016 alone; 30 of the cars were donated by State Farm.

The Recycled Rides program brings together business partners in the auto industry such as insurers, auto body shops and dealerships with community organizations to identify families in need. Damaged cars are brought back to near showroom condition for their new owners.

Scout's Honor

Camping is an important part of being a Boy Scout -critical to learning and experiencing the great outdoors. The biggest challenge for the largest Boy Scout Troop in the world is just getting there.

In November 2015, the Recycled Rides program provided the troop much needed transportation. A 4x4 truck was delivered to Atlanta’s Boy Scout Troop 100. But they didn’t just fill it with firewood and tents, the troop delivered gifts and care packages to needy neighbors.

Connected by Good Neighbors from coast to coast

Jennifer Castro, a single mom from the Los Angeles area, recalls the day she was presented her car as a day she’ll never forget. In 2016, the single mom was presented the keys to a new Nissan Altima, but also a key to a better life for her and her daughter.

After moving to Dallas in 2012, following two deployments and an honorable discharge from the Army, Henry and Quisha Darcus were barely adjusting to their new metro area when a string of bad luck hit. On her second day at work, Quisha was in a crash and their car couldn't be repaired or replaced.

What made this crash more difficult, the couple's seven-year-old daughter has critical, regular medical appointments. The family needed a car. Fortunately, the Iraq War vet and his family were presented a new sedan to help them navigate Dallas and get their daughter the help she needs.

While many take transportation for granted, this program brings together businesses and community groups to provide vehicles to needy families. Together, they make helping a routine.

Bloomington, Illinois (October 21, 2016) – State Farm is introducing a new coverage endorsement in several states to help fill insurance gaps for its policyholders who use their personal cars to provide rides for a Transportation Network Company (TNC), like Uber and Lyft. The TNC industry is rapidly changing the livery/taxi industry by using the latest mobile technology to facilitate rides for hire. With these new transportation services in the marketplace, drivers are exposed to new risks.

Insurance provided by TNCs may be limited in scope and coverage. Personal auto policies generally do not extend coverage to the use of personal cars as taxis or livery vehicles, including their use in TNC services.

To adapt to changing customer needs, beginning Monday, October 21, 2016, State Farm will offer a Transportation Network Company Driver Coverage endorsement in Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Washington and West Virginia.

The effective date for new and renewal for all states except GA: October 21, 2016. The effective date for new and renewal for GA: November 21, 2016

Ten jurisdictions obtained the endorsement earlier this year: Alabama, California, Colorado, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Tennessee and Wisconsin .

"Adapting and innovating to our customers' changing needs is critical," said Vicki Harper, State Farm Public Affairs Specialist. "This new product is an example of our commitment to our customers and provides them coverage, and peace of mind, when they use their personal cars to provide TNC services."

TNCs may provide high liability coverage limits while a paying passenger occupies the driver's vehicle or when the driver has been connected with a passenger and is on the way to pick that person up. But TNCs tend to provide a much lower limit of liability coverage when drivers are just available for hire and may not provide the drivers with any medical payments, comprehensive, or collision coverages at all. The TNCs may not be providing coverage for injuries to the driver or coverage for any damage to the driver's personal car.

The new, optional State Farm TNC Driver Coverage endorsement enables a policyholder to have his/her personal auto policy fill in the coverage gaps left by TNC-provided insurance. This cost-effective endorsement provides the driver with the full liability coverage limits carried on his/her auto policy during the period of time when the driver is available for hire, and provides the driver with all other coverages applicable to his/her auto policy during all periods of TNC driving.

Customers in these states who drive for a TNC should contact their local State Farm agent to learn more about the new State Farm TNC Driver Coverage endorsement.

Andrade-Jenkins immigrated from Mexico in 1998 in search of a better life. With some knowledge in the embroidery industry and no English skills, she fortunately landed a job, in Georgia, at a uniform apparel company.

After years of hard work and dedication, Andrade-Jenkins not only learned English but also diligently climbed-up the career ladder. In five years, she became a plant supervisor. Soon after she became a mother and left the work force.

As a stay-at-home mom, she realized she wanted to put her skills and years of experience to use. Andrade-Jenkins created a store in Etsy with a small budget. Early success led to stagnant client growth; she thought about closing the shop.

Andrade-Jenkins decided to join the Latin American Association Women's Program and she got the push she needed. She received professional guidance and took a risk and started her new venture, Georgia Stitch, an embroidery company that caters to businesses and individuals.

“A ‘Dream Achiever’ is a woman who rejected the status quo and refocused her life to reflect her passion, just like Adriana did,” shared Michelle Hare from State Farm Marketing. “She is a woman who takes chances, follows her heart and believes in empowering others.”

Together is a six-city tour convening women across generations and backgrounds for six nights of storytelling focused on creating community, well-being, purpose and action. State Farm is a primary sponsor of the tour and will honor a Dream Achiever at each stop along the Together tour.

“The Together tour is about bringing women together to celebrate love, build community and take action. Through storytelling, Together aims to help people feel less alone in their lives,” said Jennifer Rudolph Walsh, who leads WME’s Literary Division and is producing the tour. “Our work with State Farm to honor Dream Achievers is the ultimate culmination of the Together mission. Sabrina Lamb is inspiring and courageous -- a true example of what it means to live in your purpose and follow your dreams.”

“Together is a movement bringing new ideas, influencers, and organizations together,” shared Hare. “Adriana is the epitome of a Dream Achiever. She personifies what we hope for all the women attending the Together tour.”

After lots of hard work, Adriana learned English and diligently climbed up the career ladder. In five years, she was a plant supervisor learning everything from operating the machines, quality control and digitizing, to management skills.

When Adriana decided to be a stay-at-home mom, she soon realized she wanted to put her skills and 13 years of experience to good use while taking care of her daughters.

So she took a chance. With a small budget, she created an Etsy store selling customized children’s apparel.

Early success turned into stagnant client growth. She thought about closing the shop. With little motivation to continue, Adriana came across some interesting social posts. One of the posts was about a Latin American Association (LAA) women’s program.

Adriana soon joined the LAA program, and it was a wake-up call. The program, which is supported by State Farm, opened her eyes to available resources, smart business practices and methodologies. She received professional guidance and a push to keep trying. She then created Georgia Stitch. It is a family-owned business specializing in embroidering uniforms, apparel and spirit wear for businesses and individuals.

“With the support of the Latin American Association, I was able to gain knowledge that allowed me to re-launch my business,” shared Adriana. “These types of programs are a huge resource to the community thanks to companies like State Farm and others.”

Her goal is to make Georgia Stitch the place where companies’ and individuals’ ideas can be transformed into embroidery, screen printing, vinyl and more. Adriana took a chance, rejected the status quo and followed her heart. Now her life reflects her passion for entrepreneurship. She is a Dream Achiever.

They wanted to help their peers graduate high school and attend college. They knew, from experience, the stereotypes and difficulties Hispanic high school students face and how to overcome them. They also knew of the resources needed to make a positive impact in their communities. H.o.P.e., a local non-profit, sprang from the ideas on that yellow napkin.

Hispanic Organization Promoting Education, H.o.P.e., is now making a difference for Hispanic Students in Georgia. In seven years it’s grown to more than 2,500 members at 33 high schools around Atlanta. H.o.P.e. members’ graduation rate is 100%.

“Our mission is to increase the graduation rate among Hispanic high school students. We do that through leadership, education, and community service,” David explains. “H.o.P.e. is transforming communities - one school, one family, and one student at a time. We are demonstrating the true potential of Hispanic youth in America.”

The H.o.P.e. Leadership Chapters have revolutionized extra-curricular activities. Through community service projects, participants develop leadership skills. The program also provides resources and opportunities to help with college applications and scholarships.

The H.o.P.e. culture has transformed what it means to be a Hispanic student in Georgia. It has become an integral element of a student's high school career.

David and Angela remain the driving force behind H.o.P.e.. They empower the next generation of passionate and dedicated student leaders. These officers lead, motivate and inspire their peers. Paul and Valeria are just two examples of H.o.P.e.’s impact. Here are their stories.

Paul Serrato is currently a sophomore at Stanford University. Listen to the Apalachee High School Valedictorian and H.o.P.e. alumnus deliver his powerful valedictory address.

Valeria Rincon served as a H.o.P.e. officer at Peachtree Ridge High School. She recently graduated top of her class and is now a freshman at Stanford University. She saw the evolution of H.o.P.e. and its amazing programs and events over the course of her high school career.

Valeria now serves as a H.o.P.e. Graduation Coach. As a mentor, she guides student officers through their own unique H.o.P.e. experience. Here’s her first-person account of one such experience…

"Bag in hand, shades on head, and heart in throat I stared in disbelief at the decaying structure before me. “This could not be it,” I thought to myself. But sure enough, it was. The bright yellow banner tacked to the side of the porch spelled out in big, black, bold letters “HYLS.” This was the retreat center for the 2014 H.o.P.e. Officer State Summit. 

For the next three days, I would board with sixty-eight other high school students in an outdated, unventilated, and heavily-congested venue. I was sure this was going to be like every other summit I had attended: long, exhausting, and ultimately pointless. But I knew somehow, I would survive. I always did. 

In these situations, humans always resort to survival mode. They cluster in packs and avoid coming into contact with anything foreign. Thus, breakfast on the first day went as expected. Cliques arose based on schools, and friendly chit-chat was exchanged ever so often. We all felt awkward, uncomfortable, and exposed. Thus, we kept quiet and kept to ourselves. 

Then it began. Salsa music flowed from all four corners of the room, beach balls rained from the ceiling, and neon lights bathed us in a rainbow of colors as David and Angela boomed into their microphones “HELLO H.o.P.e. FAMILY!” The sea of officers thundered in applause and cheers. Finally, when the air was cleared and the calm was restored, a new beginning dawned on the participants of the HYLS. A new era of H.o.P.e. had commenced. 

The purpose of the HYLS was to teach us, the officers, to “live, breathe, and love” H.o.P.e.. We embraced the credo of HoPe: to raise the graduation rate among Hispanic high school students through leadership, education, and community service. Simple enough, right? Unfortunately, I had misunderstood. It was not that simple. To unleash the power of HoPe you had to understand its purpose, not interpret its tenants. And its purpose is quite significant. It is to change lives.

But how do you change lives? How do you convince someone to believe in H.o.P.e.? Simple. You break down barriers. At the HYLS we were taught to get rid of preconceived notions, and create a trusting and accepting environment. As insecurities, strengths, and aspirations were revealed, strangers blossomed into friends. We were brought together by the current of our common culture, the current of our common hardships, and the current of our common goal. Thus, together we learned to thrive. And together we learned to HoPe.

Bag in hand, shades on head, and heart in throat I stared in disbelief at the H.o.P.e. family before me. “This could not be it,” I thought. But sure enough, it was. The HYLS was coming to a close. The message was now mine to spread: “H.o.P.e.. Breathe it. Live it. Love it.”

H.o.P.e. demonstrates the true potential of Hispanic youth in America. Support from individuals and organizations, like State Farm, enables them to continue to grow and expand. The H.o.P.e. movement is alive and booming. They invite you to join them.

More than 300 interns from Bloomington, Champaign, Phoenix, Dallas and Atlanta spent July 12 giving back to their communities. Collectively, the interns donated more than 2,000 hours of service, volunteering at local organizations like the Boys and Girls Club and the Salvation Army.

Interns from the State Farm® Research and Development Center in Champaign, Illinois sorted items at the local Habitat for Humanity, packaged cereal at the Eastern Illinois Food Bank, played sports and games with children at the Don Moyer Boys & Girls Club and sorted donated clothes at the Salvation Army of Champaign.

Laurette Stiles, State Farm Vice President of Strategic Resources, told the Champaign interns, “One of the reasons State Farm is involved with community service, beyond it being the right thing to do, is because we believe in the concept of “service-learning." She continued,  “By adding service to learning, and balancing the two, community service can become more than just the simple act of serving.”

Between Jenga games with kids at the Boys & Girls Club, organizing old cabinets, and creating an intern assembly line at the food pantry, the interns found the experience incredibly rewarding.

“I just think it’s really important, especially for college students," Champaign-based intern, Carter Frambes shared. "You know, sometimes we forget that there is a larger community outside of our campus. So anytime we have an opportunity to give back to the community is nice.”

At Will’s funeral, his father John, a former major league baseball pitcher, noted the number of teammates who came to show their love and support. John realized those on- and off-field friendships could make the difference for others.

John explains, “At the funeral, we realized that the greatest friends we’ll ever meet in life, our life friends, who we now refer to as ‘Life Teammates,’ are those we met when we were teenagers.”

The Trautwein family established the non-profit Will To Live (WTL) Foundation to help prevent teen suicide and improve the lives and “will to live” of teenagers everywhere. It helps young people recognize the wonderful relationships that already exist in their daily lives, in hopes that they will reach out to one another in times of need. The foundation encourages teens to say to each other, every day, “Love ya, man!”

Through mental health education and by encouraging teens to recognize the love and hope that exists in each other, the Will To Live Foundation addresses the stigma of mental health issues, delivers hope, and promotes the importance of Life Teammates®.

In 2014, John coached a travel baseball team. Team Will To Live consisted of 13-year-olds from around the Johns Creek, GA area. They concluded their season by playing in the weeklong Ripken Experience tournament, in Myrtle Beach, SC. After each game, Team WTL players met the other team on the pitcher’s mound. They gave the “Life Teammates” speech and handed out “Love Ya Man” wristbands as well. It was so well received that the Ripken Foundation became a supporter of Will To Live!

For The Kids, Through The Kids, By The Kids!

The WTL message resonates with those beyond the field. John recounts how, after a game, a little girl named Emma came up to him. She was the sister of a player on the Cooper City, FL team they had played the night before.

“She quietly said, ‘Hey Mister, I heard you talking to my brother’s team last night about your little boy who died – and my class had some extra money that we raised – so can I please give this to your foundation?’”

“Well, after I wiped away my tears, I hugged this little girl hard and gratefully accepted her $43.00 donation. It will enable more than 100 kids – approximately eight more baseball teams – to hear our message of hope and wear our wristbands to help spread awareness in their own communities. WTL was created by the kids and for the kids, and what Emma did on that sunny morning in Myrtle Beach makes all the efforts of the foundation worthwhile,” John said.

Suicide prevention is such an important topic. Programs like Will To Live help us all realize we need to look out for each other, pick each other up, and help each other to always find the good in all of life’s trials and difficult situations. Reach out to your Life Teammates and let them know how much they mean to you. It might save a life.

Click here for more information on World Suicide Prevention Day. #WSPD15

What would you do if you and your children were suddenly homeless? Where would you turn to find resources to help you recover from the financial and emotional devastation that homelessness brings? Hopefully, you would find a place that offers the opportunity to recover quickly and with dignity from your situation - a place like The Drake House (TDH).

Designed to assist homeless families work toward self-sufficiency, The Drake House provides short-term crisis housing, education and empowerment programs for homeless mothers and their children in North Fulton County, GA.

Unfortunately, single mothers with children make up the fastest growing segment of the homeless population. If they are lucky, like Diane, they find a place to recover and start realizing their dreams.

This is Diane’s story. Her first-person account is a powerful success story. With access to resources proved by TDH, she was able to rise from homelessness to independence and self-sufficiency. Her plan is to now help others recover.

DIANE’S STORY

Although I was employed, I was not making enough money to cover all of my expenses. I was struggling to pay my rent from month to month and I was frequently late. The apartment complex was usually very accommodating. However, in May 2011, I was late with the rent as usual but the leasing manager would not accept a late payment. I was asked to leave. I do not have family in the area and my children and I did not have anywhere to go. I was able to afford a hotel room for a week, but after that we would have slept in the car or had to go to a real shelter, where my teenage son would have been separated from my daughter and me.The Drake House saved my life. The first night that I spent at The Drake House was the first time in several years that I felt safe. I thought I was just getting a break for the next three months. I did not know that it would completely turn my life around in such a positive way. The Drake House has an excellent reputation in the town of Roswell and hopefully they will become known on a larger platform and provide a model for other agencies.

The services of The Drake House have greatly impacted my life. I learned very valuable life skills such as creating boundaries and not allowing people to take advantage of me and thus putting me in a situation where I do not have enough resources to take care of my family. I learned strategies for budgeting on any income. The intake manager, who was also my case manager, taught me to use the envelope system to keep track of my spending. I was able to almost double my income by working with the career coach who provided me with strategies on how to market myself effectively. We completely reworked my resume. I was able to apply for positions and eventually get hired in the field of Technical Communications. The Drake House referred me to Homestretch where I lived in subsidized housing and was able to pay down a significant amount of debt and move into stabilized housing.

I plan to continue to pay down my debt and put myself in a position where I can purchase my own home. I plan to pursue additional employment opportunities that will provide multiple streams of income. I plan to continue to implement the budgeting strategies that I learned at The Drake House. In particular, I want to revisit the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace course and make sure that I continue to be conscious of where my money is being spent and cut corners wherever possible. And, I want to become a Drake House volunteer so that I can assist them in the great work that they are doing to stabilize families.

ABOUT DRAKE HOUSE

The Drake House is the only agency in the area offering an emergency residential program. In 2014, the program provided 14,091 bed nights to homeless mothers and children ensuring that 50 families were able to stay together.

To be accepted into The Drake House, participants must have a verifiable third party referral (typically a school or other local emergency service agency social worker) and must have a female head of household with a child/ren, infants to 18 years old.

The Drake House Keys to Family Success include housing, life skills workshops, children’s programs and mentoring support. Mothers and children attend weekly workshops that provide instruction in areas such as personal finance, health and wellness, organizational skills, boundary setting, nutrition and meal planning, and parenting.

Community and corporate supporters share The Drake House vision of a community where school buses do not stop at weekly rental motels and families have the opportunity to recover quickly and with dignity from their homeless situation.

“The Drake House is very proud of our partnership with State Farm,” says Drake House Executive Director Kathy Swahn. “Since we formed the organization in 2006, to serve homeless mothers and their children, State Farm has provided support though volunteerism, leadership and financial contributions.”

State Farm Systems Service Manager Genille McElvey is a member of the Drake House Advisory Council and chair of the 6th Annual Drake Walk. She loves supporting the Drake House and the work they do in her community, “the changes they are making in the lives of women and children are truly remarkable.”