• Install surge protectors, including a whole-house surge protector if possible. Surge protectors can help protect appliances and electronic equipment from the surge of electricity caused by lightning strikes. 
• Add a lightning protection system: a lightning protection system, often including lightning rods and grounding systems, can divert lightning strikes away from the building, reducing the risk of fire or damage. 
• Unplug electronic devices during a storm and seeking shelter at the lowest point in your home if you are home during a storm.  

Lightning remains a costly and unpredictable threat for homeowners. Lightning strikes can cause extensive damage to electrical systems, appliances, and even structural issues. The damage underscores the critical need for homeowners to be aware of the risks, invest in protective measures, and stay prepared, especially in high-risk regions where lightning strikes are most frequent and damaging. 

After a lightning storm, homeowners are encouraged to look for these common signs of lightning damage: 

• Charring — a lightning-strike site is often charred by lightning's intense heat. If you believe your home was struck by lightning, consider inspecting the property for burnt patches and charring. 
• Damaged electrical switches — similarly, the power surges sometimes caused by lightning can lead to burnt electrical switches. 
• Roof and wall damage — lightning can damage a roof or wall to the point of causing holes or reducing a home’s structural integrity. 
• Report lightning damage/claim to insurance as soon as possible to begin repair and recovery process. 

Consider taking extra precautions to prep your home if you live in a top lightning state. The Top 10 states for lightning claims according to Triple-I’s national industry average based on State Farm claims data are:

1. Florida 
2. Texas 
3. California 
4. Georgia 
5. North Carolina 
6. Louisiana 
7. Alabama 
8. New York 
9. Pennsylvania 
10. Illinois 
 

State Farm would like to congratulate the 100 volunteer fire departments selected to receive a $10,000 grant to purchase equipment that will help enhance safety, communications and operations for their departments. Volunteer fire departments play a critical role in the protection of communities across the country, especially in small towns and rural areas. In fact, over 65% of all firefighters in the U.S. are volunteers.

“We are proud to support the safety of volunteer firefighters – the ultimate good neighbors who risk their lives each and every day,” said Apsara Sorensen, State Farm corporate responsibility assistant vice president.

Check out the award recipients here.

Teaming up with the NVFC

In order to distribute the grants, State Farm teamed up with the NVFC to develop the program and select the winners. Only 500 applications were accepted, and the NVFC reached that limit in just 1.5 hours.

“We had a resounding response to this inaugural year of the State Farm Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program, which demonstrates how needed this support is for our local volunteer fire departments,” NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch said. “We are excited to see the direct impact this will have on departments and communities now and in years to come.”

Due to the high number of impressive applications and the widespread need observed across the nation, State Farm will continue the grant program in 2025. Future applicants can stay tuned to the NVFC opportunities page.

Those who were not awarded a grant still received something valuable. State Farm provided NVFC memberships to all 500 applicants, giving them access to a range of tools and resources designed to help them succeed. This includes free training, a First Responder Helpline and many additional benefits.

Fire Prevention Week

This announcement coincides with an important time for fire departments – October 6-12 is Fire Prevention Week. The theme this year is “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!™” which strives to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms at home.

State Farm also supports fire prevention through the American Red Cross Sound the Alarm program. Through this collaboration, so far this year Red Cross has documented more than 100 lives saved, more than 130,000 smoke alarms installed and more than 40,000 escape plans created.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme, visit fpw.org.

“Mission Leaders like State Farm are vital to our work, helping drive innovation across our organization, providing capacity to respond immediately in times of crisis," said Cliff Holtz, president and CEO of the American Red Cross. “I am grateful for their support, which safeguards our ability to care for those in need when the unthinkable happens."

State Farm has a long history of providing grants to non-profits after disaster strikes a community. This new approach to pre-fund grants before disaster strikes aims to help provide streamlined and immediate support of disaster relief efforts. The goal of pre-funding is to support non-profit preparedness, relief and recovery efforts for communities and families impacted by disasters big and small – including hurricanes, floods, home fires and countless other crises – as efficiently and timely as possible. 

“Being a good neighbor is at the heart of the State Farm mission,” said Apsara Sorensen, State Farm Corporate Responsibility Assistant Vice President. “State Farm is committed to helping individuals and families manage the risks of everyday life and recover from the unexpected. We extend this commitment to the neighborhoods we serve by providing resources and collaborating with nonprofit organizations with a history of disaster response, providing immediate relief and vital necessities during times of need.”

"This proactive support ensures that Midwest Food Bank is ready to respond swiftly when natural disasters strike. Thanks to their commitment, we can bring hope and help to those in need, demonstrating the power of partnership in action," said Lisa Martin, CFO of Midwest Food Bank.

According to Ethan Forhetz, Convoy of Hope VP of Public Engagement, "This grant ensures that Convoy disaster response teams will stand ready to deliver hope to those whose lives have been turned upside down.” 

A natural phenomenon, lightning can cause extensive damage to ecosystems, property, and sometimes lead to death. Knowing and managing the risks associated with lightning can help protect your family and property.

Lightning Safety Tips:

If lightning is common in your area, familiarize yourself with ways to reduce risk before and during a lightning storm. For example:

• Go indoors at the first sign of a storm.
• Avoid touching electronics or anything with a cord, such as your hair dryer.
• Stay away from water sources, including pipes, sinks and showers.
• Do not stand or lean on concrete structures. Metal bars inside the concrete can conduct electricity.
• Seek shelter in a hard-top vehicle if you're stuck outside. Also avoid sitting inside convertible cars, golf carts and motorcycles.
• If swimming or boating when lightning is present, get out of the water and onto dry land.
• Do not touch metal surfaces, such as a sliding door.
• Avoid touching anything served by gas lines, such as water heaters, ovens, furnaces and fireplaces.
• If you're outside and shelter isn't available, crouch down at least 100 feet from tall objects, tuck your head in and cover your ears.
• If someone has been struck by lightning, call 911 or your local ambulance service immediately. If you are qualified, give the person first aid. Lightning victims are safe to touch and need medical attention right away.

Invest in lightning protection

Your best bet for stopping lightning damage in its tracks may be a lightning protection system tailored specifically to your home's architecture. Such a system creates a pathway for lightning bolts, guiding them safely into the ground.

Install lightning surge protection devices

Lightning strikes on or near a power line or utility service are a frequent cause of power surges. Point-of-use surge protection devices (SPDs), combined with a good grounding system, should protect your electronic and electrical appliances from most electrical surges. An SPD does not suppress or arrest a surge; it actually diverts the surge to the ground.

Service entrance SPDs provide protection for your entire electrical system and are usually installed at the electrical panel(s) or at the base of the service meter. These devices help prevent the entrance of overvoltages, which can cause a fire. Surge protection devices are typically installed in conjunction with a lightning protection system.

Lightning Insurance

While there isn't a policy for lightning alone, your homeowners, condo, or renters’ policy can help get you get you back on your feet if lightning does strike. You can also contact your insurance agent if you have coverage questions about damage due to lightning.

Projects on a budget

May is National Wildfire Preparedness Month and State Farm is here to help homeowners with simple projects that can be done on a budget over a weekend to help mitigate loss from a wildfire.

1. Create a 5-foot non-combustible barrier between your home and any vegetation on your property.
   1. Trim overhanging trees, branches and other foliage.
   2. Remove vines from house walls.
   3. Pick up debris in your yard. Anything flammable should be removed like pine needles, pine cones and more.
2. Remove leaves, pine needles and other debris from your gutters.
3. Cover vents and openings with wire mesh to prevent embers from entering the home.
4. Install ember and fire-resistant soffit vents.
5. Treat wooden fencing with fire retardant or consider replacing with metal fencing.
6. Replace mulch landscaping with rock.
7. Talk to your local fire department about wildfire prep advice they may have for your specific area.
8. Create a home inventory. A home inventory can expedite insurance claims process after theft, damage or loss. The easiest way to do a home inventory is using technology to create a digital copy:
   1. Take pictures. Capture important individual items as well as entire rooms, closets or drawers. Label your photos with what's pictured, where you bought it, the make or model and the serial number. Don’t forget the garage and even your possessions outside.
   2. Take video. Walk through your house or apartment recording and describing the contents. For example, you might describe the contents of a kitchen cabinet: "Poppies on Blue by Lenox, service for 12 that includes a dinner plate, salad plate, bowl, cup and saucer, purchased in 2015."
   3. Use an app. There are many mobile app options that can help you create and store a room-by-room record of your belongings.
9. Talk to your State Farm agent. We recommend meeting with your agent at least annually to help you make sure you have adequate coverage for your individual needs.

While you can’t always prevent wildfires, these tips can help assess your risk and identify ways to help protect your home and property from a wildfire.

Crushed, you toss the plans in the fireplace. But someone believes in you and rescues the dream from the ash heap, literally and figuratively.

Can you relate? In 1922, a small-town farmer found himself in this very situation.

It started with the seed of an idea

The small town farmer was G.J. Mecherle, from Merna, Illinois. He believed farmers were charged too much for insurance premiums and had a plan to level the field. After his wife saved his plans from the fireplace, G.J. disrupted the insurance industry in a major way. He followed his dream and started his own company – State Farm^®.

Today, State Farm is the industry leader with a century of experience, financial strength and agents all across the U.S. That one seed grew into a Fortune 50 company with more than 19,000 agents helping communities, consumers and small businesses realize their dreams.

State Farm agents understand small business because they are small business

As small business owners in so many communities, State Farm agents know the passion needed to start your own business. And the grit and dedication needed to make it successful. They help business owners go after and protect their dreams. They provide not only insurance products and help planning for financial security, but in many cases help spark community engagement.

“As a small business owner myself, I can relate to their issues. I explain we’re more alike than different,” shares veteran State Farm Agent Buster Nelson, of Fredericksburg, Virginia. “We have similar challenges and rewards. It’s scary when you decide to go after your dream, when you first start out. I know a little guidance or help can go a long way.”

Going after your doughnut dreams

Agent Buster Nelson celebrated National Doughnut Day by giving away doughnuts from a local bakery (a State Farm customer). Not just any doughnuts, but the crème de la crème limited edition red velvet doughnuts made especially for Buster and the lucky doughnut recipients!

“A bakery, and its owner, have been insured through my office since it opened 30 years ago,” Nelson said. “So we worked together on a mutually beneficial event.”

“On my Facebook page, I invited customers to come by the bakery to pick up a free red velvet doughnut,” he said. “State Farm red…get it😊?”

“When my team and I set up a table outside at 7 a.m., people were already lined up to go into the shop. We passed out doughnuts along with State Farm branded items and got more customers in the bakery doors for more sweets. Win, win, win.”

“Every few months, I buy gourmet popcorn from a local small business I insure. Then I stop by other businesses I work with and give them a bag of popcorn with a note that reads, ‘Just popping in to say hello.’ It’s a social call more than a business call, but again, it helps everyone out and lets them know I’m there for them when they need me.”

“Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there^®” is more than a slogan; it is who we are. You’ll see us supporting and attending local youth sports games, mentoring other entrepreneurs, sponsoring community events and more.

Restoring lives, rebuilding neighborhoods, renewing hope, investing in communities, advocating for consumer safety, and supporting education where we live and work is what being a 100-year good neighbor is all about.

"From doughnut shops to beverage distributors, from hair salons to warehouses, State Farm agents are perfectly suited to help small business owners protect their dreams, their livelihoods and their families,” said Chief Agency, Sales & Marketing Officer and former State Farm Agent Rand Harbert.

“Our founder would be proud of how his dream continues to unfold,” Harbert continued. “Today, we remain as committed to making life better for people as we were in 1922. This includes the millions of small business owners across the United States. We’ll keep finding new ways to honor that commitment and serve more customers as we begin our next 100 years.”

Small businesses thrive when they are supported by the community

Share this story and tag a small business you support to encourage others to check them out. #ShopLocal

When Christine Lopez woke up Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011, she didn’t expect the day to be so life-changing; literally upside down.

It started as a nearly perfect day in East Los Angeles. The sun was shining, a light breeze, barely a cloud in the sky. Christine and her five-year-old Leilani spent most of the morning looking for a special gift at the mall.

Around one o’clock in the afternoon, Christine decided it was time to head home. With Leilani buckled into her car seat enjoying a snack, she got behind the wheel of her SUV. She queued up Leilani’s favorite playlist, and headed for the nearest intersection.

The mother and daughter laughed and sang along to the music while waiting for the traffic light to turn green. When it finally did, Christine lifted her foot off the brake pedal, started to make a left turn — and then it happened…

In the blink of an eye, Christine’s wonderful day turned into a nightmare. A vehicle ran the red light and broadsided the Lopez family at 40 miles per hour. The smaller gas-electric hybrid impacted the SUV’s rear passenger side door and quarter panel, causing it to spin around several times and ultimately flip over.

When the glass, metal, and plastic stopped flying and the dust settled, they were upside down and facing the wrong way in oncoming traffic on a heavily-traveled street.

“I must have lost consciousness for a moment or two, but once I came around, Leilani was all I could think about,” Christine recalled. “I was upside down, and the car was eerily silent. I was afraid to look back. But when I did, I saw my daughter’s smiling face staring back at me. She was also hanging upside down in her car seat — safe and sound — giggling, ‘I’m upside down, mommy. Wheeee. That was fun,’ just like she had just been on an amusement park ride or something.”

Montebello Police Officer Oscar Chavez was the first emergency responder to reach the crash site and was surprised to find no one seriously hurt.

"Not many people walk-away from such a wreck unscathed. Whenever there’s an overturned vehicle or car on its side, we expect the worst, often finding a severely injured person or persons inside the vehicle,” shared Officer Chavez. “But that wasn’t the case here. We don’t normally see a motorist involved in this serious of a collision walk away without a scratch, especially a child. It was amazing, and says a lot about proper use of restraints.”

Most would say Christine and her daughter were lucky, that fate was on their side that day. But Christine was also smart. Had she not been practicing what she learned from a child passenger safety seat inspection undergone a few days prior, the outcome could’ve been much different.

Just four days before and at the urging of a close friend in the California Highway Patrol, Christine decided to attend a child passenger safety/safety seat inspection event in her neighborhood sponsored by State Farm®.

Ninety-six percent of parents like Christine, roll up to an inspection station confident that the seats protecting their kids are installed and being used correctly.

Fajardo says most people don’t. “Some seats get passed down from kid to kid, borrowed from family members, or purchased at second hand stores, yard sales or thrift stores,” she explained. “We don’t recommended secondhand seats because you never know what you’re going to get. The effects of wear and tear or other environmental factors over the years could’ve compromised the straps, plastic, or locking mechanisms.”

During the inspection, Fajardo made one other change: she moved Leilani’s seat from the passenger side to the center of the back seat.

While sitting in the middle isn’t a safety requirement, it worked for Christine since Leilani was generally the only rear seat passenger – and as luck would have it, this was the reason Leilani wasn’t sitting by the door that was struck four days later.

After the evaluation was complete, Christine was a bit frustrated but grateful. Officer Fajardo replaced her expired booster seat with a smaller safety seat with a five point harness. Then, taught Christine how to install it and how to properly restrain Leilani in it.

“It was intense and humbling, learning that I was putting my daughter at risk,” admits Christine.

While the child safety seat played a pivotal role for Leilani, it wasn’t the only passenger safety restraint at work in this case. The seat belt and airbags played critical roles, too. It quite possibly saved Christine’s life.

It’s been ten years since Christine and Leilani dangled upside down on Montebello Boulevard.

While the physical bumps and bruises have all healed, the memories still linger.

“Every time we drive by that intersection, Leilani says, ‘Remember what happened here, Mommy?’ I say, ‘How can I forget, baby.’”

Leilani, now almost sixteen, like many teens, has no urge to drive herself. She’s more than content letting her mom stay behind the wheel.

Christine still wonders what could have happened if she had stayed in bed on October 22, rather than go to the child seat inspection.

“What if Leilani’s seat hadn’t been replaced?” wonders Christine. “What if her seat was anchored in the passenger side rear seat at the time of the collision? What if I hadn’t buckled up properly? Would we still be alive?”

What if, indeed.

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. It's more than a slogan; it's who we are.

For the past 100 years, we've made it our mission to restore lives, help rebuild neighborhoods, invest in communities, and support education and safety initiatives – like car seat safety - where we live and work. It's what being a good neighbor is all about. 

"We could do some shopping," he said. "Maybe check out that new restaurant that just opened?"

Amy thought about it for a bit. Her eyes widened, "I know! How about we donate six embryos to a couple we've never met that's having trouble conceiving?"

"That was literally the next thing I was going to say!" said Mike, and the rest, as they say, is history.

OK, we admit we may have embellished Amy and Mike's conversation just a smidge, but what actually happened is still pretty remarkable!

What Actually Happened

Amy Harris and her daughter, Mali. "Every moment I spend with my kids is special and I try and never lose sight of that."

Amy and Mike both work for State Farm^®, and back in 2015, they were having difficulty starting a family. After countless visits to the doctor and even more disappointments, the couple began the In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) process. IVF is a long, complicated series of procedures – oversimplified, the mother's eggs are fertilized outside her body and the embryos are then implanted.

"It's an emotionally and physically draining process," said Amy, recalling all of the pills, shots and other medicines she had to take. The results were more than worth it, as the couple ended up with seven embryos. One of the embryos was implanted and the other six were frozen, in case the Harrises decided to further grow their family.

The couple had a "wonderfully uneventful" pregnancy and on March 16, 2016, their daughter, Mali Rae, was born. Now normally this is the part where we say "and they lived happily ever after," but our story takes an unexpected turn when, five months later, Amy realized she was pregnant again.

"Being pregnant again was great," said Amy. "Being pregnant without having to go through IVF again was almost unbelievable!"

Flash forward to May 17, 2017, when their son Casey was born. The couple was overjoyed, their family was complete and they couldn't believe their luck.

"Going from not being able to have a child to having two seemed almost too good to be true," Mike said.

One question remained, however: What were they going to do with the six other embryos that they'd kept?

One Act Can Change Everything

Amy and Mike thought about it a lot and decided since their family was complete, they'd help other couples who were trying to start a family.

"I know how terrible it was for us when we couldn't get pregnant," Amy said. "So if there was any way we could help, we were going to do it."

The couple found Snowflakes, an agency that works with donors and recipients on embryo adoption. After a long process that included blood tests, medical releases, countless pages of paperwork and "tons of legal jargon," the Harrises were matched with a couple in Georgia who adopted the embryos.

Two of the embryos were implanted and nine months later, the adoptive couple gave birth to a baby boy. The boy is a healthy, happy 2-year-old now, thanks in large part to the selfless acts of Amy and Mike.

"Seeing that baby and hearing how happy the parents were, it's truly unbelievable," said Mike.

But Wait, There's More!

Just when you think the story couldn't get any better – well, it does! This March, the adoptive mother is due to give birth to another baby, a little girl this time.

Amy and Mike stay in touch with the adoptive couple and continue to be overwhelmed by their gratitude.

"They've told us how we're the answer to all of their prayers," said Amy. "It's humbling, really.

"It's so incredible to be able to be a part of something so much bigger than yourself."

Join the conversation on Yammer!

Our story begins with a young couple, Amy and Mike Harris, sitting down for breakfast. They were deciding what they were going to do that day when Mike got an idea.

"We could do some shopping," he said. "Maybe check out that new restaurant that just opened?"

Amy thought about it for a bit. Her eyes widened, "I know! How about we donate six embryos to a couple we've never met that's having trouble conceiving?"

"That was literally the next thing I was going to say!" said Mike, and the rest, as they say, is history.

OK, we admit we may have embellished Amy and Mike's conversation just a smidge, but what actually happened is still pretty remarkable!

What Actually Happened

Amy Harris and her daughter, Mali. "Every moment I spend with my kids is special and I try and never lose sight of that."

Amy and Mike both work for State Farm^®, and back in 2015, they were having difficulty starting a family. After countless visits to the doctor and even more disappointments, the couple began the In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) process. IVF is a long, complicated series of procedures – oversimplified, the mother's eggs are fertilized outside her body and the embryos are then implanted.

"It's an emotionally and physically draining process," said Amy, recalling all of the pills, shots and other medicines she had to take. The results were more than worth it, as the couple ended up with seven embryos. One of the embryos was implanted and the other six were frozen, in case the Harrises decided to further grow their family.

The couple had a "wonderfully uneventful" pregnancy and on March 16, 2016, their daughter, Mali Rae, was born. Now normally this is the part where we say "and they lived happily ever after," but our story takes an unexpected turn when, five months later, Amy realized she was pregnant again.

"Being pregnant again was great," said Amy. "Being pregnant without having to go through IVF again was almost unbelievable!"

Flash forward to May 17, 2017, when their son Casey was born. The couple was overjoyed, their family was complete and they couldn't believe their luck.

"Going from not being able to have a child to having two seemed almost too good to be true," Mike said.

One question remained, however: What were they going to do with the six other embryos that they'd kept?

One Act Can Change Everything

Amy and Mike thought about it a lot and decided since their family was complete, they'd help other couples who were trying to start a family.

"I know how terrible it was for us when we couldn't get pregnant," Amy said. "So if there was any way we could help, we were going to do it."

The couple found Snowflakes, an agency that works with donors and recipients on embryo adoption. After a long process that included blood tests, medical releases, countless pages of paperwork and "tons of legal jargon," the Harrises were matched with a couple in Georgia who adopted the embryos.

Two of the embryos were implanted and nine months later, the adoptive couple gave birth to a baby boy. The boy is a healthy, happy 2-year-old now, thanks in large part to the selfless acts of Amy and Mike.

"Seeing that baby and hearing how happy the parents were, it's truly unbelievable," said Mike.

But Wait, There's More!

Just when you think the story couldn't get any better – well, it does! This March, the adoptive mother is due to give birth to another baby, a little girl this time.

Amy and Mike stay in touch with the adoptive couple and continue to be overwhelmed by their gratitude.

"They've told us how we're the answer to all of their prayers," said Amy. "It's humbling, really.

"It's so incredible to be able to be a part of something so much bigger than yourself."

• Supporting local food banks
• Donating meals to medical workers and first responders
• Assisting the elderly with grocery shopping
• Supporting local restaurants
• Making and donating face masks
• Providing homework help
• ...and much more!

Read about some of the more unique efforts in the stories and news accounts below. 

In the News:

• "Serving" - video featuring State Farm Agent Thomas Waters (Homewood, Alabama)
• Black Woman Sends Orphans Black Dolls to Help Teach Them They Can ‘Be the Center of the Story’ (Richardson, Texas)
• St. Augustine State Farm agent supports community during coronavirus crisis (St. Augustine, Florida)
• Local State Farm agent helps firefighters reduce kitchen fires (Huntington, West Virginia)
• Columbus State Farm agents make donation to Center for Survivors (Columbus, Nebraska)
• Local State Farm agent sponsors Rustburg community day (Rustburg, Virginia)

“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."

Later this year, the U.S. Supreme Court will review three cases involving discrimination against the LGBTQ community. These cases will carry great significance for our society.

The decision will focus on whether interpretation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

“State Farm is proud to sign a ‘friend of the court’ brief (also known as an amicus brief) in support of anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ employees. Doing so, is in furtherance of the letter and spirit of our enterprise policies and practices,” says SVP and General Counsel Steve McManus. “Moreover, it says in one collective voice, ‘We believe in a workplace free of discrimination, and we value and promote diversity, equality and inclusion.’”

As good neighbors, our long history and success story is built directly from committed, caring people helping other people. Sometimes how we help people involves supporting what we value and believe.

This is the excitement 28-year-old Daniel Lopez felt after being given the opportunity to volunteer with his company for a national crowd-sourced philanthropic program. “Like Daniel, I volunteered so I could see good things happening,” added 34-year-old Whitney Totheroh. “I knew my actions could make a positive difference for others.”

Last summer, both Lopez and Totheroh participated on a committee comprised of nearly 120 young business professionals at State Farm^® who volunteered their time to make an impact on communities across the United States. Their work was part of the State Farm Neighborhood Assist® program. Now in its eighth year, Neighborhood Assist awards 40 causes around the country with a $25,000 grant each to support education, safety and community development projects. Committee members like Lopez and Totheroh were tasked with reviewing the submissions sent in by causes.

Totheroh says the stories she read were inspiring. “Seeing the good work people are doing in their neighborhoods broadened my horizons. They are identifying problems and making the choice to make a change.”

Lopez agreed, adding the volunteer opportunity with Neighborhood Assist also helped him professionally. “Being on the review committee, I developed a stronger work ethic, better time management and gained more perspective about the world around me.”

The experiences of Neighborhood Assist Review Committee members like Totheroh and Lopez affirms a recent survey by State Farm, stating that certain factors, including showing impact and career development opportunities, can influence volunteerism among Millennials.

According to the study, 66% of Millennials surveyed reported volunteering at least once in the past 12 months. While Millennials had a higher incidence of volunteering, they did it less often than the Baby Boomer and Mature generations. Considering national trends, the findings are noteworthy. Millennials now surpass Baby Boomers as the largest generation in the United States.* As a result, they have the biggest potential to influence volunteerism.

“I feel like there are a lot of Millennials who do something for a short time, and then move on,” said Lopez. “Maybe it’s because they don’t know how their effort is paying off. For me, Neighborhood Assist was different. I got to help communities across the country by reviewing their causes, then witness which ones got grant funding. That was really rewarding.”

“It’s so important to highlight people in this world that are doing good things,” added Totheroh. “Put good out, and you get good back in.”

Echoing the feedback of young professionals like Lopez and Totheroh, the study revealed opportunities for career development and showing the impact of one’s work played key roles in motivating Millennials to volunteer.

Other factors included: 

• Getting social: More Millennials visit websites to learn about volunteering than any other generation.

• The more the merrier: Being able to participate with friends or meet new people plays a large role in a Millennials’ willingness to volunteer

• Knowledge is power: The prospect of gaining expertise in a certain area or learning a new skill, inspires more Millennials to give back.

• Opportunities nearby: Millennials agree, they’re more likely to get involved if the organization or non-profit is close to their home or job.

“It’s about finding your passion," said Totheroh. “The opportunity to learn, be with friends, and meet new people are all perks of volunteering. Sometimes I think young people may not know how, or where to start. But one thing’s for sure. For me, the best part about volunteering is knowing I helped someone else. That’s time well spent.”

“Peanut butter can be expensive for food banks and food pantries to purchase yet it’s a power house of nutrition,” said, Tara Ingham, Executive Director for the Midwest Food Bank, “Especially in times of disaster relief it’s convenient, doesn’t take much preparation – and it packs a ton of nutrition.”

According to the National Peanut Board, a two tablespoon serving of the nutty spread packs seven grams of protein and more than 30 essential vitamins and minerals. With an average cost of 16 cents per serving, peanut butter makes a nutrient-rich addition to breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.

That’s why State Farm employees across the U.S. united to help stock food pantry shelves. In less than one month, they collected more than 18,000 jars of peanut butter, totaling more than 21,000 pounds. The donations were distributed to food pantries across the country.

Catrena Smith, an Illinois employee, worked with her department to collect more than 100 jars.

“This peanut butter drive is a wonderful opportunity to contribute and give together as a team,” said Smith. “It’s amazing to know our collective effort at State Farm will help feed many.”

Looking for ways to get involved in your community? Whether it’s giving a jar of peanut butter, or giving your time to a local organization - the State Farm Neighborhood of Good® can help. Visit www.NeighborhoodofGood.com® to find causes that matter to you – right in your neighborhood.

“We were intent on finding a relationship that was an ideal fit with our organization and this community in terms of values, priorities and culture,” said Cardinals President Michael Bidwill. “With State Farm, we absolutely did that. While this is a comprehensive marketing agreement, there will be a major focus on community programs that will have a positive impact across our state. State Farm is one of the most-respected and recognizable brands in the world and Phoenix is fortunate to be one of its three hub markets.”

“State Farm is committed to making a difference and so are the Arizona Cardinals" said State Farm Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael Tipsord. “Working with them gives us the chance to build even stronger communities in Arizona and helps us build our brand nationally.”

Arizona is home to one of three of State Farm regional hubs. State Farm is an active member of the local community employing approximately 7,000 individuals. State Farm prides itself on activating its workforce in the communities they reside. Over the past four years, State Farm staff has volunteered over 2 million hours in their respective communities.

The process of integrating State Farm Stadium branding assets throughout the stadium and other team platforms will take place over the coming weeks and much of it is expected to be in place by the Cardinals regular season opener vs. Washington on September 9.

Until today, the venue had been known as University of Phoenix Stadium since its inaugural season of 2006. University of Phoenix will remain heavily connected to the Cardinals as the team’s Official Education Partner.

Since it opened in 2006, the stadium has become one of the most iconic and well-known landmarks in the state of Arizona. The building has hosted some of the most incredible and unforgettable sporting events in America. In addition to 126 consecutive sold-out Cardinals home games and the Fiesta Bowl annually, the multi-purpose facility has also hosted two Super Bowls, the 2015 Pro Bowl, three college football national championship games and the NCAA men’s basketball Final Four in 2017. It was recently selected to host Super Bowl LVII in 2023 and the Final Four again in 2024. In addition, State Farm Stadium will host a College Football Playoff semifinal game three times between now and 2026.

“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 #

“Economically, it was a rough time," said Suzy. "The banking industry plummeted.” Unemployed, with two small children and facing the unknown – she kept the following goals in mind: 1.) Send her kids to college. 2.) Retire, at some point. But how would she achieve this? Her children had a sweet idea: Open an ice cream shop.

“My kids and I LOVE ice cream,” smiled Suzy. “We would travel miles to find great tasting, quality treats. It was our tradition.”

Suzy admits, opening an ice cream shop was far from anything she’d ever imagined, but still decided to go for it. “My kids inspired me,” she said. “After everything I’d been through, I thought, ‘Why not?’” She planned, took small business courses, attended ice cream school, budgeted, created a marketing strategy, found a space for her shop and concocted countless ice cream recipes.

The Big Day

In July 2011, the Azucar Ice Cream Company officially opened its doors. “It was such an exciting time,” said Suzy. “I opened during a downtown festival – and ran out of product! It was a great problem to have, until I realized, ‘What am I going to sell tomorrow?’” It was a long night of ice cream making, and the start of something big.

Located in the heart of Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood, Suzy’s shop pays tribute to her Cuban heritage. While Azucar Ice Cream offers flavors like chocolate, vanilla and strawberry – guests will also find an assortment of Cuban options ranging from Mantecado (French vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon ice cream) to Abuela Maria (vanilla ice cream mixed with guava, cream cheese and crispy cookies).

“The Abuela Maria is a Cuban classic,” smiled Suzy. “It warms my heart to see customers taste the flavors and be reminded of home.”

As business blossomed, Suzy met State Farm Agent Javier Areas. “With so much on the line, I wanted to make sure I had everything protected,” she said.

“I was happy to sit down with Suzy,” said Javier. “Being a small business owner myself, I want to eliminate worry and provide support for success. It’s so rewarding to help people and see their business grow.”

During the meeting, Javier discovered Suzy did not have coverage on her warehouse.

“This is the place where the ice cream is made,” explained Javier. “Suzy’s produce, like guava and pineapple is also stored here. In addition to her equipment, the food alone can cost thousands of dollars. If something happened to her warehouse, the costs associated with the loss would be insurmountable.”

“Can you see why I’m grateful to work with Javier? He’s taught me so much!” said Suzy. “He calls me often to check in, but I’ll never forget when he called in 2017 - shortly before Hurricane Irma arrived.”

Being in the heart of Miami, the store is prone to powerful storms. “Last year, I was terrified Hurricane Irma would not only hurt my shop, it would ruin my exterior sign,” said Suzy. “I love that sign. It’s a 29 foot tall ice cream tower – and really eye catching!”

Javier gave Suzy peace of mind.

“Through a Business Policy, this ensured the sign and Suzy’s shop would be OK in case something happened,” said Javier. “It also covers loss of income in the event the hurricane prevented her store from reopening for an extended period of time.”

Luckily, Suzy’s store suffered little to no damage from the storm, but she says – she’s not taking any chances. “When you dedicate your life to building a small business and making it work – you want to make sure it’s protected.”

As the Azucar Ice Cream Company continues to welcome new and familiar faces, Suzy says she’s looking forward to the future. “I’m truly grateful to be able to do this. To turn this dream into a reality. A big thank you to my kids for believing in me. And a big thank you to my State Farm agent Javier who looks out for this business. We’re better because of him.”

State Farm, Victoria Stilwell and members of the National Dog Bite Prevention Coalition have joined forces during National Dog Bite Prevention Week to educate adults and children about ways to reduce dog-related injuries. Members of the National Dog Bite Prevention Coalition include State Farm, Victoria Stilwell, Insurance Information Institute, United States Postal Service, American Humane, and the American Veterinary Medical Association.

“Educating the general public about dog bite prevention is more vital than ever,” says Stilwell. “As a dog behavior expert, I support the need to raise awareness and stop these incidents from occurring.” Stilwell urges people to join the discussion and share tips on being safe and responsible around dogs by using the hashtag #preventdogbites.

State Farm is one of the few insurance companies that does not have a breed restriction list and does not exclude homeowner or renter insurance coverage because of the breed of dog owned.

Instead, the insurance company works with world renowned dog trainer Victoria Stilwell to focus on educating people about responsible pet ownership and understanding dog body language. Being bitten or attacked by a dog can leave physical and emotional scars. For the dog, it can be a death sentence. Children make up more than 50% of all dog bite victims. The elderly and home service people like mail carriers are also high on the list of frequent dog bite victims.

While an overwhelming majority of interactions with dogs don’t result in injury, most dog bites could be prevented by practicing responsible pet ownership and educating people, especially children, about how to safely interact with dogs. Stilwell recommends the following tips to keep people safe from dog bites.

1. Learn canine body language. Too often people misunderstand or miss signals that a dog is uncomfortable. For example, a dog that yawns might not necessarily be tired. Yawning can also be a sign of stress.
2. Give dogs space. Dogs can feel threatened when strange people touch them, so take pressure off by giving them the choice to come into your space first to say hello.
3. Be humane. Dogs that are raised and trained humanely are more confident and less likely to bite than dogs that are trained using punitive methods or equipment designed to intimidate and cause pain.

Homeowners should talk to their insurance agent about coverage under a standard homeowner policy. Pet owners should consider a personal liability umbrella policy (PLUP) to provide extra coverage in case their dog does bite someone. Renters should consider getting renters insurance because most landlords do not provide coverage should there be a dog bite incident.

How You Can Help Prevent Injuries

Understanding a dog's body language and how to be a responsible pet owner can help reduce the number of dog bite related injuries. 

Dogs are very expressive animals. They communicate when they’re feeling happy, sad, nervous, fearful and angry through body language. “Whale eye” describes a dog who is showing the whites of their eyes and often indicates stress or anxiety. Whale eye can be a sign that the dog will soon become aggressive because a dog who is anxious is more likely to bite.

A chained dog can become a dangerous dog. Dogs that are kept on a chain or tether outside for long periods of time can become unhappy, frustrated and aggressive. Many cities and states now have tethering laws that state how long a dog can be kept on a chain or tethered outdoors. A responsible dog owner will take their dog outdoors regularly for exercise and fresh air but doesn’t leave a dog on a chain without social interaction. 

Dog Bite Prevention Quiz

Hover over the image below to learn more safety tips.

Postal Carrier Protection

There were 6,244 postal carriers bitten in 2017. If a letter carrier delivers mail or packages to your front door, place your dog in a separate room and close that door before opening the front door. This practice is helpful to consider for food and other package deliveries as well.

Top 15 cities for dog attacks to U.S. postal carrier in 2017

1. Houston, TX 71 attacks

2. Los Angeles, CA 67 attacks

3. St. Louis, MO 52 attacks

4. Cleveland, OH 49 attacks

5. San Diego, CA 46 attacks

6. Baltimore, MD 44 attacks

7. San Antonio, TX 44 attacks

8. Columbus, OH 43 attacks

9. Dallas, TX 40 attacks

10. Louisville, KY 39 attacks

11. Chicago, IL 38 attacks

12. Denver, CO 35 attacks

13. Long Beach, CA 32 attacks

14. Detroit, MI 32 attacks

15. Kansas City, MO 32 attacks

A deep dive into this generation finds two distinct groups: those who are starting out (younger Millennials) and those who are married, have kids, or own a home (older Millennials). According to the study, only 23 percent of younger Millennials currently volunteer, compared to 46 percent of older Millennials.

These findings are noteworthy when considering national trends. Millennials now surpass Baby Boomers as the largest generation in the United States.* As a result, they have the biggest potential to influence volunteerism.

Here’s what motivates Millennials to volunteer:

• Get social: According to the study, digital communication is key. Fifty-eight percent of Millennials surveyed visited a website to learn about volunteering, (a rate that declined significantly with each preceding generation).

• Opportunities nearby: Forty-four percent of older Millennials and 34% of younger Millennials agree, they’re more likely to get involved if the organization or non-profit is close to their home or job.

• Show the impact: People want to know their work was worth it. Forty-three percent of older Millennials and 34% of younger Millennials say seeing the impact of their time and talent reaffirms their commitment to give back.

• Career development: Forty percent of older Millennials and 35% of younger Millennials said offering opportunities to help their career or job search would boost their willingness to volunteer.

• Knowledge is power: The prospect of gaining expertise in a certain area or learning a new skill inspires more people to get involved. Forty percent of older Millennials and 31% of younger Millennials say this opportunity would make them more likely to volunteer.

• The more the merrier: Both groups agree, being able to participate with friends (44% older Millennials, 35% younger Millennials) or meet new people (28% older Millennials, 22% younger Millennials) plays a large role in their decision to volunteer. In fact, one in five Millennials reported finding a significant other through volunteering!

To share volunteer opportunities, or find ways to give back, visit NeighborhoodofGood.com^® for more information.

About the Survey

In November of 2017, State Farm conducted a study on volunteerism to identify those most likely to volunteer as well as the conditions or situations where volunteerism rates are highest. State Farm surveyed approximately 3,100 U.S. adults aged 18 and older and weighted the data to match proportions in the U.S. by generation: Millennials (18-34), Generation X (35-50), Baby Boomers (51-70) and the Mature Generations (71+). This study follows a survey conducted the previous year that provided insights on how to inspire and cultivate volunteerism.

*Source: Pew Research Center tabulation of U.S. Census population projections released December 2014 and 2015 population estimates.

The crash happened in 2013, but the raw emotions of that fateful morning are still real for Gary Catronio and his family. "It's as though we lost her yesterday," said Gary. "The pain never subsides."

Life changed for the Catronios the morning of November 17, 2013. On that day, Gary’s 21-year-old daughter Marisa and her best friend Kaitlyn Ferrante, were traveling home after spending time with friends near the Florida coast. Just before 2AM on the Sawgrass Expressway, a speeding car, traveling the wrong way, crashed into Marisa and Kaitlyn with an impact so forceful, it took both of their lives.

"That day we lost our daughter (Marisa) and our daughter at heart (Kaitlyn)," said Gary. "These beautiful, young souls who brought light and love into the world are gone forever."

"They had bright, promising futures," said Kaitlyn's mom, Christine. "Two smart, strong women whose big dreams were just about to begin."

According to reports, the driver hit the pair head on. Her blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit. "This tragedy was 100 percent preventable,” said Christine. “No one should ever experience the searing heartache all of us feel every day.”

Making a Change:

Within 24 hours of losing their daughters – the Catronios, the Ferrantes and their friends made it their mission to honor the legacies of Marisa and Kaitlyn. Not only in their homes, but on interstates nationwide. “Our highways must be safer. So we got to work - starting with the Sawgrass Expressway,” said Gary.

In the winter of 2013, the Catronio family began researching how to block wrong way drivers from entering the road. It’s the mission of Marisa’s Way, a foundation created to prevent driving errors. “It starts with enhanced signage,” said Gary. “We investigated how to alert drivers before it’s too late. The problem is, with some entrances, you can’t see the wrong way warning. Sometimes the signs are too high, too far back, or too far apart – which means car headlights don’t hit them at the right angle – so they don’t illuminate.”

Finding a Solution:

In 2014, Marisa’s Way launched a pilot project using flashing LED wrong way signs.

“They’re not cheap and can cost up to $2,500,” said Gary. “But a representative of Traffic and Parking Control Products and Solutions (TAPCO) heard our story and sent us one. That generosity helped get the ball rolling.”

The enhanced LED blinking signs don’t rely on car headlights to illuminate. Instead, the high tech, low maintenance flashing bulbs help catch drivers’ attention and can trigger a 9-1-1 call to local authorities.

“In 2014, we took a 36 x 24 LED sign with us when we lobbied for this technology in Tallahassee,” said Gary. “The sign flashed as I addressed lawmakers on the steps of the state capitol. Shortly after that presentation, the state approved these signs for testing in South Florida. I recommended putting them on the Sawgrass Expressway first.” Next stop? The Florida Department of Transportation.

“Our team used a working sign to demonstrate this technology to FDOT,” said Gary. “When we gave the presentation one of the members said, ‘Gary - can you do me a favor? Could you shut that off? The LED is so bright, I can barely see!’”

That eye catching comment confirmed what Gary had wanted. “This vivid signage CAN get people’s attention,” he said.

SEEING the Impact:

One year after Marisa and Kaitlyn were killed, LED-Enhanced Wrong Way Blinker Signs are installed on the Sawgrass Expressway. According to Marisa’s Way, since then, 41 out of 42 cars turned around because the drivers realized they were going the wrong way. “Our mission is to save as many lives as possible, said Christine. “We do this for all people in honor of our angels Marisa and Kaitlyn. May they never be forgotten.”

Through the support of community members, organizations and companies like State Farm® – Marisa’s Way continues to educate people young and old about the importance of safe driving. “We speak from the heart,” said Christine. “We discuss the frequency of wrong way crashes, explain why you never drink and drive, and demonstrate how the safety sign technology is used on roads and highways.”

"We're not done yet," said Gary. “Our hope is to expand this program nationwide. With community support and awareness, Marisa’s Way will continue saving lives. If everyone makes safe driving decisions – the magnitude of this mission will multiply.”

These commands are spoken calmly, but confidently by trained driving instructors. Each year their words are heard by thousands of teens learning how to handle driving obstacles like skidding on wet pavement, navigating tight spaces, or tackling speed bumps.

It’s all part of a hands-on learning experience called Driver’s Edge. Founded in 2002, the program based in Las Vegas, Nevada, has touched the lives of more than 100,000 students. Many agree, Driver’s Edge helped prepare them for the road ahead…literally.

This free program is well-known throughout the state and surrounding areas for two reasons: the behind-the-wheel excitement and the celebrity behind the driving program.

Meet Jeff Payne:

Payne is the founder and CEO of Driver’s Edge. With more than 20 years of experience in the motorsports world, he quickly learned it takes strategy and experience to master the road. “These are skills I wanted to share with future drivers,” he explained. “My decision to teach stemmed from a growing number of teen driving crashes, and too many white crosses dotting Nevada highways.”

“Driver's Edge was a passion born out of frustration. I set out to prove that kids aren’t reckless, they just don’t know what they don’t know,” Payne explained.

Since 2002, Payne and his Driver’s Edge team, many of whom are pro-racers, performance driving instructors, and law enforcement officers - spend several weekends a year guiding students through real-life driving situations at local speedways.

Payne begins each session sharing the Driver’s Edge mission: To teach teens and their parents the responsibilities and potential dangers of operating automobiles.

“I speak openly and honestly – and don’t sugarcoat statistics,” he explained. “The fact is, too many young people die in car crashes each year. We have to do better. And that’s why we’re here.”

Back in class, the mood lightens when Payne introduces his team of instructors. Their names, (Barker, Andretti, Germone and Luyendyk) create a buzz among those familiar with NASCAR, Formula 1 and IndyCar as they step in front of the room. “Every pro-racer involved gets involved for the same reason – to save lives,” said Payne.

Student excitement builds as the instructors discuss the next step: getting behind the wheel. This experience takes place on the speedway – mirroring real life situations including changing lanes, panic brake control, skid control and ABS braking exercises.

As students take turns in the driver’s seat, tires can be heard screeching on the track as another group of teens weave through orange cones. Parents watch from the sidelines, some with hands cupped over their mouths, some nervously joking, “We never did anything like that when we were learning to drive!”

Alejandro Ponce attended the session with his mother Donna. “In my Driver’s Ed class back home, I didn’t feel like I had enough time behind the wheel with my instructor,” he said. “That’s why I appreciate this program so much.”

Alejandro’s mother says her two older daughters also went through Driver’s Edge. “I know some students are here because they’ve had a ticket or been involved in a crash. I would put every kid through this program no matter the circumstances,” said Ponce. “Parents can’t teach this kind of defensive driving. It’s invaluable and it’s free.”

16-year-old Peyton Jacoby is a Driver’s Edge program graduate. She echoes the thoughts of her peers. “This helped me become a safer driver. Not long after I got my license, I was driving on the highway in the rain. It was slick and I went into a skid – but I handled it. That day, I thought about what I learned in Driver’s Edge. I know it made the difference,” said Jacoby. Her dad Dave, believes the program should be a requirement in Nevada. “My oldest daughter went through it years ago, and now Peyton. Parents and online driver education courses can only teach so much, but Driver’s Edge takes kids beyond what we can teach behind the wheel.”

As for the program founder – Payne says this kind of learning allows students to experience a real-life situation in a safe environment. “Decisions behind the wheel should result in good outcomes versus bad ones. We can help enforce that.”

Payne credits the success of the program to the Driver’s Edge team and their commitment to saving lives. “It warms our hearts to receive hundreds of messages from parents and students each year thanking us for their Driver’s Edge experiences. We also love hearing stories like Peyton’s. Every message I get is like the first one I’ve ever received.”

Although the mechanics of cars continue to evolve and change, the Driver’s Edge focus, mission and goals remain the same.“We wouldn’t be where we are today if we didn’t connect with these students,” said Payne. “We treat them as people, not kids, and keep their attention by talking to them directly and honestly. All young drivers need this kind of education – it’s creating smart, confident adults – and saving lives.”

State Farm is a proud supporter of the Driver’s Edge program and its commitment to safe driving. To learn more about the program or ways to get involved, click here.

Firefighter Dayna Hilton kneeled down so she could hear five-year-old Angelica’s story. With eyes as round as saucers, the little girl recalled waking up to thick smoke pouring into her bedroom from a fire that was quickly engulfing her home. Angelica pushed the covers off and dropped to the floor, crawling low – just like Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog taught her at school.

As she wiggled across the floor, the five-year-old ran right into her father’s legs. The man was stumbling through the house, disoriented by the smoke and dangerous fumes. Five-year-old Angelica did not panic. She urged her father to get down on the floor with her and to crawl like Sparkles. Together, side by side, they safely escaped…

Helping those who need it most

Angelica learned fire safety training from a woman named Dayna Hilton, a second generation firefighter and certified Public Life Safety Educator. Hilton is the Executive Director of the Keep Kids Fire Safe Foundation (KKFSF). She and her team of Dalmatian dogs (Molly, Tango and Sparkles) are recognized around the world as leading fire safety educators.

“Our message has been shared with more than one million children,” said Hilton. “For 15 years we’ve used innovative teaching and technology to share our safety message – and now, that includes Skype and social networking.”

Ten years ago, more than 50% of all child fire deaths occurred to those aged four and younger (usfa.fema.gov).

This tragic statistic distressed Hilton and inspired her to establish KKFSF, a non-profit dedicated to teaching fire safety to children. What makes the foundation distinctive is the use of Dalmatian dogs to help deliver fire safety messages to students.

“From the beginning, my primary goal was to reduce fire deaths and injuries among those most at risk -- children,” Hilton said. “Children are attracted to dogs, and using Sparkles, Tango, and Molly as part of our presentation helps them remember what they have learned.”

Hilton calls this attraction, “the power of the paw.” In other words, the dogs’ furry, friendly demeanor keeps children engaged, which in turn, helps them absorb the information they’ve been given.

Innovative Fire Safety Programming

Molly the Fire Safety Dog’s Skype program, Learning about Fire Safety is Fun enables children to learn basic fire safety knowledge. The interactive 30-minute program is free to schools and other organizations throughout the world thanks to a grant from State Farm. The program features the Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog activity book, a safety demonstration by one of the Fire Safety Dogs that teaches skills such as crawling low under smoke, and other activities to engage the students.

According to Hilton, if you were to add the virtual miles the Fire Safety Dogs have traveled, it would equal the distance to the moon and back.

Lives Impacted Forever

Thanks to the fire safety training from Firefighter Dayna and Sparkles, Angelica is now a teenager. When fire broke out at her home on that fateful night…she and her family made it out just in time.

Firefighters on scene reported as soon as the two were whisked away to safety, the home “flashed over” – a term used to describe a home totally engulfed in flames.

These success stories continue to drive Hilton forward. To date, she is aware of eight children and four adults whose lives have been saved because of the Keep Kids Fire Safe Foundation efforts.

“Our vision is to make the world a safer place, one fire safety presentation at a time,” Hilton says.

And that is worth it all.

Skype with Molly for free!

Thanks to a grant from State Farm, schools and organizations can Skype with Firefighter Dayna and Molly the Fire Safety Dog at no cost. To learn more about this exciting opportunity, click HERE.

To learn more about the work of Molly the Fire Safety Dog and the Keep Kids Fire Safe Foundation, click HERE. Participating schools and organizations receive links to a free, downloadable copy of the Molly’s Fire Safety Skype Program Coloring eBook and bonus materials.

"The flames were outrunning the smoke. If someone wanted to know what the gates of hell look like, I think this is pretty close," said Bob Pratt, as he reflected on the two year anniversary of the Valley Fire. Bob and his wife Kathy are survivors.

The Valley Fire struck Lake County, California on September 12, 2015. The fierce wind-driven firestorm had an insatiable appetite for destruction. Residents had little time to react. According to Cal Fire, the Valley Fire consumed 76,067 acres, destroyed 1,958 structures and damaged 93 more.

Individuals, families and the community at-large were changed forever once the wildfire made its indelible mark. Two years later, the wildfire’s scars are still visible. Though progress has been made, it seems the whole county is under construction.

The Pratts live in the small town of Cobb, California, north of the Napa Valley wine country. The destruction of their home was complete. They lost their home, photo albums, and cherished possessions but they survived.

As with any wildfire, the damage sustained by individual homes varied. Some homes were completely destroyed. Others were left untouched and many more homes suffered a range of damage somewhere in between. No matter the final fate of a home, the evacuation process during the Valley Fire was traumatic for those impacted.

Tom and Linda Moran live in a beautiful home in Hidden Valley Lake with panoramic views. They watched the wildfire from their patio as it moved from across the valley. It traveled along the hilltop ridges and suddenly the flames were licking at nearby property lines.

"It was panic,” said Tom. “We had five minutes to get out. It was incredible.” Linda explained they “drove out with flames on both sides of the road. It was surreal.” The Moran home survived the fire with a relatively small amount of damage.

The way a community pulls together in times of need is impressive. The people of Lake County are no different. The Moran and Pratt families received tremendous support from their friends and broader community, including complete strangers. The people of Lake County have suffered together, are recovering together and have learned a lot in the process.

Lessons Learned

When asked about what they learned in all this, Bob Pratt didn’t hesitate. “Make sure whoever your insurance company is, that they do what they say they'll do the way they say they'll do it and that you can rely on them,” Bob, a State Farm policyholder, shared. “Because if everything goes,” he continued, “that is where you start. So, make sure you have an insurance company that understands your needs and that you are covered.”

With two little dogs to care for, Bob’s wife Kathy chimed in to remind us that it is important not to forget your pets and their needs. Indeed, pets are members of the family. In your emergency kit, pack dog food and treats, medication and favorite toys. This will give your pet a sense of stability in a stressful situation.

Some other tips the Moran and Pratt families shared are:

• Create defensible space on your property (grass down, trees trimmed, natural fire breaks). It is a key step for the safety of your home and firefighters.
• Have a bag with key items prepared. Create an A, B, and C list to organize your priorities. Depending on the amount of time you have to evacuate, work your way down your lists.
• Take digital photos of your home and personal possessions. Keep the digital photos off site or on the cloud. Also, use a scanner to digitize your printed photos albums.
• Hold on to receipts you accumulate during evacuation and recovery. They are very important in claims process.
• When it comes to filing a homeowner’s insurance claim, the relationship you have with your agent and claim representative matters. Communication is a key to resolving any claim.

Once Lived, Never Forgotten

Not every hardship and wound resulting from the wildfire will find closure but, a lot can be fixed, rebuilt and renewed with fresh optimism for the future. As Bob searched for personal items in the ashes of his home, he did find the melted remnants of his gold wedding ring. It was right where he thought it would be.

He has since set the gold into the handle of his walking stick and moves about his daily business with confidence. Bob carries a reminder of the wildfire with him everywhere he goes. That isn’t unusual for those that experience such a life altering event. The wildfire experience becomes a part of you; you never look at your home and community the same way.

This was a new chapter in Sheena’s life. Enrolled in a HVAC (heating ventilation and air conditioning) training course, she was not only learning about sheet metal and how to cut it correctly; she was learning a lot about herself.

Three months later, Sheena graduated from her job-training program and became one of the 1.7 percent of HVAC mechanics nationwide who are women. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Downward spiral

Sheena, born and raised in Georgia, says she had a “good upbringing” and was close to her father. She married young and had three children. Ten years later, life took a drastic turn. “My dad passed away and then just a couple months later, my mom died. It felt as though the bottom dropped out,” shares Sheena. She grew depressed and withdrawn, turning to prescription drugs and other substances to cope.Her marriage suffered and she left her home, settling in Laramie, Wyo. She made very little money working minimum wage jobs that kept her barely fed. She lost her children to her now ex-husband back in Georgia. Money for housing and transportation became non-existent.

Sheena’s foggy state-of-mind, depression and substance abuse led her to make choices and decisions that landed her in trouble with the law. Sheena hit her “rock bottom" while in a state-run rehab program and living day-to-day on what she could scrape up from low paying jobs.

“When someone gets involved in the wrong things, state institutions are not very forgiving," she explains. “Even the little things are hard to come by when there’s a paper trail of bad behavior.”

From what Sheena describes as the “Grace of God,” a good friend led her to Climb Wyoming —a job training program for single mothers.

Stepping into self-sufficiency

Sheena’s story is not unique to Climb. In fact, according to Climb Program Director Katie Hogarty, it is sadly familiar. A single mother without much hope of changing things around due to a number of unfortunate circumstances. But the program could be her way out.  “Climb was the perfect fit for Sheena,” explains Katie. “Our program works with single moms to address the barriers as described by Sheena, with an end goal of self-sufficiency.”

Accepted into an HVAC training program through Climb, Sheena was on-the job-training site three days a week, spending every Thursday at the Climb office with staff and other participants for the life skills portion of the program.

Sheena says the process helped her reconnect with the abilities and skills she forgot she had. She graduated in November 2016 from HVAC training. Through Climb’s partnership with local employers, she connected with Modern Printing Company in Laramie and received a job offer.

She is one of two women working for the print company. Although, the job is not directly HVAC related, the skills she learned from Climb prepared her for the machinist skills required in the role. She is learning how to operate print shop equipment, manage computer files and images, and other technical aspects of the job. 

Moving in the right direction, toward self-sufficiency. She enjoys the hands-on work and fills her time volunteering in the local community. Focused on rebuilding her relationship with her kids, she stays in touch through cards, letters and over the phone.

Sheena credits Climb for helping her discover her own purpose— “I found value in me." Understanding in me. Through this process, I’m investing in me.” Sheena is close to celebrating two years of sobriety and more than six months working for Modern Printing Company.

Helping women climb upward

For more than 30 years, Climb, with the help of supporters like State Farm, has changed the lives of more than 2,000 single mothers. The women move away from poverty and into self-sufficiency through job-training and life skills courses addressing personal obstacles. 

Employer partners, identified by Climb and based on Wyoming’s workforce needs, provide the hands-on job training required to compete for well-paying jobs. Many of the jobs, historically filled by men, include construction, commercial truck driving, HVAC, and welding positions.

Katie explains, “After just three months, Climb graduates are starting new careers and discovering new lives. After two years, most are earning living wages and benefits, transitioning off public assistance and breaking away from the cycle of poverty for their children. Barriers are identified and sorted out, and lives are changed.”

Fleurianne Debe just started her senior year of high school, but unlike most students her age - she already graduated.

Instead, on July 20, 2017, the 17-year-old celebrated her graduation, and an educational milestone, with the Girls Who Code and State Farm Insurance.

“It's awesome,” said Fleurianne. “I learned about science, technology engineering and math. My mom told me about this special program and I enrolled because I’m really into gaming. It was right up my alley!”

Girls Who Code (GWC), is a national nonprofit organization working to close the gender gap in technology. Its summer immersion program helps young women like Fleurianne develop their STEM skills.

“Technology is changing everything about the way we live and work,” said Girls Who Code Founder and CEO, Reshma Saujani. “Computing jobs are some of the fastest-growing and highest paying in our country, yet girls continue to get left behind. Access to a computer science education can bring women into a thriving innovation economy.”

The Journey Begins

Fleurianne, along with 19 students, took part in the summer GWC program in Atlanta, Georgia. Hosted by State Farm, the seven-week course helps teens develop their technological skills, learn about STEM careers and meet with women working in the tech industry.

“The chance to be mentored by these professionals meant a lot to me. This entire experience helped my self-confidence grow,” smiled Fleurianne. “I discovered so much about systems, IT and coding.”

Throughout the summer, students also learned how to construct webpages, build apps, develop a social media network and even work with robots.

“I loved the hands-on tech exposure,” smiled Fleurianne. “Now, I can code. And the best part? Now I can show other girls how to do it too.”

Program Instructors like Kat Graff say this year’s GWC participants demonstrated teamwork and a commitment to excellence.

“When they arrived on the State Farm campus, many of them didn’t have any coding experience. But you’d never know that now. I’m confident great things lie ahead for these young women.”

For companies like State Farm, it’s a chance to deliver on the company’s commitment to empowering communities. “We make significant contributions to STEM education and women in technology efforts at the company level,” said State Farm IT Senior Vice President Sandy Arnold. “This program had an even bigger impact because our State Farm employees personally invested in these students. Seeing the positive results first-hand was so inspiring.”

The Adventure Continues

“I learned anything is possible if I put my mind to it,” said Fleurianne. “Because of GWC, I want to pursue a computer science degree in college.”

Before then, she needs to complete her senior year. But Fleurianne plans to take Girls Who Code with her.

“I want to create a Girls Who Code club at my high school,” she explained. “Being a young woman who is interested in technology makes me feel like I’m breaking boundaries, and that’s really cool. Now, I want to help others like me do the same thing.”

As for her long term goal? Being part of the good neighbor community could be in sight.

“When the time comes, I’d love to be a State Farm intern,” said Fleurianne. “I want to continue building my knowledge and creativity. Thanks to GWC, my journey has just begun!”

State Farm is a financial supporter of Girls Who Code and its commitment to STEM education. To learn more about its programs and ways to get involved, click here. Interested in learning about STEM partnerships in Atlanta, Georgia? Contact State Farm IT Analyst, Katrina Torres (katrina.r.torres.phbi@statefarm.com).

GWC Graduation Recap