The September Employee Spotlight shines on Matt Jackson, Community Manager at North Cleveland Towers in Cleveland, TN. Matt, who served with the U.S. Army Special Forces and was deployed to Iraq four times, is an advocate and volunteer for veterans.
Matt and his family help raise funds for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation and assist with donation drives for the local American Red Cross. The family also gives away care packages to anyone in need, an idea inspired by Matt’s young son who wanted to do something for the people he saw on the street corners holding signs asking for help.
Matt’s son uses his allowance money to purchase items, such as socks, protein bars and toothbrush/toothpaste, that a homeless person might need. Matt and his wife chip in to create 40 to 50 care bags at a time. They keep a dozen or so in the trunk of their car to have on hand to give to homeless people they come across. Many of them are veterans and Matt does everything he can to assist. His role is often that of the middleman. He makes the initial contact, talking to the veteran one-on-one to find out what’s going on and what they need. Then he connects them to the social service organization or community resource that can help.
Small connections like that can make a significant difference—even life-changing—in a person’s life. Matt is emphatic that every day is an opportunity to make a positive impact, whether at home, work or volunteering in the community.
“We never know what each day brings,” Matt says. “That sounds cliché, but it is the truth. I try to remind myself that every day is new, and every day is a chance that you can learn something… that you can make a difference on one person’s life.
“I try to take every day and live it to its fullest because we are not promised tomorrow… and I want to have an impact.”
LHP is pleased to shine the spotlight on Matt Jackson. We appreciate all that you do each day to make our communities healthier and happier places to live.
Do you know an LHP employee who is making a difference for our communities? Someone who’s dedicated and serving the community after hours? Please send an email to our HR inbox humanresources@lhp.net. Let us know about the individual you believe is deserving of the Employee Spotlight recognition and provide as much detail as possible so we can appropriately highlight your nominee. One employee is selected each month, and they receive $100 and the well-deserved recognition.
