As the workforce landscape continues to evolve, we recognize the importance of supporting employees who take on caregiving responsibilities outside of the workplace. Whether caring for children, aging parents or family members with an illness or disability, family caregivers play a critical role in our communities and workplaces.
That’s why we’re excited to announce the launch of Vena Families, our newest Vena employee resource group (VRG). The group aims to provide valuable resources, support and advocacy for family caregivers and allies of caregivers within our company, including those who are family planning and those who are caring for an elderly loved one or person with a disability. .png?width=360&height=131&name=vena-families-logo-c%20(2).png){kind=logo}
The Vena Families VRG is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where family caregivers and allies can connect, share experiences, access resources and receive the support they need to thrive both personally and professionally.
Pam DeMesa, Vena Families Chair and Team Lead, Executive Administration at Vena says, " At Vena, we understand that the responsibilities of caregiving extend beyond the workplace, and we are committed to fostering a culture that acknowledges and supports the diverse needs of our employees. Vena Families will play a crucial role in building a sense of community, understanding and assistance for those who contribute not only to our company's success, but also to the well-being of their loved ones."
“Vena Families will play a crucial role in building a sense of community, understanding and assistance for those who contribute not only to our company's success, but also to the well-being of their loved ones."
—Pam DeMesa
Vena Families Chair and Team Lead,
Executive Administration at Vena
Vena Families will offer a variety of initiatives, including educational workshops, networking events, support groups and access to community resources to empower family caregivers and allies to navigate caregiving duties effectively.
Some recent initiatives included a Take Your Family to Work Day, Sponsor-a-Family during the holidays and Care Café, a monthly session to support and inspire others through lived experiences in a no-judgment space.
“We understand the challenges of balancing work and caregiving responsibilities, so I am thrilled to see Vena Families launch at Vena,” says Tracey Mikita, Chief People Person at Vena. “This employee-led initiative demonstrates our ongoing commitment to supporting the diverse needs of our employees and creating a workplace culture that values inclusion, empathy and support. I look forward to seeing the positive impact the Families VRG will have on our employees and their families."
Vena resource groups have greatly impacted how Vena builds community internally, as well as how it supports external communities. Each VRG provides a safe space for individuals to be their authentic self and provides them with the opportunity to mobilize with others on initiatives that celebrate and support their communities. All VRGs are led by Vena employees and supported by at least one executive member, who are all passionate about building inclusivity, awareness and community.
Vena Families is Vena’s eighth employee resource group. Our other VRGs are:
- Network for Women (N4W) — Women+ Advocacy
- Mental Health – Mental Health and Well-Being
- Melanite – Black Employees and Allies
- Vena Cares – Charitable Giving
- Va11y – Disability and Accessibility Advocacy
- Spectrum – 2SLGBTQIA+ Employees
- Green Team – Sustainability and Green Initiatives
Vena, named one of Greater Toronto’s 2024 Top Employers, remains dedicated to fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes diversity, equity and inclusion, where all employees feel supported, valued and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work.
To learn more about Life at Vena, click here.
For more information about Vena’s award-winning Complete Planning platform, please visit www.venasolutions.com.