Spread the Word
You already enjoy the benefits—why not share them? Help someone you care about become part of the credit union family.
How One Volunteer is Cultivating Hope: Securityplus and TALMAR Grow Community Wellness Together
Written by
|
Securityplus FCU
When you think of a credit union, your mind probably goes straight to checking accounts, loans, or budgeting tools—not weeding garden beds, planting kale, or turning compost. But at Securityplus Federal Credit Union, community wellness goes far beyond dollars and cents. This year, one of our very own team members has shown what it looks like to make that commitment grow, literally.
We’re proud to spotlight Jack Schiefer, Vice President of Facilities at Securityplus, for his incredible volunteer leadership throughout a year-long partnership with TALMAR (Therapeutic Alternatives of Maryland), a nonprofit rooted in healing, hope, and horticulture.
From nature-based therapy to the VA FARMS program for veterans, TALMAR’s work is transformative. And Securityplus, under Jack’s leadership, has proudly been digging in to help.
“Volunteering at TALMAR has been an eye-opening and heartwarming experience,” Jack shared. “You can see how time spent outdoors, removing weeds, planting vegetables, and working with the soil, helps people heal and reconnect.”
Whether it was a small weekday volunteer shift or a full-scale team outing, Jack’s hands-on leadership made every moment meaningful.
“Jack’s leadership truly embodies our CARES values,” said Obinna “Obi” Ndukwe, Chief People & Impact Officer. “He’s inspired our teams to see volunteerism not as a single act, but as a continuous investment in emotional and physical well-being across Baltimore.”
By bringing teams together for a shared purpose, Jack not only helped support TALMAR’s mission, but also deepened the sense of connection and fulfillment among Securityplus staff.
Mental health is a topic we’re proud to stand behind. At a time when stress, anxiety, and isolation are affecting individuals across all walks of life, organizations like TALMAR offer a natural and accessible form of healing—right in our backyard.
Through our ongoing partnership, Securityplus is investing in mental health in a hands-on, community-focused way. This isn’t just CSR—it’s real people supporting real people, through real work.
Over the past year, our team has:
Cleared dozens of raised garden beds
Planted herbs and vegetables used in therapeutic programs
Supported inclusive agricultural initiatives
Provided crucial maintenance to allow TALMAR’s programs to flourish
These actions may seem small, but their impact is enormous. They help TALMAR continue to offer life-changing programs that support emotional healing, job training, and empowerment for some of the most underserved members of our community.
Want to get involved and help keep this mission thriving? Here’s how you can support TALMAR:
This year-long partnership with TALMAR is a perfect example of how Securityplus is redefining what community engagement looks like. We’re not just showing up with donations, we’re showing up with shovels, with time, and with heart.
As Jack continues to lead the charge into 2026, we’re inspired by his example and excited to continue growing a culture of service, wellness, and connection, one garden bed at a time.
Together, we’re not just planting vegetables—we’re planting hope.
#SecurityplusCares #MentalHealthAwareness #VolunteerSpotlight #TALMAR #RootedInCommunity
We’re proud to spotlight Jack Schiefer, Vice President of Facilities at Securityplus, for his incredible volunteer leadership throughout a year-long partnership with TALMAR (Therapeutic Alternatives of Maryland), a nonprofit rooted in healing, hope, and horticulture.
What Is TALMAR?
Nestled inside Baltimore’s lush Cromwell Valley Park, TALMAR offers therapeutic horticulture programs and vocational training for people of all abilities—including individuals with disabilities, military veterans, and those managing mental health challenges. Their mission is to create a supportive, inclusive environment where participants can find confidence, connection, and healing—simply by working with the land.From nature-based therapy to the VA FARMS program for veterans, TALMAR’s work is transformative. And Securityplus, under Jack’s leadership, has proudly been digging in to help.
How the Partnership Took Root
Over the past year, Securityplus employees have volunteered their time and energy across multiple events to help maintain TALMAR’s therapeutic farm. From clearing out weeds and preparing raised beds to creating safe, nurturing spaces for program participants, Jack and our team have shown up, rain or shine.“Volunteering at TALMAR has been an eye-opening and heartwarming experience,” Jack shared. “You can see how time spent outdoors, removing weeds, planting vegetables, and working with the soil, helps people heal and reconnect.”
Whether it was a small weekday volunteer shift or a full-scale team outing, Jack’s hands-on leadership made every moment meaningful.
Leading With CARES
At Securityplus, our CARES values, Collaboration, Agility, Respect, Excellence, and Spirit—are more than just words. They are the compass that guides how we show up, both for our members and our community.“Jack’s leadership truly embodies our CARES values,” said Obinna “Obi” Ndukwe, Chief People & Impact Officer. “He’s inspired our teams to see volunteerism not as a single act, but as a continuous investment in emotional and physical well-being across Baltimore.”
By bringing teams together for a shared purpose, Jack not only helped support TALMAR’s mission, but also deepened the sense of connection and fulfillment among Securityplus staff.
Why Mental Health Matters
Mental health is a topic we’re proud to stand behind. At a time when stress, anxiety, and isolation are affecting individuals across all walks of life, organizations like TALMAR offer a natural and accessible form of healing—right in our backyard.Through our ongoing partnership, Securityplus is investing in mental health in a hands-on, community-focused way. This isn’t just CSR—it’s real people supporting real people, through real work.
Small Acts. Big Impact.
Over the past year, our team has:Cleared dozens of raised garden beds
Planted herbs and vegetables used in therapeutic programs
Supported inclusive agricultural initiatives
Provided crucial maintenance to allow TALMAR’s programs to flourish
These actions may seem small, but their impact is enormous. They help TALMAR continue to offer life-changing programs that support emotional healing, job training, and empowerment for some of the most underserved members of our community.
How You Can Help
Want to get involved and help keep this mission thriving? Here’s how you can support TALMAR:
- Volunteer: Individuals and teams can assist with gardening, maintenance, and program support.
- Donate: Every dollar goes toward supplies, therapy tools, and maintaining safe outdoor spaces.
- Provide Supplies: Garden tools, gloves, compost, and seeds are always in demand.
Growing Community, One Garden at a Time
This year-long partnership with TALMAR is a perfect example of how Securityplus is redefining what community engagement looks like. We’re not just showing up with donations, we’re showing up with shovels, with time, and with heart.As Jack continues to lead the charge into 2026, we’re inspired by his example and excited to continue growing a culture of service, wellness, and connection, one garden bed at a time.
Together, we’re not just planting vegetables—we’re planting hope.
#SecurityplusCares #MentalHealthAwareness #VolunteerSpotlight #TALMAR #RootedInCommunity
