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“Every time I see imbalance, poverty, injustice or abuse, I am challenged to do more,” says Charese Jamison, a provider representative for CompHealth locum tenens in Salt Lake City.
Charese is one of our four Difference Maker winners who will join our CEO Scott Beck on an all-expense-paid trip to Kenya, Africa, this summer for a mix of service projects and vacation adventures. CHG’s Difference Maker program is an annual recognition award that honors employees who are passionately committed to helping others.
You wouldn’t be able to tell, based on Charese’s positive outlook and friendly smile, but she experienced very dark and trying times while growing up.
“Having survived almost every form of abuse, I realized that as bad as my childhood and early adult life had been, that there were women and children who had it far worse than I could ever imagine,” Charese says. “Realizing how blessed I was caused me to develop a passion for helping women and children understand that there is hope and freedom beyond abuse.”
Breaking the cycle
Eight years ago, Charese began telling her personal story and advocating for women.
In 2012, Charese and eight other young women brainstormed ways to break the cycle of abuse, poverty and destructive behaviors. They came to the conclusion that healthy relationships really matter — and created BOLD (Bridging Opportunity, Love and Determination), an organization that provides support, safety and resources to help others. Charese and the other BOLD co-founders were recently invited to the White House for an event that recognized their efforts.
Giving back
Charese volunteers regularly with the National Crittenton Foundation, an organization that advocates for young women. Florence Crittenton Home and Services of Wheeling, WV, took Charese in with open arms when she was 16 years old, pregnant and homeless. They gave her the strength to turn her life around — and now she helps countless others do the same.
At CHG, Charese uses nearly all her paid time off for volunteer activities. She serves on the board at Kairos Academy, an all-girls high school for expecting, parenting and at-risk teens. She is also active in community events, church groups and recently started a study group for women.
“Giving back has done more for my healing process than 15 years of therapy,” Charese says.
See Charese’s reaction to being named a Difference Maker and hear what she’s looking forward to most:
Charese is one of our many team members who make a difference in our world. CHG encourages our employees to give back to our communities through paid Volunteer Time Off. Helping each other is at the heart of CHG — through PTO gifting, donations to our Employee Compassion Fund, and other programs. See our other benefits and consider joining our CHG family! Check out these career opportunities.
