VISION

(Volunteers In Service Intent On Needs)
MEAU Volunteer Committee

The Volunteer Committee (named VISION in 2000) was created in November 1991 in conjunction with the formation of the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF). The foundation is jointly funded by the Mitsubishi Electric Corporation in Japan and the Mitsubishi Electric U.S. (MEUS) companies. Its mission is to contribute to a better world for us all by helping young people with disabilities, through technology, to maximize their potential and participation in society. MEAF provides some funding, training and support for the MEUS company volunteer committees. The MEAU volunteer committee began as one member, a small budget and great intentions, and has grown to be strong and inventive. We have stopped following and began leading. Because of our dedicated employees that support the group, we accepted the foundation’s Starfish Enterprise Award for excellence in 1999.

The committee was named VISION in late 2000 and continues to follow the Foundation’s mission and ideals, helping young persons with disabilities. The committee currently has about 12 members with a mission to promote philanthropic activities within the company and surrounding communities. Our goal is to touch the lives of children with disabilities and give them the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives otherwise not possible. Currently, VISION is working with the following organizations:

John Powers School for the Hearing Impaired     
Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County (SRACLC)     
Special Olympics – Area 2 & 18     
Special Education District of Lake County (SEDOL)     
North Suburban Special Education Organization – Sunrise Lake Outdoor Center

VISION also has supported various employee-driven fundraising efforts:

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America      
American Breast Cancer Society       
Toys for Tots       
American Liver Foundation      
Home of The Sparrow  
American Cancer Society

VISION activities include employees attending National Youth Service Day and Make-A-Difference Day at Sunrise Lake outdoor education center, Special Olympics Corporate Olympic Challenge, monthly volunteers at Sunrise Lake, SRACLC Basketball Tournament assistance, "Dunk your Manager" at the company picnic and various efforts as presented to the committee by employees.