Oklahoma: A Story Through Her People

Beginning in 2013, Express
offices from California to North
Carolina and Canada come
together at local food banks and
pantries across North America to
help fight hunger—a growing
epidemic that impacts millions
of people in the United States,
Canada, and around the world
every day. The company’s national
day of service, Brand It Blue
Day, helps fight hunger through
local food drives. In its first year,
more than 1,500 volunteers collected food
for people in need.
And when devastation hit close to home
for the company’s international headquarters,
Express Employment Professionals donated
$300,000 to Central Oklahoma Habitat
for Humanity to purchase thirty lots in a
Moore neighborhood devastated by the May
2013 tornadoes.
“The May 2013 tornadoes left a deep
scar on our state,” Funk said. “Following the
devastation, the city of Moore and surrounding
communities have shown incredible
resilience. In every disaster, people need a
helping hand. At Express, we are always
here to lend that hand.”
Express will provide funds every two
months for five years toward the purchase
of thirty lots. The employment and staffing
company will also provide a workforce of its
headquarters employees to periodically assist
Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity
with construction. Employees will volunteer
for one workday every two
months, each time a new lot
is purchased.
“More than thirty years
after Express was founded,
we continue to bring hope
to people,” Funk said. “I
have had the great privilege
to be a part of real-life stories
where extraordinary
men and women saw a big
opportunity in even the
smallest of jobs. I have seen
lives drastically changed by
just one job.”
Mara Elliott is one such life that has
been changed.
Thank you so much for all your help and
friendship you and Express extended me
during my hardship. When I lost my job after
moving to the Kansas City area after two short
months, you were there to rescue me. You
have a recipe of success from the first phone
call I made seeking your help. When I lost my
job, your amazing staff embraced me with
comfort that everything was going to work
out. You gave me courage to keep believing
and trusting in my abilities and worth as an
employee. The moment I walked into your
office, I could sense and feel the values of
hope, faith, integrity, and a nonjudgmental
attitude coupled with professionalism. Your
commitment and dedication to placing veterans
and appreciating their service is above
and beyond any company I have known.
God bless,
Mara Elliott
Above: A concrete post marking where
the historic Chisholm Trail crosses Express
Ranches in Yukon, Oklahoma, was
dedicated in 1997.
Below: Bob Funk presents a check for
$300,000 from Express Employment
Professionals to Ann Felton with Habitat for
Humanity to help rebuild Moore following
the May 2013 tornado. Also pictured is
Jennifer Anderson (far right), Express vice
president of marketing and communications.
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