ARTS Patio Refresh: Partnering with US Bank to Update Our Community Space
The ARTS patio is more than an outdoor area. It’s a key part of the ARTS Center, helping us connect with people in many ways! Over time, a space that is so well-used and full of activity naturally needs some care itself. That’s why we were excited to team up with local volunteers from US Bank to give this community hub a fresh look.
During the spring session, as part of an ongoing volunteer project led by our Volunteer and Intern Coordinator, Stephanie Rivas, a dedicated team from US Bank came ready to help. They gave their time and energy to make the patio brighter and more welcoming. Their support shows how group volunteering can truly meet community needs and shared values.
Local Volunteer Partnerships Matter
Group Volunteering, also called Employee Volunteer Programs (EVPs) with some businesses, is now a key way for companies of all sizes to connect with their communities. Many businesses offer paid time off or funding so employees can volunteer, helping them support local organizations and get to know their neighbors.
For ARTS, working with local EVPs is more than getting extra help. It’s about building relationships with neighbors who share our values. For this project, multiple US Bank branches enabled six employees to join the ARTS Patio Refresh over two service days. These volunteers represented US Bank and were also community members investing in a space that supports youth, families, and local organizations.
Companies support volunteerism for many reasons, like building community ties, encouraging teamwork, and making a positive social impact. When these goals match what local organizations need, the results can be meaningful for everyone involved.
Community Collaborations: ARTS and US Bank
At ARTS, we look for partners who share our commitment to creativity, equity, and community. EVPs with the right partners are a great fit because they invest time and resources in the spaces and programs that help communities grow.
“Seeing our local bankers and their families attend community events at ARTS, join us for volunteer outings, help beautify our public spaces, and connect with us at community events are some of the building blocks of the deep relationships that sustain ARTS’ impact in the long run.”
Our partnership with US Bank’s local branch started because we share the same goals. Olimpia Vázquez Ojeda, ARTS Program Manager and Interim Executive Director, says, “At ARTS, we really value partnerships like the one with US Bank, where we’ve developed meaningful relationships with business partners who are true champions of our work.” We’ve been talking with US Bank and are glad we found a way to work together. “Seeing our local bankers and their families attend community events at ARTS, join us for volunteer outings, help beautify our public spaces, and connect with us at community events are some of the building blocks of the deep relationships that sustain ARTS’ impact in the long run.” We planned two days in February and March to start the collaboration. The goal was simple but important: refresh a busy community space to better serve young people and partner organizations.
The Patio Refresh in Action
During the two days, six US Bank employees joined ARTS staff and got to work. In that time, their efforts made a real difference. Volunteers painted, cleaned, organized, planted flowers, and refreshed the patio. Thanks to their help, the space is now brighter, more vibrant , and more welcoming for everyone.
“I’ve had a wonderful time engaging with our US Bank volunteers and witnessing their impact on beautifying our patio space through the addition of flowers and a newly painted fence!”
ARTS Volunteer and Intern Coordinator Stephanie Rivas, who has led the Patio Refresh with our volunteers, shared how meaningful the project has been: “The Patio Refresh series has been such a fun project to work through this spring session! I’ve had a wonderful time engaging with our US Bank volunteers and witnessing their impact on beautifying our patio space through the addition of flowers and a newly painted fence!” Her words show the joy of working with local volunteers and the pride she takes in seeing flowers and a fresh fence transform the patio’s feel.
Helping the Community
The ARTS Patio Refresh project did more than clean up an outdoor area. It brought new life to a community space that is central to our work.
For ARTS, the refreshed patio means:
• A more welcoming environment for our free youth art programs
• A space that better reflects the creativity and care we aim to nurture in our participants
• A more functional and inviting area for gathering, learning, and connection
For the wider community, the impact goes even further. This patio is a gathering place for other nonprofits and community groups. The Patio Refresh shows the ongoing commitment of our volunteers and the leadership of Stephanie Rivas, who work to keep this space safe, clean, and welcoming. When a space feels like this, it tells people: you belong here. Your work matters here.
Welcoming More Partners into our Work
This partnership with US Bank shows what we already know: when local companies invest in the places and programs their neighbors use, the whole community benefits. We’re excited to keep building relationships with local business partners and their EVPs who share our vision for serving youth and the community. Small but powerful volunteer projects like the ARTS Patio Refresh can make a lasting difference in the spaces where young people learn, gather, and create.
If your business or organization would like to partner with ARTS on a volunteer project, please visit our volunteer page and fill out our Group Volunteer interest form to get started. We always welcome new partners who want to make a positive impact in our community!
