PEOS IN THE COMMUNITY: AXCET: MAKING PHILANTHROPY PART OF THE COMPANY’S CULTURE

Neighbors helping neighbors. That’s the guiding principle behind Axcet HR Solutions’ approach to philanthropy.

The Kansas City, Mo.-based PEO is dedicated to making a positive impact on the community it calls home. Since its founding in 1988, the award-winning business has instilled a culture of giving back through company programs and by offering volunteer time off for team members to engage with the community.

“Our corporate philanthropy efforts reflect our dedication to creating a better, more compassionate Kansas City,” said Jerry Diddle, Axcet’s founder and CEO. “Giving employees paid time off to volunteer underscores that commitment, fosters social responsibility and improves employee morale.”

Some of Axcet’s most inspiring community service includes involvement with organizations that provide life-changing programs.

For example, Axcet sponsors the Imagine a Day gala for Newhouse KC. This domestic violence organization provides emergency shelter, long-term housing, therapy, legal advocacy, an Early Learning Center, school-aged programs, case management and job readiness. The gala raises funds to support the organization’s $5 million annual budget.

Axcet also partners with KidsTLC, an organization that provides resources and services to children and families facing mental and behavioral health issues, developmental trauma and autism. In what has become an annual tradition, Axcet’s team members wrap holiday gifts for the children served by the organization, allowing them to experience the season’s joy and magic.

Axcet employees regularly volunteer at Harvesters, a regional food bank serving a 27-county area of northwestern Missouri and northeastern Kansas. The nonprofit depends on volunteers to help sort and repackage donated food for shipment to regional food pantries and distribution centers.

Employees also donate time to Veterans Community Project, which aims to end veteran homelessness. With 30,000 unhoused veterans nationwide, the organization’s focus is building villages with 240-sq.-ft. transitional homes that provide stability, safety and privacy as veterans work to address the underlying causes of homelessness. During a recent on-site visit, employees stocked and organized food donations, toured Kansas City’s 49-house village, met with veterans and engaged with organizational leaders to learn more about the veteran homelessness crisis and other volunteer opportunities.

Axcet’s compassion also extends to Kansas City’s vulnerable pet populations.

Twice a year, employees donate used pill bottles to Wayside Waifs, a local no-kill animal shelter. The organization repurposes the bottles to store essential medications for vulnerable dogs and cats. Beth Foulk, Axcet’s director of marketing, initiated the program and has inspired colleagues, clients and vendors to donate more than 400 pill bottles to date.

Axcet’s annual Dog Days of Summer program supports local animal rescue groups through pet food, supply and cash donation drives. Axcet spreads the love around Kansas City-area rescue organizations by selecting a different one each year as the beneficiary of these efforts. Over the past few years, KC Pet Project, The Rescue Project and Always & Furever Midwest Animal Sanctuary, a nonprofit dedicated to caring for senior and sick pets, received the donations.

During the holiday season, Axcet organized a Petsgiving drive supporting The Rescue Project, a 100% volunteer-run local nonprofit dedicated to helping abandoned and neglected animals. Axcet’s efforts enabled a generous donation of supplies and medications.

As a highly respected PEO with local roots and national reach, Axcet’s corporate philanthropy incorporates business outreach, as well.

The 37-year-old company offers free educational workshops for small- to mid-sized business owners and managers on emerging topics like new laws, medical marijuana, harassment training, workplace safety and DEI policies. Axcet’s PEO professionals share their expertise and often engage third-party consultants with specialized knowledge on complex topics, ensuring that participants receive the most accurate and current information to build strong cultures and maintain regulatory compliance.

To support workplace safety, Axcet conducts free first aid and CPR training, ergonomic assessments, disaster preparedness planning and active shooter response training.

By opening these seminars to the public, Axcet shares its HR expertise and empowers Kansas City-area businesses with the knowledge and tools they need to create safe, compliant and more inclusive workplaces.

Within the Kansas City community, Axcet supports meaningful causes through sponsorships and participation.

“Community event opportunities enable us to lift up our neighbors and connect with people and businesses where we work and live,” Diddle said.

Axcet regularly sponsors the National Association of Women in Construction scholarship golf tournament, which raises scholarship funds for Kansas City-area students pursuing construction-related academic studies. The organization also supports events hosted by the award-winning Kansas City Automotive Museum, which celebrates the city’s rich automotive heritage through interactive exhibits and engaging events.

“At Axcet, community involvement is more than a box to check; it’s truly core to our culture,” Foulk said. “When we as employees serve in our community, it not only supports important causes but makes us proud to work here.”

Rolling up sleeves, sealing up boxes, and giving back—Axcet team members pack bread at Harvesters to help stock local food pantries.