Get to Know CCF and our Team

The Carrington Companies enjoyed unprecedented growth during the past year. That growth has expanded the Carrington Charitable Foundation’s (CCF) efforts to unite everyone in giving back, so we wanted to share a little of our history, re-introduce the people who have helped make CCF what it is and talk a bit about our hopes for charitable efforts going forward. As the non-profit organization of the Carrington Companies, CCF is dedicated to giving back to our communities and those in need through various causes and functions that are in line with our company ideals – and those who hold our ideals true, like all of our dedicated Associates. Our premiere charitable fundraising effort is the annual CCF Golf Classic held every fall, with proceeds benefitting the Veteran’s Airlift Command and Carrington House, CCF’s signature program. Carrington House focuses on a cause that’s very near and dear to our hearts: providing specialized housing for wounded Veterans who have given their mind, body and soul to protecting our country and its freedoms. Since its inception, Carrington House has provided custom, adaptive housing solutions for a number of wounded Veterans in need of specific housing to meet their needs. Recently, Carrington House began a new home project for Staff Sergeant Jesse Clingman and his family, who are currently living in a home that CCF is leasing for them while they wait for their new home to be completed. And, as you’re about to learn, we’re also completing renovations on the home for Retired U.S. Army Special Forces Master Sergeant Bobby Farmer (read our Carrington House update for more information.) But that’s not all CCF does. Throughout the year, we make it our mission to inspire and support our Associates through various charitable efforts, some of which are very near and dear to their hearts, too. Past initiatives include volunteering and supporting the Special Olympics, giving special grants to animal rescue and shelter organizations, launching initiatives to support organizations such as Autism Awareness and Breast Cancer Awareness month, as well as lending our support to soup kitchens and non-profits that help the homeless all across the country. And while CCF would never be anything without the participation, tireless dedication and enthusiasm of our Associates, we have four very special people who spearhead CCF’s charitable efforts on every level. As the Executive Director of Community Relations, Shelly Lawrence has spent almost five years working diligently to grow CCF into what it is today. While she began assisting Facilities with construction and project management for new office spaces in Greenwich, Aliso Viejo, Westfield and Anaheim, she moved on to broaden the organization’s charitable giving and spearhead the annual Golf Classic.

 As Shelly says, “After graduating from college with a Civil Engineering degree, I'm not sure I would have ever thought I'd be directing all the charitable activities of CCF – but it is one of the best surprises that has happened in my life. It has been an honor and an absolute privilege to work alongside the amazing team at Carrington as we assist our wounded Veterans and their families, as well as give back to many of those in need in our local communities. Many of the people that I work with and assist through the foundation have become my family.”

Those family members include Brittany Barnes, CCF’s Community Outreach Specialist. Working in Database Administration and Program Management, Brittany started working with CCF in June 2015 after spending five years in the non-profit sector. Not only does she handle all data analytics for CCF and organize and implement associate engagement initiatives, she also assists in planning and executing fundraising events like the Golf Classic.

Brittany is joined by Torrey Beard, CCF’s Executive Administrative Analyst. Torrey first joined CCF as a volunteer during the third annual Golf Classic, where she co-manned the military hole tee flag with an Active Duty Marine. After spending time with a young Lance Corporal that day, Torrey, a five-year Sergeant from the U.S. Marine Corps herself, fell in love with CCF’s mission and has since expanded into a behind-the-scenes role as a CFF daily representative. Working closely with Shelly, Torrey helps execute initiatives, assists with logistics and supplies and is an advocate and liaison between CCF and the Veterans − while at the same time spreading the good word about CCF.

And then there’s Michael Barrett, CCF’s Director of Veteran Affairs. For three years Michael has worked for CCF as a military advisor, as well as a liaison for all military-focused initiatives. As a 20-year Retired Combat Wounded Veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Michael has honorably served his country, and now translates that service through all he does for CCF, giving back to the community and supporting his military brethren who have made the same sacrifices he made to protect our country. With each passing year, CCF continues to grow and expand its charitable efforts through the help and support of Associates like you. Last year was our most successful year for charitable giving ever, with the Golf Classic raising over $2.2 million for wounded Veterans, and other opportunities including the Los Angeles Heart Walk, shelters dedicated to serving victims of domestic violence, Boxes for our Troops, and more. At the end of 2016, we announced that we’re expanding our mission to provide Veterans with guidance and support to rejoin civilian life, offering services including job-search assistance and business-plan consulting to counseling and treatment referrals. And all of this is possible because Carrington Associates are so passionate about making the world a better place. “I love what I do,” Shelly says. “I love being in the position to help people, and I love my job. It's different every day, but it never feels like work. Thanks to the amazing people at this company, the foundation continues to reach so many people from different facets of society, and I am excited to watch the foundation continue to grow.” We can’t wait to see where we go from here, and how our Associates will inspire us to grow throughout 2017. Please share your charitable interests with us – tell us how we can move forward and make a difference in people’s lives, and lend support to those in need. With focus, community, drive and heart, we can create change. Let’s do exactly that in 2017, and beyond!