Meet Do GOODer, Isaac Oyer!
‘I’ve always been drawn to give back. Volunteering has made a massive impact in my life.’
Isaac Oyer, community engagement partner, has worked alongside Novant’s community engagement team to improve health, upward mobility and social determinants of health across the Novant Health footprint since 2019.
He shares how his community involvement has not only shaped his career, but also his life. Isaac is an advocate for Novant Health Cares, our team member volunteer and giving program. He's had the opportunity to volunteer with organizations like Second Harvest Food Bank, Classroom Central, Promising Pages, Crisis Assistance Ministry, Loaves & Fishes, TreesCharlotte, Digi-Bridge and so many more. Learn more about Isaac's inspirations and reasons he is committed to volunteer his time to those in need.
How long have you been working in community engagement? What initially inspired you to work in the community space?
I have been working in and out of the community engagement space for nearly eight years now. It began with a community relations internship with the Columbus Blue Jackets. I always knew I wanted to do work giving back but that internship opened my eyes into the world of community engagement. After a brief time in other industries, I found my way back to community engagement work at Novant Health in 2019. I can't imagine doing anything else.
You have done quite a bit of volunteering outside of work. What inspires you to volunteer and give back to the community?
I've always been drawn to give back. At Ohio State University, I was heavily involved in our dance marathon that raised money for the hematology/oncology unit at Nationwide Children's Hospital. I moved to Charlotte nearly four and a half years ago and wanted to build a connection with my new community. Volunteering is a great opportunity to feel a sense of belonging and that you are making an impact in your community.
What volunteer opportunity stands out to you the most?
The one that immediately comes to mind is an annual project that we do with United Way of Central Carolinas. Every fall United Way builds a new playground at a local Charlotte-Mecklenburg school. We do this opportunity with our leaders from Novant Health Charlotte Orthopedic Hospital and other team members. This stands out especially to me because it's a full day where not only Novant Health team members but multiple other businesses around Charlotte get to make beautiful spaces for the children. Participants get to interact with students throughout the day and see the joy on their faces as they see their new playgrounds, games and other art installations.
Has volunteering made a great impact in your life?
Volunteering has made a massive impact in my life. It's not only a major part of my career that drives me to be better, but it also has affected how I live my life on a day-to-day basis. Having this passion for giving back has led me to serve on nonprofit boards and discover friendships that I would have never found if not for my passion for giving back.
More about Novant Health Cares
Follow your passions and find an organization to volunteer with! Nonprofits rely heavily on volunteer hours. Even a couple hours a month can make a huge impact. So, grab your family, friends, coworkers and get out to volunteer!
Need help finding your next volunteer opportunity? Don't be a stranger to Novant Health Cares! The community engagement team frequently adds opportunities to the portal.
Later this year, the team will launch the Novant Health Cares Ambassador Program. This will be an opportunity for team members to get even more involved with volunteering and help be the face of Novant Health in the community. For those interested in getting more involved, fill out this interest form. You can also learn more from the community engagement representative in your market.