Providing Support When Disaster Strikes: The Covia Cares Emergency Relief Fund

At Covia, we believe in being there for our people – not just as an employer, but as a resource to support them personally and professionally. We strive to be there for our employees in both prosperous times and challenging moments, the latter of which is why we launched the Covia Cares Emergency Relief Fund.

When natural disasters strike or unexpected hardships occur, having a dedicated support system can make a massive difference. Read on to discover how the Emergency Relief Fund allows Covia to provide more direct, timely support for those affected by Hurricane Helene and other unforeseen hardships.

Adding Support Options for Employees in Times of Need

We established The Covia Foundation in 2008 to support our employees in every aspect of their lives. That commitment is why the Foundation continues to evolve as Covia’s employees’ needs change over time.

The seeds of the Emergency Relief Fund were planted in 2017 following Hurricane Harvey's devastating impact on the Houston area. Recognizing the immediate needs of these communities, Covia established a fund to provide financial support for employees affected by federally declared natural disasters.

As the program grew, so did the desire to expand its capabilities. Covia partnered with the Emergency Assistance Foundation (EAF) so that we could provide timely support for events beyond federally declared natural disasters. This partnership allowed current employees in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada to apply for up to $1,500 in assistance for other life-changing events, such as a house fire or a death in the family. The EAF's expertise in this area allows the Fund to turn around grants for immediate assistance.

Employees also do not need to sacrifice their privacy to benefit from this aid. All applications are handled confidentially through EAF, with Covia's role limited to verifying current employment status. This process ensures our employees can seek assistance without hesitation when facing difficult circumstances.

Providing Immediate Support Following Hurricane Helene

While The Emergency Relief Fund gave Covia employees an avenue for support, Hurricane Helene was particularly overwhelming. Torrential rain and 100 mile-per-hour winds ravaged the Southeastern portion of the U.S., leaving entire communities without food and power. The unpredictability of the storm also made it difficult for people to properly prepare for the damage, as Helene’s path ended up impacting areas that were not originally forecast to be in its path.

“The devastating effects of Hurricane Helene challenged many people, including Covia team members in Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia,” said Bruno Biasiotta, President and Chief Executive Officer of Covia. “When our people face unexpected challenges, we want them to know they're not alone – they have the full support of the Covia family behind them.”

Covia created the Immediate Response Program (IRP) in response to Helene. The IRP provided $500 payments within 24 hours to employees affected by federally declared natural disasters. This program allowed more than 40 Covia employees who were in the path of the hurricane to focus on what matters most – caring for themselves and their families while beginning the recovery process. Navigating recovery efforts is an exhausting process, both physically and emotionally. The IRP was another step that Covia could take to prioritize the well-being of our employees.

Building a Culture of Support Throughout Covia

The Emergency Relief Fund exemplifies The Covia Foundation's broader mission of supporting our employees and communities throughout life's journey. While our other foundation initiatives focus on advancement and growth, the Emergency Relief Fund stands ready to provide crucial support during unexpected challenges.

We are also proud that a culture of community support is prevalent throughout our company. Covia employees were actively involved in recovery efforts, such as when Adam Beatty, Senior Plant Manager of Covia’s North American clay operations, and the team at Covia’s Hephzibah, Georgia, location rallied to support others while the region was without power for nearly two weeks. The Hephzibah team opened the plant following the storm to help employees fuel cars, and let the city borrow a front-end loader to clear fallen trees and debris blocking the roads.

While we may not be able to avoid natural disasters and other personal hardships, we do have control over how we respond to these challenging times. Our commitment to supporting our people remains unwavering, and The Covia Foundation continues to evolve as a result. The Emergency Relief Fund represents more than just financial assistance – it is a testament to our belief that we are stronger together, especially during life's most challenging moments.