Community Engagement
Our Approach to Social Investment
Milestone firmly believes it is our responsibility to give back to the communities in which we operate, and we are committed to making a lasting impact in the areas our customers, employees, and other stakeholders live and work. Throughout 2021, the company partnered with several nonprofit organizations to help tackle local hunger and homelessness, and support families in financial need. We also made direct contributions in support of community STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) education events for children and participated in fundraising for first responders and veteran assistance programs. Milestone is focused on helping communities in West Texas where the majority of our team members and customers live and work. However, we also partner with service organizations in Houston, Texas, and other parts of the state we call home. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, in-person volunteer hours remained constrained during the year. As an alternative, the company reached out to nonprofit community partners to discuss how we could help most effectively in a socially-distanced community environment. The result was a blend of direct monetary donations, sponsorships, and limited in-person events throughout the year.
The following are some key examples of our activity in external community events and our contributions to nonprofit organizations:
+ Fighting Hunger
During 2021, Milestone joined the fight against hunger by making contributions to the West Texas Food Bank and Houston Food Bank, which provided approximately 37,000 meals to children, families, and seniors. The West Texas Food Bank serves an area covering 19 counties and is the largest nonprofit in the Permian Basin. This area was particularly hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic with layoffs throughout the energy industry. Milestone’s $10,000 donation helped provide meals to many families in the oilfield business. The Houston Food Bank was supported through the purchase of honor cards that were sent to customers during the Holiday season that supplied three meals for every dollar donated.
+ Veteran Outreach
We have a long-standing history of supporting Boot Campaign, a national veterans advocacy and support organization. In our various fundraising efforts, including merchandise sales and silent auction events, we have donated 100% of the proceeds to Boot Campaign. These funds are invested in programs that assist veterans, members of the armed services, and their families through individualized, life- improving programs.
+ Helping Energy Industry Families in Need
Oilfield Helping Hands (“OHH”) is a nonprofit organization that helps oilfield families who are in financial crisis. Historically, Milestone has supported OHH in its efforts to aid families impacted by unforeseen events such as medical injuries, illnesses, and natural disasters like flooding and fires. Milestone makes an annual donation and is a gold-level corporate sponsor. Many of our employees are actively engaged in OHH’s Houston and Permian Basin chapters. Additionally, we sponsored the OHH Permian Basin Golf Classic, which helped raise money for this worthy cause.
+ Promoting STEAM Education
The Museum of the Southwest aims to immerse visitors in experiences that transform their universe through exploration and interaction with art, science, history, and culture. In 2021, Milestone gifted funds to the museum that supported free access to a Christmas Open House for children and their families, promoting educational enrichment and holiday joy. Future planned events include Milestone’s sponsorship of a STEAM event for kids, as well as a summer outdoor concert series at the museum. Through these activities, Milestone hopes local children and teenagers will develop an interest and become more involved in science, technology, and the arts
+ Tackling Homelessness
Many families in the Permian Basin have lived through some very difficult times, and Milestone aims to help those that are experiencing homelessness as a result. Milestone supports displaced residents through a contribution to Family Promise of Midland, which is focused on transforming the lives of homeless families. Additionally, Milestone contributed to The Field’s Edge, an organization in Midland that builds tiny homes for the chronically homeless and partners to help get people emotional and psychological help.
+Supporting First Responders and Law Enforcement
Milestone took part in the 17th annual Bad Boy Blast, a clay shooting event that supports Andrews, Ector, Howard, and Midland County Volunteer Fire Departments and the Odessa Crime Stoppers. A group of Milestone employees hosted a station at the event and cooked meals for event participants. Milestone also participated in the Bustin’ for Badges sporting clay tournament, which benefits the Midland and Ector County sheriffs’ departments and the Midland and Odessa police departments.