#United States #Arlington #Foresters Financial #Odyssey Teams

Transforming Childhood Joy: Foresters Financial and Odyssey Teams

On June 21, 2025, the Loews Arlington Hotel ballroom transformed into a beacon of hope and happiness for local children in need. The event, organized by Foresters Financial™, a global life insurer dedicated to empowering communities, showcased the spirit of giving in collaboration with Odyssey Teams, an organization known for its impactful team-building initiatives.

The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as volunteers gathered to participate in the Life Cycles™ program, created by Odyssey Teams. This renowned initiative has seen over 23,000 bicycles delivered to children around the world, all aimed at fostering teamwork, communication, and community connection. Participants collaborated not only to assemble the bicycles but to forge lasting relationships, igniting a sense of purpose through shared efforts.

As the event unfolded, groups of volunteers meticulously attached wheels, handlebars, and frames, all the while knowing that every piece was a step toward creating unforgettable memories for children from John R. Good Elementary and Iglesia Fuente de Vida. When the moment of surprise arrived, the smiles on the children’s faces illuminated the room, welcoming the unexpected gift of new bikes complete with helmets and locks.

Matt Berman, President and CEO of Foresters Financial, expressed the deeper significance of the event. "As our members assembled bikes for these incredible kids, we weren't just putting together wheels and handlebars. We were building confidence, freedom, and moments of pure childhood joy. Seeing the spark in their eyes reminded us all that our work extents beyond financial strength; it’s about human connection."

The joyful reactions from the children reflected the essence of what this event aimed to achieve. Berman added, "These bikes symbolize not just mobility but hope and the belief that someone cares. For the Foresters members, this experience instills a renewed sense of purpose and reminds us that true leadership lies in service." For many of those participating, the emotional impact extended far beyond the day itself. The lessons of empathy, connection, and the power of small acts of kindness will resonate throughout their lives and communities long after the last bike was built.

The event marked a highlight during Foresters’ International Assembly and Leadership Development Conference, which brought together around 500 member leaders dedicated to realizing the organization's purpose. This volunteer activity demonstrated a vital principle: Financial services can transcend mere business operations and contribute positively to families and communities.

As a fraternal benefit society, Foresters Financial offers its members a unique opportunity to nominate themselves for positions as Branch Councillors. These leader members actively contribute to shaping the organization’s direction by supporting board elections and promoting meaningful local initiatives.

About Foresters Financial

For more than 150 years, Foresters Financial has committed to helping families safeguard their financial futures. Beyond that, it empowers its members with opportunities to enhance their well-being, foster community support, and advocate for significant causes. While providing life insurance services in the US and Canada, Foresters collaborates with its members to promote goodness in their communities. Sustainability and social responsibility remain central to the organization, driving their commitment to create meaningful lifetime benefits. Initiatives such as Foresters Care™ grants and Competitive Scholarships are just a couple of examples of how they work to unite communities and inspire the next generation to give back.

About Odyssey Teams

For over 30 years, Odyssey Teams has specialized in developing leaders through purpose-driven experiences. They pioneered the Life Cycles™ program in 2000, establishing a unique model for team bonding by building bicycles for underprivileged children. The impact of their programs extends beyond bicycles, having also initiated global initiatives, including the Build-a-Hand®, which provides prosthetic hands to individuals in need around the world. Odyssey’s comprehensive offerings are designed to empower teams while driving authentic collaboration and community impact.

In conclusion, the event on June 21 was a celebration of purpose and partnership, demonstrating that acts of kindness through organizations like Foresters Financial and Odyssey Teams can profoundly change lives and uplift communities. Such moments remind us of our shared humanity and the importance of engaging with our surroundings meaningfully.