When Ancel Romero ends his work day as ABHOW’s senior vice president for affordable housing, he’s usually far from done working. Like many others at ABHOW, Romero is so committed to enhancing the lives of older adults that he frequently volunteers for other aging services organizations.

As a LeadingAge Leadership Fellow, Romero has presented workshops on affordable housing topics for the past 10 years. He plays leadership roles with American Baptist Homes and Caring Ministries, Aging Services of California, and the Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corp.

Such dedication is impressive, to say the least, and it’s happening across the board at ABHOW. In fact, company leaders racked up more than 2,500 hours of volunteer services to local, state and national aging services organizations in 2010 alone – roughly equal to a $60,000 donation.

For ABHOW Foundation President Joe Anderson, that translates to a lot of time spent helping organizations like Senior Helpline Services, Aging Services of California and the San Ramon Valley United Methodist Church, where he serves as chair of the endowment committee.

“It’s just a natural byproduct of what I do every day,” says Anderson.

By all accounts, every hour a team member spends volunteering outside the office only strengthens the work going on within ABHOW.

Romero says his work with LeadingAge keeps him energized. “The time I spend with LeadingAge, whether as a fellow or a trainer, leaves me refreshed and possessed of a heightened sense of optimism for our profession’s future,” he says.

And that positive outlook is contagious. Romero has either encouraged or been inspired by other team members who are also involved outside the workplace. Director of Operations for Affordable Housing Travis Hanna, Roger Jump, administrator of Judson Terrace Homes and Lodge, and Allen Tubbs, administrator of Harbor View Manor, each play a leading role with various industry associations.

All in all, team members across ABHOW donated more than 10,000 volunteer hours in 2010, much of it with local aging services organizations. According to the company’s 2010 report on social accountability, Judson Park team members contributed the equivalent of $22,000 to seniors and aging service groups in and around the Seattle area. Team members at The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens spent many hours volunteering for the Senior Living Network in Fresno, Calif. Shelia Cooper, administrator of Tahoe Senior Plaza in South Lake Tahoe, Calif., has been driving the Douglas County Senior Center van on the weekends for two years. The list just goes on and on.

“I feel good about it and the people appreciate it so very much,” Cooper says. “Plus, I get to drive seniors from [the broader] community, and many of them are ABHOW residents or will be one day.”

And the benefits extend far beyond aging services. ABHOW has long been committed to having a positive impact in the cities and towns that are home to its senior living communities and corporate offices.

“When you believe in something, it consumes you,” says Senior Vice President of Human Resources Terese Farkas. “What ABHOW team members do outside the office is clearly indicative of their commitment to enhancing the well being of seniors.”