Twice a year, Maikers step away from their everyday roles and work side by side during our Day of Service. Together, we put our mission into action through hands-on care for the people and communities we’re honored to serve and steward.
This fall, that commitment to service was strengthened by Keesen Landscape Management, a partner already deeply connected to our communities. Together, Maikers and Keesen staff showed what can take root when people bring their time, expertise and resources together around a shared purpose.
Planting Something That Lasts
Watch how Maiker and Keesen worked together to care for our communities and plant something that will continue growing long after Service Day!
Service Across 10 Communities
At Aztec Villa, Junegrass, Orchard Hill, Waterview on the Parkway, Village at Yorkshire, Orchard Crossing, Susan Kay, Alto, Terrace Gardens and Zuni, Maikers worked together to complete projects designed around the needs of each community.
Teams planted more than 1,000 bulbs, added mulch and refreshed landscaping around monument signs, sitting areas and other shared spaces.
Maikers also painted handrails, fire-lane curbs, monument posts and trash enclosures; replaced basketball hoop nets; completed property cleanups; relocated a rock wall; and installed a Giant Connect 4 feature at Alto. The projects varied from one community to the next, but each reflected the same intention: creating spaces that feel cared for, welcoming and worthy of pride.
A Partnership Rooted in Care
Keesen’s contribution began before Service Day.
Its crews prepared and tilled planting beds at participating communities, giving Maikers a strong starting point when they arrived. On Service Day, Keesen team members continued that support by contributing volunteers and sweat equity and bringing water, snacks and supplies for staff.
The partnership also extends far beyond one event. Keesen helps maintain the landscapes surrounding Maiker communities throughout the year, connecting its everyday work directly to the places our members call home.
For Hanna Shames, Account Manager with Keesen, the working relationship with Maiker is grounded in a shared investment in community: “From working with Maiker, I see that it’s a team effort always. I see a lot of the same people all over the properties I work with, and it seems like they really care about the people that live there. They want to create a great environment for them to live in, and we really appreciate having an opportunity to contribute to that.”
That care is reflected not only in how a property looks, but also in how a space makes people feel.
As Joel Hiatt, Enhancement Manager with Keesen, shared: “When people have a place to return to after facing the challenges of everyday life, having a space that is cared for can make a meaningful difference. A well-maintained environment can provide comfort and a sense of quality. It helps people feel connected to and proud of the place they call home.”
For Dakota Richard, Business Development Manager with Keesen, supporting Service Day was a natural extension of Keesen’s commitment to partnering with organizations making a positive difference.
“We’re proud to be here, proud to support Maiker and proud to support the people they help along the way.” -Dakota Richard
What Takes Root
For Peter LiFari, Maiker’s Chief Executive Officer, Fall Day of Service was about more than beautification.
“While we’re planting bulbs, what we’re really planting is love and opportunity through the built environment.” -Peter LiFari
That idea gets at the heart of the day.
More than 1,000 bulbs now rest beneath the soil across Maiker communities, each one a small reflection of something bigger: the care and investment that go into creating welcoming places for the people who call them home.
And like the partnership behind the work, what was planted that day was meant to extend beyond October.
As Peter LiFari reflected: “There’s something really beautiful about putting something in the earth right before winter so that you can look forward to spring and the life that grows out of the soil to welcome you.”