Bringing Smiles to the Faces of Many

By Stephen Harnischfeger | Meter Reader
Oct 11, 2019 11:05 AM ET

Energize! | A PSEG blog

I started my career with PSEG two years ago as a meter reader out of the Burlington office. Volunteering has been a big part of my life since I was a young kid, and one of the benefits of working at PSEG is its culture of service and encouragement of its workers to be active in community service.   

When I was younger, I always wanted to grow up to be a coach and help children who were less fortunate than I was. When I graduated from college, I became a physical education instructor and taught for eight years. On top of working at the school, I also spent a lot of time volunteering and coaching the children. Working with the kids always felt great because I was able to serve as a positive, male role model for many of them.

Each new stage in my life has led me to a new volunteer opportunity and, when I met my wife, she introduced me to Easterseals, an organization that helps children and adults with disabilities and special needs live better lives by providing them with opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities. I have been volunteering with Easterseals for the last 10 years and have loved every minute of it.

Since I have an athletic background, I was able to jump right in on the events, such as large walks, sporting events, camps and a game day at Metlife Stadium. Seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces is one of the greatest feelings.

My mother always instilled in me that you should help people who don’t have as much as you and, if you see someone in need, do whatever you can to help. This advice continues to inspire me every day to give my time to others.