As President and CEO of the Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties — and a mom of 5 boys!— Courtney Edgcomb leads with compassion both at work and at home. Her role connecting donors, volunteers, and community partners gives her a front-row seat to generosity in action, lessons she brings into her own family’s daily life. Here, she shares how her work inspires her parenting, how she nurtures empathy in her children, and how gratitude stays at the heart of their home all year long.
You spend your days helping others through the United Way. How has that focus on service and community shaped the way you talk about kindness and giving back at home?
In our house, we talk a lot about respect and kindness. My job has given me the opportunity to see new perspectives — and in turn, share those stories with my children. We consider giving back an expectation in our family, whether it’s through church, school, volunteer projects, or how we show up for our friends and family.
Are there little things you do to help your kids notice and express thankfulness?
One thing that’s helped us focus on gratitude is listing a “peach” and a “pit” each day during dinner. It opens up conversation around the table and takes the pressure off everyone having to recount their day. Instead, we talk about something that went well — your peach — and something you’d change tomorrow — your pit. It’s okay to be frustrated or disappointed with our pits, but we can always find something to be thankful for.
What are some simple, age-appropriate ways families can introduce service and community involvement at home?
There are so many ways! You don’t have to carve out hours each weekend to volunteer. Baking cookies and dropping them off at the fire station is a great way to show gratitude to first responders. Drawing “get well soon” cards for hospital patients lets those dealing with illness know they’re not forgotten. Or look for ways to serve your neighbors — bring by a new plant, lend a hand, or just sit and chat. The best part about service is that it shifts the focus from ourselves to others and reminds us how powerful it is to make someone feel seen and special.
Through your work, you see generosity in action every day. What’s something you’ve learned from the community that’s influenced your parenting?
One thing I’ve learned is that there are always two sides to every story. The moments I get most frustrated as a parent often come down to a lack of communication or not fully listening to my children’s experience. I try to approach challenges with curiosity because the solutions we come up with together are so much more effective than the ones I prescribe. It’s the same in community work — the best solutions are the ones shaped with people, not for them.
What has being a mom taught you about gratitude or community that you carry with you into your role at United Way?
Gratitude is a mindset, not an activity. When I consistently pour gratitude into my relationships with my kids, I see it reflected back. I hope to bring that same mindset to my work — whether I’m connecting with a donor, a service provider, or one of my team members. Gratitude creates stronger relationships, deeper understanding, and a community where everyone feels valued and supported.
