Making Change: AgFirst's Hampton Jordan serving an organization close to his heart

For the past quarter of a century, the YMCA has been an integral part of AgFirst Vice President and Relationship Manager Hampton Jordan’s life. Jordan grew up attending summer camps at his local YMCA and became a junior camp counselor when he was 14. Even during summer breaks from The Citadel, he returned home to the YMCA as a counselor to do a job he loved. Throughout the years, his involvement in the YMCA evolved. Now he is chair of the advisory committee of the Downtown Columbia YMCA and on the Association board, which oversees five branches in the Midlands.

Jordan’s involvement, coupled with AgFirst’s financial support through special event sponsorships, helps advance the YMCA’s efforts in building a healthier, happier and stronger community. “The YMCA has given a lot to me, which is why I seek to give back to the organization because it set me up for my growth and progress in life,” Jordan said.

AgFirst is proud to support a range of local non-profits, such as the YMCA, that are important to our employees and make life better for our community.

Jordan’s investment in the YMCA is multifaceted. In 2019, he was awarded the YMCA of Columbia Volunteer of the Year based on his tireless service to the organization. In addition to his board responsibilities, he also coached youth basketball and currently coaches his daughter’s soccer team made up of 9- to 10-year-old girls. As a coach, he’s motivating and supporting youth in building character, skills and positive relationships.

Jordan’s service to the YMCA comes from knowing the organization is much more than a gym – it’s an integral part of the community. The organization focuses on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. “The Y strengthens the community and transforms lives, which is why I’m humbled to serve the organization,” Jordan said.

The YMCA offers a variety of programs from after-school camps and youth sports to lifesaving swim lessons. Member scholarships are also provided for community members in need. Last year, more than 100 families received a YMCA of Columbia member scholarship to access the gym for their health and well-being.

For the last two years, AgFirst was the lead sponsor of the YMCA’s Race to Remember held in downtown Columbia. Employees from the bank also participate in the race in support of our nation’s veterans. The bank’s donation goes to the YMCA’s scholarship program for veterans, which provides reduced membership fees for military personnel, as well as financial assistance for members in the community who cannot afford YMCA memberships or programs.

“It means a lot that my workplace invests in something I care about and also helps the community out,” Jordan said. “Through the YMCA’s programs and outreach efforts, it’s fostering a community where people can come together in a spirit of common fellowship.”

AgFirst is proud to have leaders like Hampton Jordan serving organizations like the YMCA that are helping individuals and families in our community thrive.