Giving Back

Philanthropy and inclusion are most powerful when they are rooted in lived experience, shared values, and sustained action. For Joel Carver, CEO of The Carver Companies, that foundation was laid early by his grandmother Vivian, a social worker who devoted her life to serving individuals and families with limited access to opportunity. Her charge was clear and enduring: “No matter what you achieve, don’t ever forget where you came from—and don’t ever forget to give back.”

That belief is shared and actively advanced by Joel and his husband, Dr. Van Millin, whose professional and personal commitments reflect a deep respect for dignity, equity, and service. Together, they view philanthropy not as a peripheral activity, but as a core responsibility of leadership—one that recognizes the interconnectedness of business success, community well-being, and inclusive opportunity.

Carver Cares, the charitable arm of The Carver Companies, embodies this philosophy. Its mission extends beyond internal teams to intentionally invest in the broader communities where the company lives and works. Guided by principles of equity, access, and compassion, Carver Cares focuses on partnerships that create measurable impact while honoring the diverse experiences of the people they serve.

One of the organization’s most meaningful relationships is with Backpack Buddies, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that at-risk children have access to food and essential items outside of school. In a powerful full-circle moment, Backpack Buddies is led by Carol Williams and Dale Adams, the latter of whom was mentored by Joel’s grandmother, Vivian. The connection underscores a central truth of philanthropy: when leadership invests in people, the impact can span generations.

Carver Cares also maintains long-standing partnerships with organizations advancing health equity, civil rights, education, and cultural inclusion, including the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Human Rights Campaign Fund, ICEF, and the In the Spirit Awards. In alignment with the company’s DEI commitments, The Carver Companies also formed a strategic alliance with the Point Foundation, which empowers high-potential LGBTQ+ students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential. This partnership reflects a shared belief that representation, access, and support are essential to building inclusive leadership pipelines.

In 2017, The Carver Companies—together with Joel and Dr. Millin personally—established the Harold P. and Bertha S. Carver Endowment and the Smith-Carver Family Criminal Justice Scholarship at Pearl River Community College. The endowment honors Joel’s parents, while the scholarship recognizes members of the Smith-Carver family who served in law enforcement and supports students pursuing careers in criminal justice—acknowledging both public service and the importance of access to education.

As Chief Development Officer, Charley Carter often notes, “We don’t need to do things differently—we need to do them better.” For The Carver Companies, doing better means embedding philanthropy and inclusion into how the business operates—ensuring that a portion of every dollar of profit is reinvested into communities and causes that advance opportunity and respect for all.

Carver Cares reflects a holistic approach to philanthropy and DEI—one grounded in legacy, strengthened by partnership, and focused on creating environments where individuals and communities can thrive.