At CorrHealth, our commitment to philanthropy and community service starts at the top. CEO Todd Murphy has long believed that making a meaningful impact goes beyond the work we do. It is about how we show up for others, both inside and outside our organization.
In this personal reflection, Todd shares the experiences that shaped his perspective, the values that continue to guide him, and the “why” behind CorrHealth’s commitment to giving back through initiatives like CorrCARES.
In His Own Words
From some of my earliest memories as a child, I vividly recall the lessons my parents taught me about the importance of helping others, serving our community, and leaving the world better than I found it. They showed me that making a difference is not about recognition, but about intentional and consistent action in service to others.
It is about showing up with a genuine heart and a selfless spirit, without seeking the spotlight.
Lessons That Shaped My View on Philanthropy
There is no question that my parents lived with servants’ hearts, and I am profoundly grateful they instilled those values in me at such a formative age. Their commitment to philanthropy and community service was not something they talked about occasionally. It was something they lived every day.
They were deeply involved in volunteer work, charities, and meaningful causes, and they made it a point to include me in those experiences. Just as importantly, they explained why their acts of service mattered. Watching their example gave me a strong sense of responsibility to take action and continually strive to do more today than I did yesterday.
One of the simplest, yet most powerful lessons they taught me was this:
“Never walk past a piece of trash without picking it up.”
At the time, it felt like a small and almost insignificant act. Over time, I realized it was never about the trash. It was about personal responsibility, doing the small things, and leading by example. It was about taking ownership, explaining your actions when asked, and inspiring others to follow in simple but meaningful ways.
Small Actions, Lasting Impact
Throughout their lives, my parents remained committed to serving others. Whether it was supporting organizations that fight abuse, cancer, and Alzheimer’s, volunteering at soup kitchens, granting last wishes to terminally ill children, or simply providing food to those in need, their actions reflected a deep belief in community service.
That example continues to guide me today.
Like my parents, it is not uncommon to see me walking through a parking lot and stopping to pick up a stray bottle or piece of paper. It is a small act, but it serves as a constant reminder that small actions matter and that responsibility extends beyond ourselves to the communities we live in.
Carrying the Legacy Forward Through Community Service
Inspired by my parents, I strive to carry that legacy forward in simple, tangible ways. I keep bottles of water in my vehicle to hand out to those experiencing homelessness. I volunteer at soup kitchens and make it a priority to involve my cousins, nieces, and nephews in these efforts so they can experience the importance of giving back firsthand.
Over the years, I have also supported a variety of initiatives aligned with philanthropy and community service, including the Great Cycle Challenge for pediatric cancer research, the Special Olympics, organizations that support veterans, the Sunshine Kids Foundation, Toys for Tots, and providing holiday meals for families in need.
I also take pride in supporting our team members’ children through school events and community programs. In addition, I have served on nonprofit boards and currently serve on the board of The Way Back, an organization focused on helping formerly incarcerated individuals access resources, reshape their mindset, and build a path toward a better future.
Philanthropy at CorrHealth: More Than a Responsibility
Professionally, these same values are deeply embedded in my vision for CorrHealth. I believe that philanthropy and community service are not optional for for-profit organizations. They are a responsibility.
This belief led to the creation of CorrCARES, our dedicated community service division at CorrHealth. CorrCARES operates with a nonprofit mindset, focused entirely on giving back and supporting those in need.
Through CorrCARES, our team members come together to serve their communities in meaningful ways. These efforts include providing essential protective equipment, such as bullet- and stab-proof vests, to help ensure officers return home safely to their families. CorrCARES has also supported mission-driven initiatives, including assisting a team member and her faith-based group as they traveled to Peru to provide healthcare, support, and compassion to a local community.
A Daily Commitment to Make a Difference
For me, these actions are a quiet homage to my parents. They are a way to honor their legacy while serving as a daily reminder that real change begins with individual responsibility.
Philanthropy and community service are not about grand gestures. They grow through small, consistent actions, a genuine desire to help others, and a collective effort to improve the world around us.
That is my story, and that is part of my “why.”
My question is:
What are you doing to contribute and make a genuine difference in people’s lives and within your community?
