In December we held our first Day of Service which was organized by Legal Innovators Law Clerks Elaine Chamberlain and Sarah Dorsey. Our junior legal professionals and the company’s leadership team provided lunch to some of the 6,521 men, women, and children in need in the city of Washington, D.C. in partnership with SOME – So Others Might Eat.
Elaine and Sarah chose SOME as our first community service partner, as the organization provides more than just food for those experiencing homelessness and poverty in D.C. SOME offers hot showers, clothing, medical services, addiction recovery services, mental health services, and intensive job training and placement, as well as free or affordable housing. The organization uses food as a gateway to help thousands of people transform their lives to become productive and outstanding members of our community. Sarah and Elaine found it particularly important for Legal Innovators to serve the community in December as the
true spirit of the holiday comes from giving back, giving thanks, and lending a helping hand to those in need. Sarah and Elaine wanted to be sure that we made a real impact through human connection, which is why the team included handwritten notes of motivation and affirmation in each of the lunch bags.
As a 25+ year resident of D.C., SOME’s program also has special significance for Legal Innovators Co-Founder and Chairman Jonathan Greenblatt,
“We love the “whole person” approach SOME takes to its work. It’s important that we help address DC’s growing homelessness problem. Giving food and clothes help however, addressing the mental health needs of the group that SOME serves may help get some men and women off the streets permanently.”
The team also had the opportunity to tour of the SOME Northwest D.C. facility after which Law Clerk Ethan Tilman commented,
“I really enjoyed giving back and learning about the work that SOME does in the D.C. community. I look forward to future opportunities to collaborate with the community and show that Legal Innovators plans to be an active community member that takes our social responsibilities seriously.”
Community service is a key part of the Legal Innovators philosophy. Not only is there meaning and reward in volunteering in the workplace, it promotes a positive culture within our company and contributes to team building. At the same time, community involvement provides our Law Clerks with an opportunity to build their leadership and networking skills.
After this successful first Day of Service, Legal Innovators will continue to make an impact in 2020 by servicing and giving back to various organizations throughout the D.C. Metropolitan community and beyond.
