Adams and Reese has continued its support for the work of Goodwill Manasota with a generous recent contribution to the organization’s Job Connection program. This donation will support Goodwill Manasota’s mission of “changing lives through the power of work” by enabling one client of Goodwill’s Job Connection program – which provides free career services – to attend General Education Development (GED) classes for two semesters.
The donation was made possible through Adams and Reese’s philanthropic program, HUGS (Hope, Understanding, Giving, Support). HUGS was founded in 1988 by New Orleans Partner and firm Pro Bono Paladin Mark Surprenant. Since the program’s inception, the firm has devoted financial resources and thousands of volunteer hours to offer assistance to those in need. For example, through HUGS, Adams and Reese has provided holiday gifts to deserving area families identified by Goodwill for the last several years.
“Giving back isn’t something we have to do – it’s something we believe we should do, something we need to do. We recognize that some people need a hand up in order to achieve self-sufficiency,” said Jason Gaskill, Adams and Reese Sarasota Partner in Charge. “Our team stepped up and made this contribution to Goodwill so that they may continue to help make improvements in the quality of so many lives.”
Through HUGS, more than 100 organizations across the firm’s regional footprint have benefited from the firm’s work and employees’ volunteerism. Each Adams and Reese attorney also performs a minimum of 20 hours of pro bono work annually, helping make a difference in communities across the U.S. by serving those who cannot afford legal representation, through the firm’s CA&RE (Caring Adams and Reese Employees) program.
“We are so inspired by and grateful for the continued generosity of Adams and Reese – this contribution will make a tremendous difference in the life of one of our Job Connection clients. Adams and Reese is a model of corporate social responsibility, always looking for ways that they can give back to the community,” said Veronica Brandon Miller, Goodwill Manasota Vice President. “We can’t thank the firm and its employees enough for reaching out to touch the lives of those in need in our community.”
Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization headquartered in Bradenton, Florida that changes lives through the power of work. With the sales of donated goods and philanthropic donations, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities and other barriers to employment by providing job skills training and employment opportunities. In 2015, Goodwill Manasota served 22,739 people, placed 961 people in jobs and assisted 358 veterans as they reintegrated back into the civilian workforce. Goodwill Manasota’s economic impact back to the surrounding community is worth $81.3 million. Adams and Reese has been a proud longtime supporter of Goodwill Manasota through its HUGS corporate philanthropy program.
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