Everyone, regardless of social status or income, deserves to be treated fairly and humanly. That is why the Schoenberg Family Law Group PC has created a special interest in helping those around them through a special program for those people who are homeless or in need of long-term housing.
The San Francisco-based law firm has made giving back to the community through a special nonprofit known as LavaMae part of its regular volunteerism and donations, explained Rachel Jones, firm manager for the family law group.
LavaMae is a nonprofit organization that says it is “teaching the world how to take critical services for our unhoused neighbors to the street” by providing free toolkits, mentorship and training to communities such as the one in San Francisco.
The nonprofit focuses on what it calls “Radical Hospitality,” or treating people of all ages, ethnicities, races and socio-economic status wherever they are with extraordinary care. Everything LavaMae does is rooted deeply in that mobile-hygiene philosophy, as well.
Corporate culture
Jones said the firm really fires up its employees by getting them involved in this project.
“Our firm donates and annually as a team puts together toiletry packs for LavaMae. After reviewing supplies needed, we order and participate in bag-stuffing for the homeless,” said Jones. “Fully stocked with socks, underwear, feminine hygiene, as well as other hygiene products are packaged and hand delivered to the different locations in which LavaMae is hosting.”
Having a strong corporate culture and offering meaningful work as well as meaningful volunteerism opportunities is one way businesses can recruit and retain workers. HR pros across the board agree: Employees want to work for a firm that shows it cares about its community.
According to America’s Charities Snapshot Employee Research nearly three-quarters of employees surveyed say it’s “imperative or very important to work where culture is supportive of giving and volunteering.”
When a business blends its own values with those of its workers, the research found, employees feel bonded to the overall mission. That means offering a blend of volunteer work, skills building, workplace giving events and programs as well other offerings that make workers feel like the overall company has a purpose that they believe in and want to work for as a person.
Meaningful cause
The firm’s owner, Debra Schoenberg, came across an article about LavaMae and all the great work they do. That sparked her interest and passion to do more – both with good deeds and donations but with her talents, as well, Jones said.
As a boutique family law firm with 21 employees, Schoenberg Family Law Group wanted to be meaningfully and substantially embedded in something, Jones said.
“Our team members are always so excited to give back to such a meaningful cause,” she noted.
That is what got the firm’s owner fired up to get involved. Leadership like this is one reason why Schoenberg Family Law Group stands out.
“Debra reached out to the company and we got involved with the donations and loved it. After years of participation, Debra now sits on the board,” Jones said. “Debra sits on a number of boards for non-profit, underprivileged youth and families. She is driven and committed to make our comminutes and families stronger through donations, activity and leadership.”
