Since our founding nearly 90 years ago, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP has demonstrated a strong commitment to giving back to the communities in which we do business. While the firm gives back to many community organizations statewide, the Kalamazoo office has implemented an annual “impact gift” program, new in 2020, which will provide financial contributions to one or more organizations that support relevant issues in the community and address current needs of area residents.
Recipients of this year’s impact gifts were Ministry with Community and the YWCA of Kalamazoo. “Giving back to the community is an important value at Warner. We are inspired by the missions of Ministry with Community and the YWCA of Kalamazoo and are proud to support their outstanding work,” said Executive Partner Josie Boucher.
Founded in 1978, Ministry with Community is an organization focused on empowering people to make positive life changes. It welcomes all individuals located in the Kalamazoo community that are experiencing homelessness, poverty, mental illness and other challenges. The organization offers services that include laundry, showers, phone access, meals, personal care items and mental health services. Prior to COVID-19, the Kalamazoo office would volunteer quarterly in the kitchen at Ministry with Community, assisting with their breakfast service. Ministry with Community Executive Director Kelly Henderson shared: “We are so grateful for the support of Warner Norcross + Judd! Your gift helps to ensure that everyone who connects with Ministry with Community will find the support they need to rebuild their lives. Thank you for helping us remove barriers in the lives of those we serve.”
Founded in 1885, the YWCA of Kalamazoo works to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. It works to curb the infant mortality rate in Kalamazoo, offer education and programming for social justice initiatives, support programs for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking and focus on ensuring children in Kalamazoo have access to quality child care. Warner’s impact gift will support the YWCA’s capital campaign to open Michigan’s only comprehensive early childhood learning center, which will be located in the Edison Neighborhood of Kalamazoo.
YWCA of Kalamazoo Vice President of Development Lisa Rodriguez states: "YWCA Kalamazoo is honored to hold the vote of confidence of Warner Norcross + Judd, as evidenced by their financial support of our work, and offering of employees as volunteers. We stand strong in our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women and are fortunate to have community allies, like WNJ, stand with us. The expansion of our mission extends to improving the lives of children and WNJ has demonstrated their support of this expansion through our innovative and comprehensive children's center: YWCA Edison Children's Center. Together, we are making Kalamazoo a more equitable community! For this we say THANK YOU!"
Visit https://www.wnj.com/firm/overview/community-stewardship to learn more about how we give back to our communities.
About Warner
By providing discerning and proactive legal advice, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP builds a better partnership with our clients. One of Michigan’s largest law firms, we’re focused on providing the best legal solutions and exceptional client service to organizations throughout the world. Connect with us on wnj.com, LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook.
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