Dear Friends,
We hear so many wonderful stories about the difference Pro Bono Partnership has made for our nonprofit clients that I’ve made it a goal to share more of those stories, and our outlook going forward, with you several times a year. Since it’s summer and I love to spend time in my garden, I’ve been thinking about what a great metaphor gardening is for the work we do.
Not only do we provide direct legal services for many organizations dedicated to alleviating food insecurity, sustainable agriculture, and other environmentally-focused nonprofits, but at our core the free legal services we provide all of our nonprofit clients help cultivate the right environment for those organizations to grow, benefit more of their constituents, and better support neighborhoods throughout the tristate area.
Gardens can be filled with flowers, herbs, fruit, or vegetables, and that breadth parallels the Partnership’s diverse client base. Our nonprofit clients fill needs ranging from health and human services to closing gaps in education, animal welfare, and the arts. The result of some gardens (mine included, even with tomatoes arriving later than last year) is a bounty of produce that gives sustenance, much like the numerous food pantries, food banks, and urban farms we serve provide to our local communities.
“As you know, the non-profit community provides
vital community services on shoestring budgets and is always vulnerable to outside budgetary cuts. To have access to the legal talent that Pro Bono Partnership offers is an amazing blessing.” ~ Pro Bono Partnership client
Of course, the only way the Partnership is able to nurture our nonprofit clients and sustain our programs is with the help of our dedicated staff, our crew of 1,400+ volunteer lawyers, and our even larger community of supporters. We make the connections, provide the support and resources necessary for volunteers to feel comfortable and confident in their pro bono work, and we all benefit from the fruits of their labor.
To continue our reputation for excellent volunteer and client support, I’m pleased to announce that
Lauren Fishman and Alexandra (Ali) Kilduff have joined the Partnership team! Lauren is Pro Bono Manager, located in the White Plains office, and Ali is our new Staff Attorney in New Jersey. You can reach Ali at akilduff@probonopartner.org or 973-240-6955 ext. 305, and Lauren at lfishman@probonopartner.org or 914-328-0674 ext. 328.
“Pro Bono Partnership projects are always both rewarding and fun. It gives me an opportunity to use my areas of legal expertise, and the organizations I’ve worked with enrich the community. I’m excited to participate in that and help further their causes.” ~ Pro Bono Partnership Volunteer
I’m grateful to be part of this ecosystem that is a force for good in our communities.
I appreciate the hard work, care, and beauty that our nonprofit and volunteer partners contribute every day, and am proud of the role the Partnership has in keeping the environment thriving.
I hope you’re enjoying the summer, finding time to slow down and smell the roses, to get your hands dirty, and also to admire your accomplishments while relaxing in the shade. 
With appreciation,
Nancy Eberhardt
Executive Director
P.S. We’re planting the seeds now for a spectacular Gala on Wednesday, October 17th at Cipriani in Midtown. If you haven’t already, get your tickets or support the Partnership here. And, see photos and videos from last year’s event here.
* These are photos of my actual garden, and some of the produce I was rewarded with a few days ago.