Gaining a New Perspective
When employees from the Mandelbaum Barrett law firm first arrived at the LifeTown Shoppes, they expected a morning of fun and giving back. However, they didn’t anticipate gaining a new perspective on both their work and personal lives.
“Volunteering at LifeTown gives you an entirely new perspective. It helps you realize how you can be of service to others. It gives you a level of empathy with every single thing you do, including your work,” said Ethan Wells, Personal Injury Partner and Co-Chair of the Diversity Committee at Mandelbaum Barrett.
Mandelbaum Barrett is a philanthropic firm dedicated to using its talents to make a difference. On Wednesday, January 21, the firm chose to spend the morning at LifeTown, helping children with special needs navigate a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.
“What first attracted me and Mandelbaum Barrett to LifeTown was the enthusiasm of Zalman and Toba, the incredible facility, their exciting concept to engage children with challenges in the LifeTown experience, and the Irving Mandelbaum room for families to meet with advocates. We have gone all in as their ‘cheerleader’,” said Barry R. Mandelbaum, the Chairman of Mandelbaum Barrett.
“I think this experience is absolutely amazing,” said Katie Davey, Events and Marketing Manager at Mandelbaum Barrett. “This is such a great opportunity for kids to come in and see what real life is like in a safe environment.”
While the children had a magical day and gained real-life skills, the employees gained an unanticipated shift in perspective. Volunteering at LifeTown is a unique and powerful experience. The children’s enthusiasm, abilities, and joy throughout the shopping experience were awe-inspiring.
Each volunteer was profoundly impacted by the experience, whether they worked in the bookstore helping children pick out the perfect paperback, held a LifeTown guinea pig for pets and cuddles in the pet shoppe, or helped children make change at the supermarket.
“The children are incredible, challenging any assumptions or stereotypes associated with children with special abilities,” said Daniel Serviss, Partner at Mandelbaum Barrett and Board Member of Friendship Circle. “Volunteering here reinforces my sense of responsibility and compassion for others, things which remind me how we can each make this world a better place for everyone.”
After a morning of volunteering, the employees of Mandelbaum Barrett arrived back at the office with a renewed sense of purpose, bringing a transformed perspective to their everyday work lives. The children at LifeTown exemplify resilience and exude joy, inspiring anyone who is lucky enough to meet them.
“I go back to the office with such a gratifying feeling to know I was able to do something so meaningful and to use my time in such a special way for these kids,” said Ida Rodriguez, an employee in the marketing department for Mandelbaum Barrett.
Serviss added, “Watching the reactions of my co-workers, and seeing the happiness that they experience makes the office environment even more special. We were given the opportunity to share a unique experience – the happiness felt by helping others.”
