April’s National Volunteer Month may be over, but our appreciation for Volunteer Lawyers for Justice’s incredible volunteers is year-round. Kicking off our Volunteer Voices series, we’re spotlighting Carmen I. Abrazado, an associate with Walsh Pizzi O’Reilly Falanga LLP, who shared why she harnesses the power of pro bono with VLJ:
“I volunteer with VLJ because I recognize that supporting VLJ’s efforts can directly improve individuals’ lives, which is as important for the improvement of society as are policy initiatives on a grand scale.
To me, VLJ’s mission is not only about access to justice, but also about hope. Too often I have seen situations where pathways forward seem inaccessible or unachievable, and the emotional toll creates as much an obstacle to advancement as the blocked pathways themselves. Once it becomes evident that progress can be made, then hope is empowered to play its vital role in growth.
Personally, I thrive on learning new skills and ideas. I am also thankful that I can do something that is so unremarkable for me (like fill out an online petition), but which may have a remarkable effect on a fellow human’s life.
Professionally, at this stage in my career, serving VLJ clients is helping me to learn and practice new skills—for example, client interactions and case management—that will be applicable in my firm practice.”
Thank you, Carmen, for using your time and talent to change lives!
Motivated by Carmen to volunteer? Then contact Emerald Sheay at esheay@vljnj.org or use the button below to get started.