NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - Oct 3, 2013) - Cooley LLP announced today that its New York office recently completed a unique pro bono engagement: a refurbishment project for Safe Horizon, the country's leading victims services agency supporting victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault and human trafficking. Cooley lawyers and staff project-managed a multi-disciplinary team, including numerous local contractors, all of whom teamed up with Safe Horizon to transform the basement of the largest domestic violence shelter in New York City into a colorful and creative space for families and children who seek refuge in its space, often for months at a time.
On October 2, the new recreation area of the Rose House shelter held its grand opening ceremony to celebrate the renovated facilities for families and children. In attendance were Cooley volunteers, members of the Safe Horizon staff, volunteer contractors/vendors and the residents of the shelter.
"Cooley's support means so much to this organization," said Ariel Zwang, CEO of Safe Horizon. "Establishing such a deep and meaningful relationship over the years, and one that has involved so many lawyers and staff, enables ambitious and multi-faceted projects like this one to come to fruition. With their creativity and tenacity and their sleeves rolled up, the Cooley team has seen a very challenging project through from conception to completion. The benefits of this new play area will serve as a secure place of refuge for many children in need for years to come."
"It's wonderful to have the opportunity to form close ties with such a profoundly important New York organization, which is itself a beacon for similar organizations throughout the United States," said Cooley's New York Office Director, Eric Larson. "The money, manpower and project management involved has been a cause around which the entire office has united. We all truly care about the incredible work that Safe Horizon does for this city, and we are proud to contribute in our own way on behalf of victims of domestic violence and their families, all of whom need urgent help from fellow New Yorkers."
In addition to managing the Rose House shelter project renovation, Cooley lawyers and staff held a series of fundraising events in recent months that raised a total of $55,000 for Safe Horizon.
"It's an honor to play a part in making such a positive difference in people's lives here in New York," said Celia Goldwag Barenholtz, Cooley litigation partner and a member of the Safe Horizon Board of Directors. "Our work with Safe Horizon has touched so many attorneys and staff at Cooley, and it has imbued a sense of community, teamwork, and an awareness of the enormous challenges that we should all address, helping those who are suffering and vulnerable and in need of our humanity."
It is worth noting that this unique and vital project could not have been accomplished without the generous contributions, time and hard work of the volunteers from JRM Construction Management and their subcontractors, along with Studios Architecture and other construction consultants.
About Safe Horizon
Safe Horizon is the largest victims' services agencies in the United States, with more than 50 locations touching the lives of 250,000 children, adults, and families affected by crime and abuse throughout New York City each year. Since 1978, Safe Horizon has provided victims of domestic violence, child abuse, human trafficking, and sexual assault, as well as homeless youth and families of homicide victims, with a wide range of comprehensive support. They partner with governmental and other community agencies to offer additional assistance, including finding resources for those living outside New York City.
To learn more about Safe Horizon, visit their website here.
About Cooley LLP
Cooley's 700 attorneys have an entrepreneurial spirit and deep, substantive experience, and are committed to solving clients' most challenging legal matters. From small companies with big ideas to international enterprises with diverse legal needs, Cooley has the breadth of legal resources to enable companies of all sizes to seize opportunities in today's global marketplace. The firm represents clients across a broad array of dynamic industry sectors, including technology, life sciences, health care, venture capital, clean energy, real estate and retail.
The firm has full-service offices in eleven major business and technology centers: Boston, MA; Broomfield, CO; Los Angeles, CA; New York, NY; Palo Alto, CA; Reston, VA; San Diego, CA; San Francisco, CA; Seattle, WA; Washington, DC; and Shanghai, China.
Contact Information:
Thomas Freeman
212-479-6514