Verizon Legal Volunteers Launch New Program to Provide Free Legal Services

NEW YORK — Verizon attorneys and legal staff have started a program that will provide free legal services to needy individuals and nonprofit organizations.

The program helps address a major issue: Nearly 1 million poor people will be denied representation in courts across the country this year because of insufficient resources, according to a recent study by Legal Services Corporation.

Verizon attorneys, who specialize in a variety of legal fields, and legal staff, will donate their time, talents and professional expertise, with an emphasis on civil matters involving education, domestic violence, and supporting veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

"This program is a natural extension of Verizon's long-standing commitment to the communities we serve," said Randal Milch, executive vice president and general counsel for Verizon. "With attorneys and staffers in 20 states and the District of Columbia, Verizon's pro bono program has the potential to have a significant impact in many of these communities."

Under the program, the more than 700 attorneys, paralegals and staffers in the company's legal department will be encouraged to volunteer a minimum of 25 hours a year. The department has established a Pro Bono Committee to oversee the program, approve pro bono projects and partners, assess the program's effectiveness, and ensure that volunteers have access to proper training resources.

The program will provide legal assistance in three key areas: education, domestic violence, and Veterans.

To broaden the program's reach, Verizon has partnered with the law firm of DLA Piper, which has a similar program that provides legal services to the needy, and joined the Corporate Pro Bono Challenge - a program sponsored by Corporate Pro Bono. The Challenge's goal is for at least half of the members of Verizon's legal department to participate in the program.

Partnering with other companies in the community can be a great way to make a big difference. Through Verizon's determination to meet a community need, others are encouraged to join in, allowing a greater number of people to be impacted by Verizon's initiative.

There is a strength in numbers. If you are feeling overwhelmed by a cause you want to support, try partnering with other companies that have similar passions. You might be amazed at the impact you make and the new relationships you gain in the process.

Independent Film Unites Bloggers and Hosts Free Screening in Honor of Veterans Day

LAS VEGAS — In honor of Veterans Day, independent filmmakers are using "Who Will Stand" to raise awareness for veterans on Nov. 11.

The campaign includes a BloggersUnite.org event that asks bloggers to post and write about veterans on Veterans Day, including nonprofit organizations such as The Soldier's Project, Defending Freedom, Canines for Combat Wounded, Blue Star Mothers, and the Wounded Warrior Project.

Concurrent with the online event, The Galaxy Theatres at Cannery Casino & Hotel will host a special open-to-the-public, free screening of “Who Will Stand”. The screening will also feature entertainer Clint Holmes who performed the title song.

The free screenings will take place at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11 at the Galaxy Theatres in Las Vegas. Attendees are invited to make a donation to HELP USA LAS VEGAS, a Las Vegas-based organization that finds housing for homeless veterans.

The movie focuses on more than a dozen soldiers who were physically or psychologically wounded. It also profiles several charities dedicated to helping veterans.

Director Phil Valentine and Director of Photography Michael Bedik traveled across the United States to find soldiers who were willing to talk candidly about their issues. “Who Will Stand” is a call to action and inspires the community to help those brave men and women of our military.

A portion of the DVD sales will go to support organizations that help veterans anonymously, immediately and without cost. This includes the Wounded Warrior Project, Canines for Combat Wounded, The Soldiers Project and Help USA.

Not only is this film creating awareness in communities across the nation, but a portion of the proceeds will benefit many local nonprofits. By supporting the causes that support Veterans "Who Will Stand" is doing good and creating additional support for the film from people who are passionate about these causes.

Miracle Recreation Equipment Company Partners With National Center for Missing & Exploited Children to Promote Child Safety

MONETT, Mo. — Miracle Recreation Equipment Company proudly announced today they have become a corporate sponsor of The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® (NCMEC). They have pledged to donate more than $250,000 to NCMEC over the next three years, and to help cover lodging costs necessary to reunite family members upon the recovery of missing children.

The money will be used to support NCMEC's mission of finding missing children, preventing child abduction and sexual exploitation, and serving child victims and their families. It will also support NCMEC's prevention education efforts targeted at providing resources and information for families to help keep their children safer. As part of the partnership, NCMEC will develop child safety tips for playgrounds and parks.

"In today's world, we as a society must all look out for the safety and security of our children," said Mike Sutton director of sales at Miracle and a former law enforcement officer.

Miracle's donation will be funded by the sale of playgrounds incorporating Miracle's new patent pending MiracleTech® integrated security product line. The MiracleTech® product line includes the ParkWatch® infrared security camera to digitally record events and to help deter inappropriate activity, SiteBrite® low voltage lighting, and the SonicScreen® patented sound technology, which is designed to help deter vandalism after hours.

"It is with the generous support of partners like Miracle that we are able to continue our work and help make children safer and better prepared for the risks that they face in today's world," said Ernie Allen, NCMEC president and CEO. "Together we can provide families with the tools and resources that can help make our communities safer, something that is important to both of our organizations."

Miracle's dedication to this cause sends a strong message to costumers. Miracle doesn't just sell playground equipment, they are invested in children's safety and well-being. Safer communities means more people will utilize parks and playgrounds. When we give to the community, the community inevitably gives back.