Giving Back

The firm's annual Bike Helmet Project teaches children and their parents about the need for wearing a bike helmet and the seriousness of traumatic brain injury. Bikes are associated with more childhood injuries than any other consumer products except the automobile. Nearly half (47 percent) of the children hospitalized for bike-related injuries suffer from traumatic brain injury, with head injuries accounting for up to 80 percent of all bike-related deaths.

The firm partners with the Seymour Police Department to conduct a rigorous bike rodeo where the kids learn about elements of traffic and bike safety such as turning and stop signals, proper tire inflation and the reasons for wearing a helmet. After completing the bike rodeo, each successful rider is given a diploma along with a brand new Bell Sports Bike Helmet. The attorneys and the staff work together to properly fit each child's helmet correctly using the MVP process…Move the helmet down over the forehead; V is the way the straps fit over the ears; and Pull the chinstrap snug. This “one on one” contact provides an opportunity to talk to parents and kids alike about the consequences of a closed head injury and the symptoms of concussion.

Educating about safety issues is important to the firm. Each county high school, middle school, elementary and pre-school receives a copy of the excellent book, 365 Ways to Keep Kids Safe, by child safety advocate Don Keenan. Legal issues are important as well. Through the firm newsletter, A Legal Perspective, the firm has offered to area high schools, middle schools and other young people's groups the instructional materials entitled When Justice Is Up To You. This video and workbook package celebrates America 's guarantee of trial by jury. Also offered is Representing Yourself, a consumer's guide to the law. All publications are offered to the community free of charge.

"Bowl for Kid's Sake" is a charity bowling tournament for Jackson County's Big Brothers and Big Sisters. The firm fields three teams for this annual event pitting the attorneys against the staff. The staff remains undefeated!

Other community interests include the Jackson Community Health Center and Seymour Main Street.