Culture
HLW’s 2023 Philanthropy Journey: A Year of Meaningful Contribution
It’s hard to believe that 2023 is ending. HLW began the year eager to make the world a better place by collaborating with our clients, partners, and colleagues. As a global firm, we reaffirmed our commitment to a “people first” model of industry leadership by increasing mental health awareness within our organization, and by improving support and offerings for our local communities. Here’s all that we’ve accomplished:
Team members from HLW’s Los Angeles office participated in a tour of Mental Health America of Los Angeles’ space to learn about the important work that they do. New relationships were formed, making future possibilities endless.
Our Connecticut team raised awareness of the great work that Laurel House does for the Stamford community and beyond. Several in-person events took place, including an on-site tour, participation in their annual gala fundraiser, and a cookie fundraiser to support Laurel House’s nutritious food shopping initiative. Additionally, team members participated in a 5k run/walk in October to further support mental health recovery.
Our London team rallied behind Sands to make a compassionate, positive impact on families in the UK while learning more about infant mortality and the dire need for increased research and support for grieving families. Additionally, our global team members knitted baby blankets for special memory boxes that are given out to bereaved parents. In October, the Londoners participated in a 25k fundraiser walk and joined Sands’ “Wave of Light” event by lighting candles to honor those gone too soon.
HLW’s New Jersey team members toured Market Street Mission, a houseless community advocacy organization. Team members also organized the purchasing of much needed toiletry and clothing for the clients in need during these rough times.
Lastly, our New York team members engaged with Covenant House staff and youth through a variety of events, including a meet-and-greet kick off at HLW’s New York headquarters, on-site tours for HLW staff, participation in virtual mock interviews, support for their annual gala fundraiser, and on-site career mapping with the youth. Additionally, our team members increased awareness of Covenant House’s life-changing work by creating a global HLW fundraiser to raise money for mental health care packages. During the fall, team members led a coat, clothing, and toiletry drive, as well as participated in a multi-country “Sleep Out” in Times Square.
HLW team members remain truly appreciative and humbled by the support we have received from our clients, partners, and colleagues. We are grateful for the new experiences we have had and the new relationships we have built through our efforts to care for and empower those in need in the communities in which we work and live. HLW continues to put people first, and we have more great work to do in 2024! We invite you to join us as we continue to tell our story!
A Recap:
HLW’s California office is supporting Mental Health America of Los Angeles (MHALA). MHALA has been in the business of helping people create happy, healthy lives—including trans youth, veterans, and people without housing—for 100 years.
HLW Connecticut is supporting Laurel House. A community-based self-help organization, Laurel House specializes in providing supportive services and programs for those diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder overcome the worst effects of serious mental illness.
Our London office is supporting Sands, the leading pregnancy and baby loss charity in the UK. Sands provides bereavement support services, funds research into stillbirth and neonatal death, and campaigns for policy and practice change to create a more compassionate and informed network of support for bereaved families.
With a legacy as long as ours, HLW New Jersey is supporting Market Street Mission. Since 1889, the Market Street Mission has provided robust services to help New Jersey’s houseless community—from shelters to addiction recovery programs to counseling services.
HLW New York is partnering with Covenant House, an organization committed to supporting both the immediate needs and long-term growth of youth facing houselessness. Since 1972, Covenant House has opened its doors to over one-and-a-half million young people experiencing homelessness and trafficking, and nurtured their promise, talents, and courage.