BMP Co-Sponsors HYLA Leadership Academy Project at Casa de Esperanza

On February 23, 2008, Beirne, Maynard & Parsons helped sponsor a community project of the Houston Young Lawyers Association (HYLA). With nearly 2,000 members, the HYLA is a legal organization that provides and participates in legal and charitable programs in the Houston community. Held annually, HYLA's Leadership Academy program (the "Academy") is designed to prepare young lawyers for leadership roles in HYLA and the community.

Over the course of the program, the Academy members are required to organize and complete a class project to fulfill an unmet need in the community. This year, the Academy decided to help Casa de Esperanza de los Niños complete their first major capital initiative called "A Time to Build Hope, Homes and Happiness." Ten new children's homes (four being duplexes) and a program center, known as "The Casa Neighborhood," are being built near the Houston Medical Center. For the past 25 years, Casa de Esperanza has been privileged to care for over 3,000 children affected by abuse, neglect or the effects of HIV.

On February 23, The Academy and over 100 HYLA additional volunteers placed rubberized mulch around the new children's playground, trimmed bamboo and shrubbery on the property, and worked on the cabinets for the homes. The Academy will also Adopt-A-House (purchase all essential items for one of the fourteen new homes). The day of volunteering at Casa de Esperanza was a huge success; not only did the volunteers completely mulch the playground and various tasks on the property, everyone had a great time giving back to the community.

A number of Houston law firms and businesses participated in the project. Beirne, Maynard & Parsons attorneys Sarah Davis, Scott Davis and others helped make the day a success. Firm attorney David Walton was also an individual sponsor.