Freeborn has been awarded the 2010 Jennifer Kihm Visionary Award for Outstanding Partnership by Inspiration Corporation, one of the Chicago area’s major providers of services to people affected by homelessness and poverty. Each year, Inspiration Corporation presents the Visionary Award to an organization that provides valuable support to, and enhances, Inspiration Corporation’s critical mission.
John T. Shapiro, a Partner in Freeborn's Litigation Practice Group, serves as General Counsel to Inspiration Corporation. He also is a longtime member of its Board of Directors. “Our firm has a long and solid history of supporting our pro bono clients,” said Mr. Shapiro. “I am grateful to my Partners for allowing me to wear two hats -- as a Partner in the firm and as Inspiration Corporation General Counsel -- and for allowing me to serve and treat Inspiration Corporation as we would any other firm client. I also am grateful that my colleagues have been enthusiastic supporters of many important projects and matters for Inspiration Corporation, eager to contribute their time, legal expertise and support. We are honored to be of service to Inspiration Corporation and to accept the Visionary Award for our efforts. But my colleagues and I are even more proud of the positive impact that Inspiration Corporation has had on the lives of so many Chicagoans, and we are grateful for the opportunity to have a role in helping people in need improve their circumstances.”
Lisa Nigro, founder of Inspiration Corporation, remarked that “awarding the 2010 Jennifer Kihm Visionary Award for Outstanding Partnership to Freeborn is quite fitting. The expert counsel from John Shapiro and Freeborn on a wide range of legal issues -- including real estate purchase and construction, environmental remediation, drafting and negotiating contracts, intellectual property, business counseling and human resources -- has been a phenomenal resource for Inspiration Corporation as we expand our services to help homeless and low-income residents on Chicago’s West Side. We cannot thank the firm enough for its deep and inspiring partnership in our work.”
“At Inspiration Corporation, our mission guides our work,” noted Mr. Shapiro. In an atmosphere of dignity and respect, Inspiration Corporation inspires change by providing people who are affected by homelessness, poverty and social isolation with essential social services that enable them to create opportunities to improve their circumstances. Each year, Inspiration Corporation assists more than 3,000 individuals and families through the provision of employment training, job placement, supportive housing and myriad other supportive services that are designed to serve as a catalyst for self-reliance. Inspiration Corporation is now poised to expand its operations and facilities into East Garfield Park, where it will engage in a new and unique social enterprise restaurant, catering kitchen and food service training center that also will provide free meals and social services to working poor families and individuals.
Inspiration Corporation will formally present the award to Mr. Shapiro on behalf of Freeborn on March 5, 2010, during the 17th annual One Inspired Evening, Inspiration Corporation’s fundraising gala. For more information about One Inspired Evening, the Jennifer Kihm Visionary Award for Outstanding Partnership, or Inspiration Corporation and its award-winning programs, please see www.inspirationcorp.org. “One Inspired Evening is a fabulous event that supports a wonderful organization and a very important cause, and I encourage everyone to attend,” said Mr. Shapiro. “The need for Inspiration Corporation’s services is, unfortunately, on the rise, and the support of the community is more critical then ever.”
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