The Foundation of the Monroe County Bar: Strengthening Our Legal Community’s Connection with our Greater Community



It is an honor to serve as the president of the Foundation of the Monroe County Bar for the upcoming year. The Foundation is not just the charitable arm of our county bar; it represents the generosity and commitment of our legal community. Today, I want to shed light on why the Foundation’s existence is paramount, as it underscores our dedication to the community we call home. When we hear the words “the Foundation of the Monroe County Bar,” our first thought is often, “… they are seeking a donation.” While that is one aspect, it is crucial to understand that there is more to the story, and I invite all of you to join me in broadening our perspective. The Foundation serves as a collective means for our legal profession to support and uplift our greater Monroe County community.

Let us take a moment to reflect on the mission statements of a few recent Foundation grant recipients, as it will guide us in expanding our initial thoughts when we hear the phrase “the Foundation of the Monroe County Bar.”

Empowering Domestic Violence Survivors

One of the Foundations grant recipients is Willow, an organization that seeks to prevent domestic violence and provide survivors with access to vital services and support on their journey to safety and empowerment. As individuals, when we support the Foundation, we as a legal community, endorse a vision of a community free from domestic violence, where healthy relationships thrive. By contributing to Willow, we are not just giving monetary aid; we are saying to our larger community that we care, and we stand beside them.

Restorative Justice for Teens

Another worthy recipient is the Center for Youth, which strives to provide teenagers who have made missteps with an opportunity for restorative justice. This process involves community service, letters of apology, and skill building workshops. Successfully completing these steps often leads to a favorable case disposition by the referring agency. As we support the Foundation, we, as a legal community, promote the cause of justice and rehabilitation for our youth.

Advocating for Workers Justice

The Foundation also aligns with the pursuit of justice for those denied their civil rights, especially agricultural and low-wage workers. Through legal representation, community empowerment, and advocacy for institutional change, we champion the cause of those who often go unheard. Our support as individuals to the Foundation echoes loudly, sending a message that we are committed to protecting civil rights in our community.

The Foundation serves as a conduit for our legal profession to communicate with our larger community. It allows us to say, “we see you and you matter.” By contributing to the Foundation, we contribute to our collective well-being and progress as a community.

Over this next year, when we encounter the phrase, “the Foundation of the Monroe County Bar,” I challenge each of us to pause and reflect on the reason for the request to support the Foundation. Let us consider how we can actively assist our legal community in expressing its support for the larger community we serve.

I am eager to collaborate with the dedicated Foundation board members, Foundation committee members, Cassandra Rich as President of the MCBA, Kevin Ryan, Executive Director of both the Foundation and the MCBA, and the MCBA staff to continue the Foundation’s success. Together, we will uphold our legal community’s commitment to making a positive impact on the greater community. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all of you for your dedication and I'm looking forward to a fantastic year! 

And, if you are interested in making a donation to your Foundation, you may do so here.

Maggie R. Robb
President, Foundation of the Monroe County Bar
mrobb@empirejustice.org