Take a look at our newsletter this month.
May 2020
Helping to Build the Path Toward a Brighter Future
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irmingham has the 16th highest youth unemployment rate per capita in the country, which has a significant effect on our city. Only 1 in 5 workers is highly skilled, and 4 in 10 workers are not involved in the workforce. Alabama is also 1 of 5 states where student debt exceeds the average family income. Many of us who own and run businesses here understand the impact the youth unemployment rate will have and aim to change this. Last summer, the Birmingham Promise Apprenticeship Program launched, giving students a chance to have more involvement in the workforce that goes beyond job-shadowing. This spring, nearly 100 BCS high school students were matched with 60 local employers here in Birmingham to give them a thorough, hands-on experience, our firm included. Through this program, students can not only obtain some insight into how the workforce operates but also get an idea of what they want to do after they graduate high school. As part of the Leadership Birmingham organization, I focused on ensuring that many of our local businesses were involved. I noticed that no law firms had signed up to participate, which I found interesting. Many high school students who are interested in law don’t realize exactly what goes into the profession or understand how other careers can intersect with this field. I knew this program could help students see all the aspects and possibilities of working in a law firm and decided to take action. After talking to the mayor and confirming this program needed law firms, HareWynn was the first firm to sign up, but we had to sit down to discuss our options first.
research and write legal documents, but we weren’t sure what having a high school student come in and intern would look like. Our attorneys at HareWynn sat down with another firm that was also participating in the program, and we started passing ideas back and forth in hopes of finding the best way to rotate the student through the firm. We wanted to make sure they could experience every position in each of our departments and see how it all comes together to run a firm and a business. When a student wants to be involved in the legal field, we want to open not just one door but many. In addition to the legal positions, we wanted to make sure our apprentice had time with our IT specialists to see the vital role technology plays in the practice of law. We also wanted to highlight our marketing department to give the intern a feel for what it would be like for someone with a marketing degree to work at a law firm.
The apprentice who joined us is Tracey Young, a remarkable young woman who is very talented. Tracey is a senior at Jackson-Olin High School with a 3.9 GPA, and she will be graduating this month with high honors! She is a very active participant in her school, being part of the National Honor Society, the senior class secretary, and president of the Future Business Leaders of America. However, like many students her age, Tracey is uncertain where her future will lead her, and that’s where the Birmingham Promise Program can help her. Everyone at HareWynn was thrilled to have her join our team for the past fewmonths and happy to give her an opportunity that can help her make decisions about her future with the utmost certainty. We want Tracey to know that, whatever it is she decides to do, there are people here who can assist her, which is exactly what this program is all about: forging connections and fueling a passion these young students can build on in the coming years. We need young talent in Birmingham because we know the next generations can ensure the city becomes a better place to work, live, and seek education. Last summer and this spring, the Birmingham Promise Programwas a big part of taking that step, and its success has shown that these kids are eager to learn. We are looking into a bright future for our city and, more importantly, for these students. If your organization has not become a Birmingham Promise partner, I encourage you to do so.
–Ashley Peinhardt 800-568-5330 • 1
As a law firm, we’re used to having legal interns or law students come into the office as law clerks to do
Lawyers Helping People—Since 1890
Help Your High School Senior Cope With the Loss
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted theworld in unexpectedways. In an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, many schools across the country closed before spring break andwill remain closed through the end of the school year.While teachers and administrators work hard tomake sure studentsmaintain their academic progress through online education, cutting the school year short hasmeant that many high school seniors are being robbed of the traditions and rites of passage that comewith senior year. In the face of illness and growing unemployment, not being able to walk across a stage to collect a diploma can sound like a trivial matter to some adults. But if you’re the parent of a high school senior, it’s important to acknowledge what your student has lost. The graduation ceremony, prom, senior skip day, and even that last school lunch with friends are all wonderful life events that many students look forward to for years. Along with this loss, they are grappling with an uncertain future.
So howcan parents help their children copewith this grief? Start by asking themwhat they need. As a parent, you may feel the impulse to“fix”the situationwith a backyard family promor a graduation ceremony via Zoom, but now is not the time for surprises. Your child is working through loss, and everyone grieves in different ways. Bethany Raab, a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in treating adolescents, advises parents to open the door for conversation but not to force the subject. “Don’t give too much advice just yet,”Raab recommends. “We really don’t know enough to give long-term advice at this point.” It’s also important for parents to recognize their own grief during this time. Many parents look forward to celebrating thesemilestones with their children, somissing these experiences can be traumatic for parents too. It’s okay to acknowledge your own loss and disappointment, but avoid projecting your feelings onto your child.
We cannot take back the experiences stolen by COVID-19, but as parents, we can be there for our kids and help them work through this uncertain time. And remember, no matter what happens, you can still mark the occasionwith a nice graduation present.
SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY
For the past 30 years, the nonprofit organization United Ability has helped people with disabilities throughout Alabama in many significant ways. As their mission states, they provide support and connections that empower “individuals with disabilities to lead full, meaningful lives.”Because May 8 is United Ability Day, we are highlighting this amazing organization this month and want to encourage others to learn more about what United Ability does for the community. Each May, United Ability dedicates one day to promoting the services and benefits it offers the people of Alabama. Some programs give toddlers a chance to develop and grow while offering their parents tools to help them along the way. Other programs, like the United Ability Enterprises program, help adults with disabilities find employment throughout Birmingham by building their skill sets and confidence to work independently.
United Ability and its mission by sporting this T-shirt. Our team always has a lot of fun coming to work on United Ability Day wearing our matching T-shirts for an organization that goes a long way to help people with disabilities. We know how important the programs and services are that United Ability provides and the impact they have, which is why we are excited to take part in this event once more in 2020. If you happen to miss United Ability Day, there are plenty of other ways you can support this organization. Just head to their website to find out how!
This year, on Friday, May 8, we encourage the public to participate in this event. Participation is easy! Simply visit UnitedAbility.org and purchase a United Ability Day T-shirt. Encourage your friends and family to do the same. Then wear that shirt on May 8.
For the past few years, our team at HareWynn has joined the many other supporters who advocate for
Give Your Kid the Gift of a Green Thumb
Yes, there will always be football season, basketball season, and soccer season, but right now, it’s gardening season. That means it’s time to roll up your sleeves and play in the dirt. If you’ve been searching for a way to get the kids away from technology and engaged with the real world, gardening is the perfect activity for the whole family to enjoy. Not only is it fun, but it’s also beneficial for your kids’ development. For example, gardening can improve your children’s analytical abilities. As Dr. Wendy Matthews says, “Gardening exercises important reasoning, initiation, planning, and organization skills.” Furthermore, several studies, including one at Texas A&M University, suggest that gardening improves a child’s attitude toward fruits and vegetables and may make themmore likely to choose them as snacks. Gardening helps kids identify with where their food is coming from, and nothing tastes better than a freshly picked strawberry or pea pod they grew themselves. Jack Gilbert, a scientist at the University of Chicago and a parent himself, and his co-author, Rob Knight, emphasize the health benefits of garden time in their book, “Dirt Is Good: The Advantage of Germs for Your Child’s Developing Immune System.”The two found that exposure to different microbes, like those found in a garden, strengthens a child’s immune system and makes them less likely to develop allergies. If this is your first time gardening, you don’t need much to get started. Grab a few shovels, a pair of gloves for each family member, and fresh potting soil, and you’ll be set. Then, you can decide together which plants you’d like to grow! Carrots are fun because of the surprise factor — just imagine your child discovering that the part they eat grows below the ground! Peas are tasty and fairly easy to grow, as are strawberries. The options really are endless. Depending on the growing season in your area, you can choose to buy seeds or opt for rooted plants.
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Whether you’re celebrating yourmomor thosewho gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country, there’s no better recipe to grill up than these delectable country-style pork ribs.
Ingredients
Last but certainly not least, the best part of gardening as a family is the healthy, fresh produce you’ll get to enjoy all summer long!
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2 heads garlic, cloves separated 3 thumbs ginger, chopped
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1/3 cup oyster sauce
1/3 cup toasted sesame oil 5 lbs boneless pork shoulder, flattened
1 cup hoisin sauce 3/4 cup fish sauce 2/3 cup honey 2/3 cup rice wine
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3/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp molasses
1/2 cup chili oil
Directions
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In a blender, purée garlic, ginger, hoisin sauce, fish sauce, honey, rice wine, chili oil, oyster sauce, and toasted sesame oil until smooth. Reserve and chill 1 1/2 cups for later use. In a bag, add the remaining mixture and pork shoulder. Marinate for at least 8 hours. Using a convection plate on the grill, cook pork until
the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 140–145 F. In a large saucepan, simmer brown sugar, molasses, and reserved marinade for 6–8 minutes. Baste the pork with the brown sugar glaze for 2 minutes before serving.
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800-568-5330 • 3
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Inspired by Bon Appétit
www.hwnn.com 800-568-5330
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
2025 3rd Avenue North, Suite 800 Birmingham, AL 35203
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Birmingham’s Promise
HelpYour Child Grieve Losing Senior Year
Putting On Our T-Shirts for May 8
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Sticky and Sweet Pork ‘Ribs’
What is Gardening Good For?
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Technology Saves the Day
WHILE FOLLOWING SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are encouraging communities across the U.S. to practice social distancing. While this will help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, it also means that social interactions will be minimal. In addition to impeding many industries and businesses, this has significant impacts on families and friends who can no longer visit each other in person. Luckily, the technology we have today allows us to stay in touch while still practicing social responsibility. social media is a pretty big step, so consider signing them up for Yoursphere or Kidzworld, kid-friendly networks that let them keep in touch with their friends while you can monitor their activity. Get in touch with other parents to set up virtual play dates over video chats for your kids. They can even watch a movie or TV show together.
Host a movie night. Speaking of movies, Netflix developed a unique way for people to watch movies and shows together: Netflix Party. If you have a desktop or laptop with a Chrome browser, visit NetflixParty.com to download the application. Once downloaded, open the movie or TV series you’d like to watch, create or join a “party,” then relax and enjoy the show while chatting with friends. These are only a few examples of how we can stay in touch during these concerning times. Talk with your family and friends and see what other creative ideas you can come up with together. Even though you may be apart from loved ones right now, virtual communication has never been easier or more plentiful.
Spruce up everyday activities. Hopping on the phone or your laptop to video chat is a great way to reach out and catch up with loved ones. While folding laundry or doing other mundane chores, give a friend or your parents a call to idly chat; it can make your tedious tasks much more enjoyable. Video calls are also beneficial if, for example, you’re missing out on your daily workouts with a friend. Hop on a video chat to practice yoga, cardio, or other simple exercise routines together. Let your kids chat with friends. Kids can benefit from video chatting by staying in touch with their friends while school and other activities are canceled. Letting your kids connect to
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