Our literacy initiative is a concerted eff ort to break down barriers, ignite curiosity, stop cycles of dysfunction, and empower individuals to shape their own destinies. By delivering the power of words, we are sowing the seeds of a brighter future for all of our communities.
IMPACT REPORT
2023-2025
Literacy as a Force for Good: One Million Lives and Counting.
SHUMAKER’S MAKE A DIFFERENCE THROUGH LITERACY INITIATIVE
One Million
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LIVES TOUCHED
2023-2025
We believe that harnessing the power of words through literacy is the cornerstone of positive change. “ Our literacy initiative is a concerted effort to break down barriers, ignite curiosity, stop cycles of dysfunction, and empower individuals to shape their own destinies. By delivering the power of words, we are sowing the seeds of a brighter future for all of our communities.
This initiative reflects Shumaker’s belief that literacy is foundational to personal and societal success. Through strategic community partnerships, customized learning resources, mentorship, and employee engagement, the firm continues to close literacy gaps and empower individuals of all ages. Backed by more than 4,000 hours of pledged volunteer time, active partnerships in 13 markets, significant literacy-focused investments, and employee-led book drives, Shumaker has proven that literacy can be a powerful and lasting force for good. As we look beyond this milestone, our commitment to building stronger, more literate communities remains as strong as ever. In 2023, Shumaker launched its Make a Difference through Literacy Initiative to commemorate the firm’s centennial and build a legacy of lasting community impact. What began as a pledge to improve literacy for 100,000 individuals quickly grew into a national movement. Through community partnerships, volunteerism, and creative outreach, Shumaker exceeded its initial goal within the first year—reaching over 175,000 individuals by the end of 2024. The firm has proudly achieved its ambitious milestone of improving literacy for more than one million individuals before the end of 2025, working together to accomplish this goal ahead of schedule.
—JENNIFER B. COMPTON, MANAGING PARTNER AND CHAIR, MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
2023 INITIATIVE LAUNCHED
13 SHUMAKER OFFICE COMMUNITIES ACTIVELY ENGAGED
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By delivering the power of words, we are sowing the seeds of a brighter future for all of our communities. “ —JENNIFER B. COMPTON, MANAGING PARTNER AND CHAIR, MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
THE LITERACY CRISIS
In the United States, literacy remains a critical and persistent challenge. According to the 2022 National Assessment for Educational Progress (NAEP), only 32 percent of fourth graders and 29 percent of eighth graders are reading at a proficient level. These early gaps in reading skills ripple through a person’s life—affecting academic success, job opportunities, self-confidence, and even health outcomes.
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At Shumaker, we believe that literacy is more than a skill—it’s a right. It is foundational to opportunity, equity, and human potential. We launched the Make a Difference through Literacy Initiative in response to this urgent need, driven by a simple conviction: everyone deserves the tools to succeed. As a law firm, our work depends on the written word. Reading, writing, advocacy, and critical thinking are at the heart of what we do—making literacy not only a cause we care about but one we live every day. When people have access to literacy, they gain the power to navigate the world with independence, express themselves with confidence, and shape their own futures. That’s why we’re committed to making a lasting impact—not just for this generation but for many to come.
Founded in 1925, Shumaker has always believed in being a force for good. In celebration of 100 years of service, the firm committed to transforming lives through literacy.
This initiative is more than a campaign—it’s a concerted effort to: • Break down barriers to literacy • Ignite curiosity • Disrupt cycles of dysfunction • Empower individuals to shape their own destinies
Shumaker aligns this mission with tailored programming, much like how the firm delivers customized solutions to its clients. Each market receives personalized literacy support through mentorship, resources, and programming designed to meet local needs.
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One Million LIVES TOUCHED
30+ COMMUNITY PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
13 SHUMAKER OFFICE COMMUNITIES ACTIVELY ENGAGED
4,000+ HOURS OF PAID EMPLOYEE VOLUNTEER TIME PLEDGED
1,300+ BOOKS DONATED FOR INTERNATIONAL BOOK GIVING DAYS
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Shumaker empowers employees to give back with over 4,000 hours of paid volunteer time , turning personal passion into community impact. Across all office locations, employees are bringing the literacy initiative to life through a wide range of activities, including: • Hosting book drives —including a firmwide effort on International Book Giving Day that collected and donated over 1,300 books • Reading to elementary school students during school visits and Read to Me Day events • Participating in youth mentorship programs • Delivering books to underserved communities and resource centers • Supporting free community libraries , including little libraries placed in local parks • Engaging in themed literacy events , such as International Children’s Book Day and local book fairs
GRATITUDE FOR OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS IN LITERACY
The creativity and commitment of Shumaker’s people—combined with structured volunteer support—are making a tangible difference in the communities where they live and work.
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artnership THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Collaboration is at the heart of Shumaker’s Make a Difference through Literacy Initiativ e. Since its launch, the firm has partnered with more than 30 organizations across its 13 office communities —amplifying impact through strategic investments, volunteer time, and shared purpose. These partnerships span early childhood education, youth tutoring, adult literacy, and public library systems, each uniquely aligned to support lifelong learning.
UNION COUNTY LIBRARY FOUNDATION | WAXHAW, NC
Impact: Boosted circulation; Wonderbooks became an instant favorite Reach: Engaged hundreds of young readers in Waxhaw through the new Wonderbook collection
Shumaker’s contribution supported the construction of a new library branch and the launch of a Wonderbook collection, designed to make reading more engaging for young patrons.
TUTORSMART | TOLEDO, OH
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS | SARASOTA AND DESOTO COUNTIES, FL
Impact: Over 1,000 students served since 2019 Reach: Donation helped scale access to literacy coaches and students
Impact: Provided tutoring, project-based learning, and homework help Reach: Supported hundreds of youth in Sarasota and DeSoto Counties through the Great Futures Academy program
TutorSmart provides free, data-driven tutoring for K–8 students in reading and math. Shumaker’s $5,000 donation in November 2023 supported expanded early literacy programming following low reading proficiency scores in Toledo Public Schools.
Shumaker donated $5,000 to support the Great Futures Academy, a school-year and summer learning program focused on reading, math, and science for ages 6–12.
ADULT LITERACY OHIO / DSACO | COLUMBUS, OH
CHARLESTON LIBRARY SOCIETY | CHARLESTON, SC
Impact: Increased access to literacy services, progress tracking, and learning resources Reach: Supported individual learning plans for adults with developmental disabilities in the Columbus region
Impact: Increased community awareness and funding for early literacy initiatives Reach: Broadened early literacy access for children across the Charleston community
Adult Literacy Ohio connects adults with developmental disabilities to licensed educators for personalized, one-on-one literacy tutoring. Shumaker provided support in both 2023 and 2025, beginning with a donation in December 2023 and renewing it in May 2025.
As Chapter Sponsor of the inaugural Book Drop Fundraiser, Shumaker helped raise critical funds to promote early childhood literacy and broaden access to reading materials. Special guest Jenna Bush Hager joined the event alongside notable authors and literacy advocates.
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Exceeding our initial literacy goal is a testament to the power of collaboration and the dedication of our team. “ —JENNIFER B. COMPTON, MANAGING PARTNER AND CHAIR, MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
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Reaching one million lives was a milestone. Creating lasting change is the mission.
With over one million lives already touched through its Make a Difference through Literacy Initiative , Shumaker is not slowing down.
Building on this momentum, the firm will continue driving literacy progress by: • Deepening partnerships with local organizations • Expanding access to adult and youth tutoring • Increasing book distribution and literacy resources • Empowering employees to lead meaningful volunteer efforts • Piloting new literacy programs to meet evolving community needs
CLOSING MESSAGE
From boardrooms to book drops, Shumaker’s Make a Difference through Literacy Initiative reflects our values in action. This is not just philanthropy—it’s legacy-building. As we celebrate 100 years of legal excellence, we also honor our enduring commitment to service and community impact. Together with our partners, employees, and community champions, we are creating a future shaped by confidence, opportunity, and a shared love of learning. This work is not done alone—it is the product of collaboration, imagination, and a deep belief in the power of words to transform lives. As we move beyond our centennial year, our commitment remains stronger than ever— because every book opened, every child encouraged, and every adult empowered brings us closer to a brighter, more literate world.
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Moving Forward with Confidence
Across a diverse range of locations and capabilities, the attorneys and advisors of Shumaker share a unified approach: to start every engagement with a clear focus on the desired outcome and the most efficient path to achieve it. For 100 years, we have set a high standard for client service, consistently delivering exceptional results. With more than 555 employees nationwide—including more than 300 highly regarded attorneys and advisors and 60 paralegals—Shumaker is a hub for forward-thinking professionals. Our cross-disciplinary teams include top graduates from leading law schools, professionals with advanced degrees in various fields, former clerks to federal and state trial and appellate judges, and attorneys recognized as top performers by Best Lawyers in America.
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