December 11, 2023

2023: GWWO Gives Back

by Kiersten Howe

2023: GWWO Gives Back
Kiersten Howe

Kiersten Howe

Senior Associate / Communications & Business Development

In 2023, our staff members gave of their hands, hearts, and minds to support the communities in which we live and work.

Our Baltimore and West Hartford offices made an impact through 550+ volunteer hours, firm-matched monetary donations, and multiple donation drives organized by our volunteering initiative, GWWOrks.

This year, we supported many local non-profit organizations, including:

American Red Cross
In January, we hosted a virtual blood drive to assist the local chapter of this lifesaving organization.

Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Shelter (BARCS)
In March, team members visited BARCS, Maryland’s largest animal shelter and pet adoption center, to walk and socialize with the dogs, ultimately helping them to transition to a forever home.

Maryland Book Bank
Through a firm-wide drive in April, four boxes of books for all ages were delivered to the bank, which works to distribute books to children, teachers, schools, and other organizations saving recipients over $14M and providing vital educational resources to those in need.

CivicWorks
In May, 13 volunteers rolled up their sleeves to work alongside the Community Lot Team at CivicWorks to plant shrubs and annuals, clear branches and vegetation, and remove bricks at the Historic East Baltimore Community Action Coalition.

Alongside CivicWorks, Kimmie Kim, Patrick Riley, John Bernet, Brian Eschman & Brian Weisgerber improved the landscaping at this East Baltimore community garden.

Day of Service
As part of our firm-wide day of service in September, our Baltimore office collaborated with NeighborSpace to make improvements to Adelaide Bentley Park, including the construction of a new deck platform, benches, an entrance arbor, and park signage, along with beautification efforts including mulching, weeding, and planting. In Connecticut, our West Hartford office gathered at Westmoor Park to support Plant a Row for the Hungry by picking apples and grapes for distribution along with tending to the garden.

Terry Squyres, Nia Young, Chris Elcock & Han Seung Chun worked and celebrated with members of NeighborSpace.

Purses for a Purpose
In November, we supported the AIA Northern Virginia Women in Architecture Committee’s drive for Purses for a Purpose, which collects donated purses, handbags, and backpacks and fills them with travel-sized toiletries to deliver to homeless women in select cities nationwide. The drive resulted in a total of 400 purses, along with several boxes and bags of new toiletries for distribution.

Baltimore Family Alliance (BFA)
This month, our Baltimore team members spread holiday cheer by delivering gifts for 56 children at the neighboring Francis Scott Key Elementary/Middle School through the BFA’s Adopt-a-Family Program.

New Reach
In West Hartford, we brought joy this holiday season by providing gifts and holiday essentials as part of New Reach’s Gift-A-Family program. New Reach is dedicated to helping vulnerable households and families achieve stability and self-reliance.

Grace Amoruso, Emma Cafiero, Matt Gallerani & Kate Scurlock delivered gifts to New Reach while Lisa Andrews, Kiersten Howe & Joe Bowman dropped off presents at Francis Scott Key Elementary/Middle School.

We are excited about what was accomplished outside of the office in 2023 and look forward to continuing our tradition of giving and doing our part to support the missions of these and other essential organizations in 2024.

Kiersten Howe

Kiersten Howe

Senior Associate / Communications & Business Development