Shumaker Surpasses Centennial Goal , Impacting More Than One Million Individuals Through Literacy Initiative – Legal Reader

Shumaker Surpasses Literacy Impact Goals Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Shumaker, a law firm based in Toledo, OH, has exceeded its ambitious goal of impacting one million individuals by the end of 2025 through its Make a Difference through Literacy Initiative. Launched in September 2023 to celebrate the firm’s 100th anniversary, this initiative reflects Shumaker’s century-long commitment to community development and aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Expansion of Literacy Initiative and Community Partnerships

Originally targeting 100,000 individuals, Shumaker expanded the initiative’s scope to reach over one million people by leveraging strategic community partnerships, employee engagement, and sustained service across 13 markets. This expansion supports SDG 4 by promoting inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities.

• Collaborations with over 20 nonprofit and community organizations, including:
  • Dreamers Academy
  • Boys & Girls Club of Toledo
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties
  • Toledo Public School Foundation
  • Charleston Library Society Book Drop Dinner
  • 2nd & 7
  • Great Explorations Museum
  • Down Syndrome of Central Ohio’s Adult Literacy Ohio Program
  • TutorSmart
  • Union County Library (North Carolina)

Initiative Activities and Impact

The Make a Difference through Literacy Initiative aims to bridge literacy gaps by providing tailored learning resources, mentorship, and engaging programs that foster a lifelong love of reading for all ages. These efforts contribute directly to achieving SDG 4 by enhancing literacy and educational outcomes.

1. Donation of over 1,200 books
2. Organization of book drives
3. Launch of free community libraries
4. Reading sessions with elementary school students
5. Participation in literacy-focused community events

Employee Engagement and Volunteer Commitment

Shumaker has pledged more than 4,000 hours of paid employee volunteer time, empowering attorneys and staff to actively address local literacy needs. This commitment exemplifies SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, by promoting productive employment and community engagement.

Leadership Statement and Future Outlook

Jennifer Compton, Managing Partner & Chair of the Management Committee at Shumaker, emphasized the firm’s ongoing dedication to community impact:

“As Shumaker enters its next century, we remain committed to strengthening existing partnerships, building new collaborations, and continuing to be a force for positive change. Literacy is foundational to opportunity, and we are proud of the collective impact our team and community partners have made—and will continue to make—together.”

Additional Resources

A comprehensive overview of Shumaker’s community impact, including detailed metrics and stories from the Make a Difference through Literacy Initiative, is available in the firm’s Impact Report.

About Shumaker

With a team of over 300 attorneys and advisors, Shumaker continues to move businesses forward with confidence while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainable community development and the Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article focuses on literacy initiatives, which directly relate to ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
2. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The initiative involves collaboration with more than 20 nonprofit and community organizations, highlighting the importance of partnerships to achieve sustainable development goals.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.6: Ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy.
   • Target 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including literacy skills.
2. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. For SDG 4 Targets:
   • Number of individuals impacted by literacy programs (article mentions impacting over one million individuals).
   • Number of books donated and book drives hosted (over 1,200 books donated).
   • Hours of paid employee volunteer time dedicated to literacy efforts (pledged more than 4,000 hours).
   • Number of community libraries launched and literacy-focused events held.
2. For SDG 17 Target:
   • Number of nonprofit and community organizations partnered with (more than 20 organizations).
   • Extent and sustainability of partnerships and collaborations as reflected in ongoing initiatives and expanded scopes.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: legalreader.com