Q & A with Shadi Enos Jahangir about the importance of her community service work.
Blank Rome volunteers and C5LA participants at the firm ' s annual Adopt-A-Center event.
Maggie Stutman Community Impact Coordinator
Community Impact
At Blank Rome, our commitment to community service and charitable giving is a core part of who we are. For nearly 80 years, attorneys and business professionals have worked hand-in-hand with nonprofit organizations, civic groups, and community leaders to create meaningful, lasting impact in the communities where we live and work.
Over the last year, we continued to build on this legacy through a wide range of initiatives that reflect our commitment to community service. From supporting food banks and shelters to empowering students and veterans, our firm-wide efforts reached nearly 85 nonprofit organizations across the country. Whether through volunteer hours or charitable donations, our colleagues showed up with purpose and heart.
In this section, you will find a sampling of our quarterly themed service projects and signature programs, which illustrates how our collective efforts are making a difference— one partnership, one project, and one person at a time.
With gratitude,
Kathy E. Ochroch Partner and Director of Pro Bono and Community Impact
Shadi Enos Jahangir is a Finance attorney in our Los Angeles office.
Can you share an experience from your community service work that had a lasting impact on you? One of the most impactful experiences has been working with The Center in Hollywood, which provides holistic services to unhoused individuals. Their approach is rooted in“ Radical Hospitality” and includes onsite medical care, wellness programs, and intensive case management. What is truly moving is how many participants return even after being housed, because the sense of community is so powerful. The people I’ ve met there, both staff and participants, are some of the most remarkable I have ever come across.
What has been an unexpected outcome of participating in community service projects? I’ ve come to realize how much we all have in common. The difference between being housed or unhoused often comes down to luck and circumstance. This work has deepened my compassion and reminded me that there is no“ us” and“ them”, just people navigating difficult moments in their lives.
What advice would you give to others looking to get involved in community service? Just do it. It is one of the most rewarding experiences you will have. As someone once told me,“ To be fully alive is to work for the common good.” Some of my fondest memories are tied to my time at The Center, where I have met incredibly warm and compassionate people.
Are there any upcoming projects that you are particularly excited about? Yes, despite recent federal funding cuts, we have been working to realign our programs with The Center’ s core mission. It has been a challenging but fulfilling process and seeing the tangible impact of our efforts in the fight to end homelessness is truly heartwarming.
What types of service projects do you enjoy the most? The Center in Hollywood holds a special place in my heart, but honestly, all of my community service work has been rewarding and fun.
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