Scott Harshbarger and Proskauer volunteers serve dinner to Massachusetts Bay Veterans Center residents. — Photo by Sarah Starr, Proskauer

Several months ago the Boston office of the global law firm Proskauer reached out to Volunteers of America Massachusetts (VOAMA) to see how they could make an impact to veterans and their families struggling to get through the holidays. Proskauer was committed to helping veterans living at VOAMA’s Massachusetts Bay Veterans Center (MBVC) and helping to ease the stress on veteran parents in VOAMA’s Supportive Services for Veterans Families program.

Joe Capraro, a partner at Proskauer’s Boston office explained, “Proskauer recognizes the profound sacrifice of our men and women in the U.S. military. We are proud to give back to our veterans, and pleased to partner with the Massachusetts Bay Veterans Center and Volunteers of America to deliver some holiday cheer.”

Because of Proskauer’s commitment to veterans the 29 veterans living at the Massachusetts Bay Veterans Center in Somerville, this holiday season will be one to remember. The MBVC program provides safe, sober housing for formerly homeless veterans who work with case managers to connect with job opportunities, mental health care, substance abuse treatment and permanent housing solutions. This will be The Massachusetts Bay Veterans Center’s first holiday season since it opened last January.

On Monday, volunteers from the Proskauer, gathered to serve dinner to the residents at the Massachusetts Bay Veterans Center. Residents gratefully accepted the plates piled high, and shared their stories with volunteers. While veterans thanked volunteers for arranging the meal, volunteers thanked veterans for their service.

“I just have to say thank you for doing this. I mean it from the bottom of my heart,” said one veteran, in an impromptu speech. “Not everyone will say it out loud, but a meal like this is something we’re really thankful for. Thank you.”

In addition to hosting the holiday dinner in Somerville, Proskauer also donated toys and gifts for children and adolescents, to be distributed to veterans’ families from the VOAMA Supportive Services for Veterans Families program this holiday season.

Tom Bierbaum, President and CEO of Volunteers of America Massachusetts, commented, “For many of our clients, the holidays can be difficult, lonely and stressful. Proskauer’s generosity will make the season a little brighter with a warm meal, or with a gift for a child. But most importantly, Proskauer is showing veterans that their community stands behind them and wants them to succeed.”