Volunteers Help Enrich and Protect Communities

Fredrikson employees have a long history of giving back to the community in several ways. Lawyers and staff serve on nonprofit boards that contribute significantly to the quality of life for individuals and our communities. They serve food to the hungry; collect school and other supplies for children and families and plant trees and flowers to honor the earth.

Friends of Fredrikson Program

Friends of Fredrikson is a stand-alone nonprofit that began more than 25 years ago and is run by employees of Fredrikson & Byron. Its mission is to aid low-income families with children in a variety of ways. Due to the pandemic, the program was not able to provide on-site assistance through many of our community partners to help the people they serve. Instead, it hosted the first-ever virtual Friends of Fredrikson Holiday Gift Giving Program during the holiday season.

In Minneapolis, employees purchased gifts for Jewish Family & Children’s Services, which were distributed to low-income families and senior citizens. Employees also provided Sharing & Caring Hands with gift cards to local grocery stores which were distributed at Mary’s Place, a shelter for families. In addition, Minneapolis employees purchased and donated gifts for five formerly homeless or very low-income veteran families through the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV).

“I am sending this card to express my most sincere gratitude and am beyond grateful, thankful, and there are not enough words to express how happy you made my family and me. I wish we could have gave you all hugs and been able to tell you in person that you made Christmas so memorable. The past year and a half has been extremely hard and emotional. You made the end of the year great. Thank you so much!”

In Mankato, employees partnered with The Reach, a program through Lutheran Social Services, that supports homeless youth. The office hosted a virtual shopping happy hour to purchase items from The Reach’s wish list including books, furniture, first aid supplies and kitchen necessities.

In Bismarck, employees continued their tradition of partnering with the North Dakota National Guard’s Family Assistance Program to adopt a military family. The veteran family included a dad, mom and their seven children who had recently moved to the area from Louisiana. They were extremely appreciative of the help to make the holidays special.

In Des Moines, employees adopted a family through the Des Moines Council for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. The nonprofit helps those in need become self-sufficient through education, community connectedness and unconditional support.

Community Service

Last September, the Minneapolis office partnered with Rebuilding Together Twin Cities, a nonprofit with a primary mission to repair homes, revitalize communities and rebuild lives. They serve low-income homeowners who are seniors, individuals living with disabilities, families with children, and veterans and their families in need. Fredrikson volunteers worked to landscape the townhomes at Emma’s Place, a permanent supportive housing development serving large families. Lawyers and staff planted several dozen shrubs, pulled weeds and mulched gardens. Volunteers included Leslie Delfs, Marilyn Donahue, Lora Friedemann, Roxanne Gangl, Jodi Gustafson, Sharen Keehr, Curt Okerson and Bruce Rehberg.

Sharon Keehr and Katie Cox volunteering with Rebuilding Together Twin Cities at Emma’s Place

Curt Okerson and Marilyn Donahue volunteering with Rebuilding Together Twin Cities at Emma’s Place

In Minneapolis, employees hosted an Earth Day community service event at The Bakken, a nonprofit located on the shore of Bde Maka Ska. The Bakken’s mission is to inspire a passion for innovation by exploring the potential for science, technology and the humanities to make the world a better place. Volunteers tackled gardening projects in the wetland, vegetable garden and on the Green Roof. Volunteers included Diana Bospachieva, Sandra Chu, Marilyn Donahue, Roxanne Gangl, Jodi Gustafson, Vicky Handler, Susan Lach, Ken Olson, Elizabeth Prisby, Marvic Salminen-Morillo, Linda Steinger, Sherrie Timm, Jim Vogl and Julie Witt.

Volunteers pose for a photo in front of the Bakken

Volunteers gardening at the Bakken

The Bismarck office partnered with Bismarck Parks & Rec District for an Earth Day community service event. The team planted trees and shrubs at Sibley Park to bring new life to a playground, campground and a newly constructed hiking trail. Volunteers included Mary Etter, Kristen Hansen, Bethany Hughes, Justin Hughes, Kim Nagel, Amber Nelson, Lyn Odden and Karen Phillips.

Lyn Odden and Mary Etter at Sibly Park

Karen Phillips at Sibly Park for Earth Day community service

The Minnesota Keystone Program

The Minnesota Keystone Program identifies, encourages and recognizes Minnesota companies that help enhance quality of life in the state by donating at least two percent of pre-tax earnings in the form of time, money or in-kind services. A proud participant since 1989, Fredrikson has been a contributor at the five percent level. Our firm was honored to receive the Keystone Award for mid-sized companies in 2010.

Fredrikson & Byron Foundation

Funded by contributions from the law firm’s officers, the Fredrikson & Byron Foundation exists to support law-related institutions and events, organizations that complement the rule of law and access to justice, and cultural and social service groups.