Otten Johnson Robinson Neff + Ragonetti PC (Otten Johnson) has supported JFS since its founding 34 years ago. For this local law firm, which primarily specializes in real estate and land use matters, philanthropy doesn’t just mean writing a big check. Instead, they ask their employees which nonprofit organizations they are passionate about, which then connects the firm to meaningful ways to get involved in the community.

“At Otten Johnson, we believe that every employee has the responsibility to make our world a better place. We do our best to put this responsibility into practice by striving to make our work environment—and our community—a better place for all,” says Heather Baker, director of marketing and business development.

Lucky for us, Otten Johnson attorneys and staff have chosen to build strong, long-lasting relationships with JFS staff. While some of their support has come in the form of financial contributions and event sponsorships, the firm has also found other creative ways to give back.

Heather says, “A few years ago, the firm decided to buy plants for all employees and we purchased them through JFS’s SHALOM Denver (SHALOM Denver’s Employment Services program trains and prepares people with intellectual and developmental disabilities for the workforce). This was a meaningful way to let every member of the Otten Johnson community know that the firm was supporting JFS while also supporting each employee.”

Otten Johnson has also participated in several food drives over the years. Last year, they worked with our staff to create custom food donation barrels for a Thanksgiving drive and collected both food and funds so that our food pantry clients could celebrate the holiday.

The firm also covered the cost of 5,000 “Hope is in the Bag” tote bags that JFS uses for food drives throughout the year and underwrote JFS’s ad in the Denver Business Journal’s Giving Guide to help spread awareness of JFS’s work in the community.

Amanda Greenberg, a shareholder and director of the firm, serves on JFS’s Development Committee and explains why she supports JFS. “My personal values include social justice, acting kindly, feeding the hungry, and treating all people as equal. As a human services organization that serves a diverse client base—always with kindness and dignity—JFS leads with these values. As important to me that JFS is guided by these Jewish values is that that they serve all people in our community, regardless of faith, race, age, income or ability.”

Currently, the firm is working with JFS to create even more meaningful opportunities for Otten Johnson’s staff and clients to give back; whether it’s through a group volunteer opportunity, a food drive, or sponsoring an event. We are so grateful for this longstanding partner and look forward to many more years of serving the community together!

If you are interested in learning about corporate giving or volunteer opportunities, please contact Kate Shephard, associate director of development, at 720.248.4633.