Project Giveback

Miller Johnson launched Project Giveback, a pro bono service initiative providing access, resources, and solutions to those in the community historically underserved by the legal system. The firm announced the program in February, 2021, which includes attorneys from multiple practices with wide-ranging support for personal, business, protective, and financial needs of individuals.

In 2021, Project Giveback provided pro bono services through these partnerships:

  • YWCA West Central Michigan ywcawcmi.org – Miller Johnson is dedicating attorneys to perform 1200 pro bono hours for YWCA clients who are survivors of domestic and sexual violence. The attorneys and YWCA Victim Advocates will work together to provide comprehensive support and ensure a survivor’s legal and other goals align. Victims’ legal needs are diverse and intense (personal safety, child custody, housing, employment/ harassment, and more). Attorneys have participated in a YWCA-led training focused on understanding the impact of domestic violence and how to respond in ways that best support the safety and healing of a client.

According to statistics from the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey conducted by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

    • Nearly 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men have endured severe physical violence by an intimate partner
    • In Michigan, 301,000 women reported that their intimate partner had stalked or been physically or sexually violent with them within the past 12 months
  • Community Financial Institution (CFI) Customer Support – Miller Johnson is committing attorneys to perform 1200 pro bono hours for customers of partner Community Financial Institutions (CFIs). Customers of partner CFIs may seek legal services as they execute business planning, address legal challenges and opportunities and work through various phases of growth. The attorneys will provide support to small businesses on corporate, tax, real estate and environmental, employment, and litigation matters, including COVID-related legal issues and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan issues.

Small Business Spotlight 2021
As we wish you a holiday filled with peace and love, and a New Year rich with blessings, Miller Johnson wants to show gratitude and thanks to the many local small businesses and nonprofits we have worked with this past year as part of our Project Giveback. The services we have provided have spanned everything we do at the firm — from litigation avoidance, to intellectual property protection, employment and real estate issues, tax matters, general corporate and contracting issues, and Small Business Association loan and grant support (and more).   We will be highlighting some of these organizations in December on social media (Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin) with the hashtag #mjprojgiveback.

We encourage you to visit and shop the numerous local small businesses that make up our communities.

  • The South East Market is a grocer led by local women of color from the South East Grand Rapids neighborhood. The market connects the local community to food and products that align with an ethical, sustainable and equitable future. https://www.southeastmarketgr.com/
  • From the owner of Rogue Haircut & Shave Parlour (an award-winning barbershop here in Grand Rapids) comes Rogue Mafia Grooming Co. This natural product line is unique in that it’s owned by Jazz Johnson, who has been a licensed professional in the hair and skin industry since 2003. She formulates each product, soap design, and scent profile using her special memories, lucid dreams, and synesthesia as inspiration. Her 18 years of knowledge and expertise in the industry sets these products apart from the rest, and is the key to creating these inspired luxury products. Shop products www.RogueMafiaGrooming.com
  • Through Knock out Health and Wellness, Kamethia Wilson provides training in Muskegon through boxing and functional fitness. Focusing on the whole person, Kamethia supports her clients physical and mental health. https://knock-out-health-and-wellness.business.site/#details
  • Ajamu Bernard, The Unconventional Man, is a community fitness activist teaching in schools and personal trainer hosting HERO Pilates and Kettlebell Samurai classes online. https://theunconventionalman.com/
  • Lindo Mexico Restaurante Mexicano, a minority woman-owned business, in Wyoming, MI, creates an exceptional Mexican dining experience through high-quality, fresh ingredients, unique beverage creations, live music, and their commitment to customers. https://www.lindomexicogr.com/ #mjprojgiveback

Project Giveback In the News