Thomas E. Penick Jr. American Inn of Court

The Thomas E. Penick Jr. American Inn of Court in Gulfport, Florida, participated in three holiday-themed pro bono projects this term. First was “Barney Masterson’s Friendsgiving” where attorneys, law students, and judges worked alongside one another to collect canned goods and donations to feed residents of “Empowered to Change,” an organization that provides a safe place and source of accountability to individuals suffering from addiction, homelessness, and life circumstances and to victims of human trafficking. The Inn provided a turkey for each of the 12 “Empowered to Change” houses and dozens of canned goods for each so that they could celebrate Thanksgiving.

Next, the Inn participated in “Elves for Elders,” which was hosted by the Office of the Public Guardian for Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, and Pinellas counties in Florida. The Office of the Public Guardian serves Tampa Bay’s adults with physical or mental disabilities as their court-appointed legal guardian when they are incapable of managing some or all of their affairs. Each year, hundreds of older adults in the Tampa Bay area with no family nearby are unable to experience the holiday season to the fullest. Many of these adults have little and ask for basic items such as clothing and toiletries. This year, the Inn collected hundreds of gifts, such as hygiene items, clothing, and other necessities for these adults.

For the third holiday-themed event, for Valentine’s Day, the Inn gave some love back to the older adults it serves. Penick Inn members visited with nursing homes and independent living facilities throughout the Tampa Bay area, in each of the Inn’s three circuits, to spend time with about 500 residents. Inn members brought candy and cards and made sure the residents did not feel forgotten.

Photo: Left to right, Alana D. Horner, Esq., and Danielle R. Faller, Esq., at the Thanksgiving event.

Photo: The 12th Circuit of the Penick Inn delivers Valentine’s Day bags in Venice, Florida. From left to right, Slade V. Dukes, Esq.; Katherine M. Fall, Esq.; Evelyn L. Moya, Esq.; Robin L. Stover, Esq.; and John L. Ferrari Jr., Esq. Valentine’s Day bags were distributed to both general residents and to memory section residents at an assisted living and memory care facility in Sarasota, Florida.