Building Community Through Service: Mitchell Williams’ Partnership with Goodness Village

Anna Zink, Marketing Coordinator at Mitchell Williams Law Firm, has been with the firm for nearly 14 years. Her responsibilities span across marketing, advertising, special events, and assisting with attorney onboarding. Throughout her career, she has always been involved in marketing, event planning, and business development. But one of her most rewarding roles this year has been helping Mitchell Williams forge a meaningful partnership with Goodness Village.

“I was familiar with the mission of Goodness Village and was excited when they submitted their application for our Take Time To Give program last fall,” Anna explains. “Our internal committee reviews these applications, and we narrow them down to two or three finalists. Then the whole firm votes, so everyone has a say in the choice. Goodness Village really stood out and I was hopeful it would be the one to be selected.”

The Take Time To Give program, which was launched in celebration of Mitchell Williams’ 50th anniversary, has become a cornerstone of the firm’s corporate responsibility initiatives. This year marks its 20th anniversary. The program encourages Mitchell Williams’ employees to partner with local nonprofits in Little Rock, Rogers, Jonesboro and Austin, Texas where their offices are located. As part of this initiative, Goodness Village was selected to receive financial support, pro bono help and volunteer support.

“We are so proud to have selected Goodness Village for the Take Time To Give program in Little Rock,” Anna says. “It’s been a great partnership. Mitchell Williams provided Goodness Village with financial support, giving $25,000 this year. We’ve also offered pro bono legal assistance, helping to create an employment handbook, review contracts, and provide necessary legal documents. Additionally, our staff has been involved in volunteering—whether it’s making soups, plating dinner at the Day of Goodness event, delivering meals and visiting with guests, or helping in any way we can. It’s been such a fulfilling collaboration.”

The firm is committed to ensuring that its employees have the time and resources to give back to the community. “We offer all our employees 8 hours of Volunteer Time Off (VTO) per year,” Anna shares. “We encourage them to spend it with the nonprofits we partner with, but they’re also welcome to volunteer with any local organization. In fact, we give an award to the employee who volunteers the most, which includes a plaque and an extra vacation day. It’s pretty competitive!”

Anna’s favorite part of volunteering with Goodness Village has been the connection with the patients and caregivers. “The patients are incredibly appreciative of everything we do. We really get to comfort them and offer much-needed companionship,” she says. “I didn’t realize how much the caregivers also crave interaction. When I volunteered with my daughter through the National Charity League, I saw how much the caregivers wanted visits. After my experience, I encouraged Goodness Village to apply for the Take Time To Give program.

In addition to hands-on volunteering, the firm has played a vital role in raising awareness for Goodness Village. “Before our efforts, many people in Little Rock were unfamiliar with Goodness Village, and we aimed to change that. We are dedicated to highlighting the amazing work they do,” she explains. “Our goal is to ensure that everyone recognizes how Goodness Village serves the Little Rock community and provides such a unique and essential service.” Anna has also found joy in sharing Goodness Village’s positive impact. “I enjoy informing others about the remarkable work happening at Goodness Village. It’s uplifting to see so many of our employees eager to be involved in something that truly makes a difference in people’s lives,” she adds.

For businesses considering a similar community-focused partnership, Anna offers some valuable advice: “When you partner with a nonprofit, you get so much more than you put in. It’s about building community and giving back. Even if you never personally need these services, you learn so much about what’s available in your community and how you can help it grow. Arkansas has such a philanthropic culture, and it’s incredible to see all the generous organizations working together to support our community.”

Anna is proud of Mitchell Williams’ commitment to corporate responsibility and the firm’s role in the network of giving. “It’s been an honor to be at the forefront of these efforts,” she says. “I’m so proud to work for Mitchell Williams, and it’s been a joy to see how much our employees have enjoyed supporting Goodness Village. We’ve made countless freezer meals for the guests and knowing that we’re providing nourishment to medical patients who are going through such tough times has been incredibly fulfilling.”

Through the Take Time To Give program, Mitchell Williams has not only supported Goodness Village financially and through volunteer work, but they’ve also helped to amplify the organization’s message within the local community. The partnership has been a testament to the power of businesses coming together to support nonprofits and the impact that collective giving can have. Anna’s passion for this cause and the firm’s commitment to giving back continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those served by Goodness Village.