More than 24 volunteers, including volunteer committee chairs Jeff Bornstein, K&L Gates and Haywood Gilliam, Covington & Burling, participated in the Saturday, May 17 “It Starts With A Day” volunteer event at the Youth Guidance Center in La Honda.

Volunteers spent the day “Planting Futures” with the residents of Log Cabin Ranch (LCR), a court-ordered residential school.

The students at LCR are adjudicated youth of the juvenile justice system who participate in a comprehensive program that not only educates, but provides the necessary therapeutic and vocational services so important in reducing future contacts within the juvenile justice system.

BASF President Stephanie Skaff, and Judge Anne-Christine Massullo were among the volunteers; LCR staff and Juvenile Probation Chief Allen Nance participated as well.

Get involved: To learn more about the It Starts With A Day initiative, visit www.sfbar.org/itstartswithaday.

Log Cabin Volunteers’ Perspectives

Kimberly Chew, Burnham Brown

“This was such a wonderful and unique opportunity. Spending the day with a young man who had experienced so much hopelessness and adversity and somehow found the strength and courage to hope for a brighter future for himself was truly amazing. This day broadened my perspective on our youth and gave me hope for our collective future. I had the honor to see first-hand how much we have in common  and admire the incredible work that both the residents and counselors at Log Cabin Ranch put into this program.  Thank you for this day, BASF!”

Russ Roeca, Roeca Haas Hager

2009 BASF President

“I love the concept of breaking the pipeline from the streets to prison juxtaposed to our JDC’s work on building the pipeline from the schools to college.  I attended a donors luncheon yesterday at the Botanical Garden Society’s Garden Feast and it certainly seems there should be some synergies and overlapping needs. The Society works alongside San  Francisco’s Recreation and Parks Department and works to engage school kids in its Youth Education program through private donations. Clearly the kids at the Youth Guidance Center should have a shot at these invaluable programs. Just a notion.”

Cloey Hewlett, Nossaman

“I was profoundly moved about how much our presence gave so much hope and inspiration to youth who are so much in need. I hope BASF will make this a permanent program to remind us of our real purpose in life which is to help relieve the suffering of others.”

Haywood Gilliam, Covington Burling

“We had a tremendously rewarding and fun day working on BASF’s gardening project with the residents of Log Cabin Ranch.  The young men took obvious pride in designing the landscaping projects, and it felt great to work with them to spruce up the campus for the benefit of current and future residents of the Ranch.  Most importantly, working hard side-by-side together — hauling soil, shoveling dirt and planting plants — gave us a low-key way to get to know each other as teammates.  I really enjoyed talking with the kids about their plans and hopes, and I am proud that BASF members gave a Saturday out of their very busy lives to show that we as attorneys care about and support these young men.”

Eric Toscano, Toscano Kellogg & Van Aken

Read Eric Toscano’s blog post about his volunteer experience.

“This was hands down the most rewarding volunteer experience for me in recent memory.  Going into it, I had no idea what to expect of these young men.  Their enthusiasm for the event, pride in the Log Cabin Ranch community, and interest in making us all feel welcome immediately set the tone for an unforgettable day.  Kudos to BASF and especially to organizers Jeff Bornstein and Haywood Gilliam.  I hope this is just the first of many BASF volunteer days at Log Cabin Ranch.”

Doris Cheng, Walkup, Melodia, Kelly, & Schoenberger

“The Log Cabin Ranch gardening project was one of the most meaningful experiences in my professional career.  The project connected us with young men who represent hope and promise.  It gave me a glimpse of a genuinely productive and fruitful program provided through the Youth Guidance Center.”

Priscilla J. Zaccalini, Farella Braun + Martel

“Our day together at the Log Cabin Ranch started out chilly—we were all so unfamiliar with each other—but then we started working in the soil, planting, weeding, talking about life, and the sun came out and before the day was done, we were friends.”