Supporting DESC: Small Acts, Big Impact

At Foster Garvey, giving back to our communities is a core value of our firm’s culture. In 2025, our Seattle office continued its partnership with the Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC), an organization that helps individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders and serious mental illness achieve stability and well-being. DESC provides comprehensive services, treatment and housing to help people reach their highest potential for health and dignity. Their vision is to create a future and community where no person is abandoned, ignored or experiencing homelessness.

This year, our team organized several in-office community service events to support DESC’s ongoing needs. One of the most impactful initiatives was assembling hygiene kits filled with essentials such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, soap and handwritten notes of encouragement. These kits may seem small, but they make a meaningful difference for individuals transitioning into housing by helping them feel comfortable and cared for in their new homes.

In April, Foster Garvey volunteers came together to assemble more than 200 hygiene kits for DESC clients. In November, the Seattle office gathered again to create kits and to share messages of hope and holiday cheer.

These events helped meet a critical need and unified our attorneys and staff in moments of connection and purpose. “It’s amazing how something so small can be so impactful,” said Cinda Fernald, Counsel and Community Service Lead for the Seattle office.

We are proud to contribute to DESC’s vision of a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.