November is National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Month, but we think every month of the year is just as important.
Feeding those who are hungry. Sheltering those who are in the cold and have nowhere to go. Our founder, personal injury attorney Joe Stanley, felt deeply about helping to alleviate these basic survival needs. So, Music for the Mission was created over a decade ago. Joe has volunteered monthly for years now at the Syracuse Rescue Mission. He offered free legal advice, a shoulder to lean on, and listened and helped where and when he could. “I’ve always felt it was important to give back in any way you can. I’ve been blessed with a long and prosperous career, a family, and a roof over my head. Not everyone is that fortunate, and here at Stanley Law, we recognize how close many folks are to the brink or worse financially,” Joe said. “We want them to know they’re not forgotten. They have a voice. They matter.”
Music For The Mission
In that spirit, MusicForTheMission.org a 501c3 organization, was founded. “We have invested a lot of resources into our media partnerships and advertising over the last decade. It’s a necessary part of being a functioning law firm. We leverage those partnerships with media people who also care about giving back to the community.” Using these media alliances, Stanley Law Offices can help support artists, events, and fundraising efforts where the Music For The Mission story is shared to create awareness and raise money. Monies raised go immediately back into that community where the efforts and energy were invested. M4M is 100% volunteer, so there are no administration costs. All money goes to those who need it most.
During the Pandemic of 2020
Live events were hindered due to COVID-19, but Music for the Mission was not been deterred. Instead, we focused our efforts on online fundraising for local food pantries in need. We got creative and transformed our recent annual Rocky Horror Picture Show event that helps the Urban Mission in Watertown, into a drive-in experience. This adaptation was a huge success, helping us raise thousands of dollars for the Urban Mission and showing our resilience in the face of adversity.
If you’re interested in donating or volunteering, or if you’re an artist who’d like to get involved with “M4M”, we welcome you with open arms. You can visit our website to learn more. If you’re a small local non-profit who’d like to apply for one of our ‘mini grants’, we encourage you to do so. Our mini-grant program funds local, grassroots non-profits that otherwise might not get a lot of attention or support, because we believe that every effort to make a difference is valuable and important.
