It was an unexpected privilege to attend last Friday’s holiday lunch for BALS staff. Cheerful, warmly formal dress and greetings defined the room of employees I have just recently met. I’m on an eight week temp assignment working with the Development Director, Beth Eppley. During my work time at BALS, instead of sitting unnoticed in a dank corner, I’ve been introduced to everyone and made to feel welcome every day by those I’ve met. At the holiday lunch (a workplace event usually limited to permanent employees) I was re-introduced to everyone and sat with some wonderful people who, combined, were the sum total of those that make up BALS. I sat near my officemate (as I have at any number of other office parties), but also nearby was my boss. We were joined by private attorneys from local firms who sat right down with us. The attorneys not only participate in various committees dedicated to support BALS, but also generously donate their personal time and funds. I was told that the group was representative of those employed at BALS. So this room was it. The people that made the difference for those like the lovely woman (Yolanda Lee) sitting next to me. She is part of all this, being one of the “survivors”. Our conversation was about her second (not her only) book, newly out in print, about her experience. Collected in the room were many in this legal community who pull together every day to resolve extremely tough personal and legal challenges faced by clients who can’t afford to pay for assistance. It was clear to me that everyone at the party cares for each other and does for each other. My lasting impression of the event will include the awards presented to the employees with longevity milestones. Most likely everyone at the lunch is close to one of these longtime employees who has worked for BALS for 25, 30, and even 35 years. All this says a lot about BALS, its character, and my good fortune to be here.
Submitted by Betsy West
