Houston Employees Continue Tradition of Serving Citizens of The Brookwood Community

While it might go down as one of the biggest losses in softball history, it shaped up to be a big win for a group of Bristow volunteers in Houston. A team of Bristow Houston employees continued the tradition of serving the citizens in The Brookwood Community on April 5, 2018; something the company has been a part of for the past four years.

The Brookwood Community is a Houston-based nonprofit residential facility and vocational program for adults with disabilities. The community; located in Brookshire, Texas, 40 miles west of downtown Houston; provides an educational environment to create meaningful jobs, build a sense of belonging, and provide meaning and purpose for adults with disabilities, also known as "citizens" of the community.

The volunteers split into two groups - one group worked in the community softball field, cleaning up and making repairs to ready the field for residents to enjoy as the warmer weather approaches; while the other group iced down drinks and made popcorn for residents to enjoy after a fun game of softball.

"This was my first time volunteering with Brookwood," said Americas Tax Director Erika Hudgens. "I was thoroughly impressed with how the organization serves its citizens and the excitement the citizens have to go to work each day. It was an honor to be part of such a worthy cause."

After the work was finished, Bristow volunteers took positions in the field as the citizens took turns hitting the ball and making their way around the bases. All necessary accommodations were made to ensure every resident, even those with significant physical disabilities, had the opportunity to participate; whether it be cheering from the bleachers, or in some cases wheelchairs, or stepping up to the plate and going to bat.

"One of the citizens has severe muscular dystrophy and struggles to keep himself walking with the assistance of a walker," said Senior Corporate Paralegal Lisa Newburn, who organized the event. "Yet he stepped up to the plate and batted at the softball game – all the while leaning his frail body onto his walker to keep from falling. He managed on the third try to hit the ball a short distance. He left the game with a big happy grin on his face knowing he gave it his all.

"Serving the citizens of Brookwood reminds me to keep a good attitude, cheer others on even in the midst of difficult circumstances," added Lisa.