Investing in our community.
In addition to being committed to providing extraordinary legal care to our clients, our mission at Marasco & Nesselbush includes serving our community.
Our firm established the Marasco & Nesselbush Charitable Foundation, fully funded through employee donations.
Each year, the Foundation supports numerous charitable efforts and organizations that enhance our community and improve people’s lives throughout our state, New England, and elsewhere in the world.
Our continued investment and involvement in our own community are integral components of our firm’s core philosophy and value system.
We are committed to giving back, whether it is supporting the many worthy charitable organizations mentioned below, helping individuals and families in need, or sponsoring events for foundations and charitable organizations. Our commitment to these efforts enriches us as professionals and adds depth to our perspective.
2025 Recipients
Charitable Donations
Listed alphabetically. Each organization was chosen, and often introduced, by a member of the M&N team.
$2,750
Donated this year
Big Brothers and Big Sisters of RI
Organization Mission
Create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
About the Organization
Works so that all youth can achieve their potential, using respect, accountability, integrity, safety, empowerment, and partnership. The mentorship program helps youth be more engaged at school, form healthier relationships with family and friends, make good decisions, and develop positive communication and a sense of caring. The organization also offers clothing drives and donates clothes to help families and kids in need.
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I’m so proud that our team has chosen to support Big Brother Big Sister RI over the last decade. They do a wonderful job providing mentoring opportunities that ‘ignite power and promises of youth.
Joe Marasco
Owner / Partner
$10,350
Donated this year
Boys & Girls Club of Northern RI
Organization Mission
Enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.
About the Organization
Creates a safe haven for youth after school , homework help, educational activities, communication and problem-solving skills, and college and career counseling. Community-based with locations all over the state: swim instruction, sports, after- and before-school programs, summer camps, and backpack drives for kids who can’t afford back-to-school items. Very involved with the kids, and does not discriminate.
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I had the pleasure of meeting with the President of the club and seeing the work firsthand that they do for the children in the community. It really is a charity that is about the children and providing them with safe, fun, educational environments and giving opportunities and mentorships.
Francesca Raheb
Culture and Client Experience Manager
$15,735
Donated this year
Brain Injury Association of RI
Organization Mission
The Brain Injury Association of RI is dedicated to increasing awareness of brain injury and its consequences, providing education to prevent brain injury, and enhancing the quality of life for those affected by brain injury.
About the Organization
Offers a valuable Resource Center, develops support systems, and provides education on brain injury prevention, treatment, and support. Advocates for funding for research, education, and support.
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For years, we have worked with clients who have suffered traumatic brain injuries and the Brain Injury Association of RI is here to support and help. They not only assist those who have been injured, but they also aim to educate others. For example, they help with programs for bicycle safety from people of varying ages.
Francesca Raheb
Culture and Client Experience Manager
$5,150
Donated this year
Clothes to Kids RI
Organization Mission
Provide new and quality used clothing to low-income or in-crisis, school-age children in Providence County, RI , free of charge.
About the Organization
Works so that every school-age child has quality clothing, so they may attend school with the confidence and self-esteem needed to achieve academic success. Started by an attorney; takes donations and runs a storefront where kids shop the store. The kids get a list depending on age, allowing them to feel like they’re getting a real shopping experience: pants, tops, underwear, socks, instead of just being handed clothes. Values compassion, respect, self-esteem, and service.
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Clothes to Kids was started by a lifelong friend and former employee, Attorney Eva Mancuso. Over the years, I have donated my son’s old clothing to this organization. Between my visits here and conversations with Eva, this charity became close to my heart. There is a huge need to help school-aged children get the clothes they need, as lots of children go to school without essentials like coats, gloves, or shorts. Clothes to Kids offers a store for children and their families to shop from donated clothing at no cost. I have witnessed how excited these children are to be able to shop for themselves, as well as the relief of grateful parents. My visits to the store remind me that it is important for children to feel comfortable, confident and excited to wear their clothes to school, as it makes them better equipped to concentrate and learn.
Roslyn Crowley
Personal Injury Paralegal
$12,051
Donated this year
Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation
Organization Mission
Celebrate and nurture life in our local community before, during and after a cancer diagnosis by providing education, access to wellness resources and support programs to all those touched by cancer.
About the Organization
Enhances quality of life for patients and families. Offers over twenty holistic programs designed to heal mind, body, and spirit.
$12,100
Donated this year
Higher Ground International
Organization Mission
Advocate for, empower, and provide life-changing services to Liberians and West African immigrants, refugees, and other marginalized communities. Seek to restore dignity, empower lives, and keep peace through work that centers and celebrates the cultural heritage and unique individuality of those we serve.
About the Organization
Honors ancestors’ sacrifice by continuing their legacy and centering cultural identity to build a more equitable future, one that promotes dignity and consideration for everyone, for generations to come. A local charity led by Henrietta; the team puts together meal boxes (with foods specific to the West African community) and hosts community Women’s Days, where doctors come in for those afraid of seeing a doctor. Open to anyone in the community.
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I’ve known and worked with Henrietta and her clients for nearly two decades. They’re an amazing organization and do so much to restore dignity and empower the lives for immigrants, refugees, and other marginal communities.
Joe Marasco
Owner / Partner
$750
Donated this year
Jonnycake Center of Peace Dale
Organization Mission
Provide basic needs, resources, and hope to our community members.
About the Organization
Works to create a community without hunger and poverty, where everyone can reach their full potential and improve their quality of life. A food bank in the South County area with a storefront (like a market) where people shop for groceries. Values respect & dignity, outstanding service, and community & collaboration. M&N has funded events like 4th of July boxes and contributed to stocking the shelves.
$1,500
Donated this year
Meals on Wheels of RI
Organization Mission
Meet the nutritional and social needs of those we serve so that they can maintain safe and independent lifestyles.
About the Organization
Offers programs and initiatives that help homebound older adults and other at-risk RI residents receive increased access to adequate nutrition, safety assurances, and socialization. Works with the elderly community and those who cannot afford groceries or cannot get to them, clients pick from a menu and meals are delivered. Values compassion, accountability, respect, excellence, and steadfastness. A charity close to Joe, whose mother was involved and drove meal routes.
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I’m grateful we support Meals on Wheels of RI. When an elderly family member could no longer drive or prepare nutritious meals, this service ensured she was well-fed on the days we couldn’t be there. She also cherished the visits from the kind drivers, who brightened her day.
Stacey Ubelhoer
Chief Growth Officer
$3,370
Donated this year
National MS Society
Organization Mission
Accelerate, Advocate, and Strengthen.
About the Organization
Works to achieve a world free of multiple sclerosis: improving equitable, affordable access to healthcare; influencing legislation at the state and federal levels; empowering people from all communities affected by MS; accelerating cures through research; and creating strong connections with everyone affected. M&N had an employee, Michelle, who passed from MS in 2022, the firm donates in her honor. Team member Rose also lives with MS; at one point she was unable to walk, but is now mobile and receiving care.
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The National MS Society holds deep personal meaning for me, as I live with Multiple Sclerosis. Their work represents hope, support, and progress. Not just for me, but for so many others navigating life with MS. I’m grateful to be part of a workplace that supports this organization and recognizes the importance of advocacy, awareness, and research toward a cure. And as I always say, ‘We continue to fight the fight!’
Rosemelly Quinones
New Client Relations Specialist
$3,000
Donated this year
Operation Stand Down RI
Organization Mission
Strengthen the veteran community by providing crucial wrap-
around services.
About the Organization
Works to empower the most successful generation of transitioning service members through outreach, advocacy, and dignity. A local, veteran-based charity providing housing, legal representation, intensive case management, basic human needs, employment training programs, a food pantry, and legal aid.
$8,000
Donated this year
Pan-Mass Challenge
Organization Mission
Attain maximum fundraising efficiency while increasing our annual gift. Our hope and aspiration is to provide Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s doctors and researchers with the necessary resources to discover cures for all cancers.
About the Organization
A bike-a-thon that raises more money for charity than any other single athletic fundraising event in the country. PMC is the single largest contributor to Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund, and 100% of every rider-raised dollar goes to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Requested by Jane, whose husband participates in the ride each year.
$12,850
Donated this year
Sojourner House Inc.
Organization Mission
Promote healthy relationships by providing culturally sensitive support, advocacy, housing, and education for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking; and to effect systems change.
About the Organization
Committed to empowering staff and clients by fostering growth and resiliency through compassionate services and effective partnerships, with a shared vision of community. A charity for women who are victims of domestic violence , Kendra (the law partner’s wife) used to serve as its president.
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Helping people has always been important to me, and I have always been a feminist. Additionally, my law partner’s wife, Kendra, and I worked together over 30 years ago in the domestic violence prevention movement, so supporting Sojourner House just feels like the right thing for our firm to do on so many levels.
Donna Nesselbush
Owner / Partner
$5,950
Donated this year
The Narragansett Lions Club
Organization Mission
To create and foster a spirit of understanding among all people for humanitarian needs by providing voluntary services through community involvement and international cooperation.
About the Organization
Conducts community projects, programs for youth, and state and international programs. Gives about 40% of its annual budget directly to families and individuals in need , heating oil, food, medical equipment, and cash for those in crisis.
$6,000
Donated this year
The Providence Center
Organization Mission
To help adults, adolescents, and children affected by psychiatric illnesses, emotional problems, and addictions by providing treatment and supportive services within a community setting.
About the Organization
Over 60 programs and wraparound services, including food and housing, job training, legal services, primary healthcare, and wellness activities. Assists people with mental health needs and helps file Social Security cases for clients; runs school programs for children and programs for adults. Donations support those who cannot afford these programs otherwise. M&N does a lot of Social Security work with the organization.
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I have been working with clients out of the Providence Center since I started at M&N. They work hard to provide comprehensive, wrap-around services to our clients, often when their patients are at a low point in their lives. It has been a pleasure to go and provide services to the case workers on multiple occasions. I also appreciate the opportunity to work with clinicians to help them get benefits so they can continue to have an income when their mental health impairments prevent them from working. All the providers, therapists, nurses, case workers, and psychiatrists, are dedicated to their patients and want to provide the best outcome for each person they serve.
Nicklyn Dolphin
Managing Associate Attorney
$4,250
Donated this year
Tomaquag Museum
Organization Mission
To educate all of our relations (everyone) on Indigenous cultures of the Dawnland (focus Southern New England) through engagement and shared dialogue to reconcile the past and empower present and future generations.
About the Organization
A Native tribal museum in the South County area. Conducts special programs to share Native perspectives on traditional health and wellbeing, education, history, technologies, culture, and the Indigenous arts. M&N donates to programs that continue the education of the tribe’s heritage and traditions for the community.
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It’s been such a pleasure to work closely with so many associated with the Narragansett Indian Tribe. It’s been a pleasure to support the Tomaquag Museum as they provide educational opportunities for Indigenous cultures. I am proud to support the Tomaquag Museum because they do such a great job educating about Indigenous cultures.
Joe Marasco
Owner / Partner