Skip to Content

Where Tradition Meets the Future®

Partnering to Build a Better Community.

Both R.A. Henderson and James Franklin, Sr., decided to achieve any measure of success, service to others would be paramount. The early commitment to service instilled by the founding partners continued as the firm grew in number and stature. Jim Franklin, Jr., reflected on his father’s thoughts in his 1982 address to firm members:

“From time to time, as new associates joined the firm, we again gave consideration to those things which entered into the original partnership and endeavored to select associates imbued with high ideals who were filled with the desire to be of service to the community. As in 1924, we thought the area faced a great future. Today we visualize even a greater future. I believe every associate is imbued with the high ideals which creates success in any endeavor in life. If this be true, and you will devote your efforts to a continuation of those practices which have brought the firm to its present place, there can be no doubt the future  will hold greater things both for this firm and those who associate with it.”

Today, Henderson Franklin’s attorneys continue to serve in leadership positions and support over 100 non-profit and charitable organizations annually, including:

Community Partners

The Babcock Ranch Foundation is a Florida non-profit corporation whose mission is to support, enhance, and implement projects that positively impact many worthy causes in Southwest Florida. Passionate about the issues that most profoundly affect at-risk children, Foundation plans build on the rich heritage and many opportunities in abundance in our new town and at the Babcock Ranch Preserve. Through both partnerships and new opportunities, we hope to help educate and inspire the next generation of Floridians. Syd Kitson, Chairman & CEO of Kitson & Partners, formed the Babcock Ranch Foundation with the same vision and dedication evident in his creation of the new town of Babcock Ranch: “How can we use this magical place as a catalyst to make people’s lives, especially children’s lives, better? How can we effectuate real change for future generations in need? We have established a culture in Babcock Ranch that is rooted in giving back, especially to the region’s children, by passing on a stable legacy. It’s part of how our company and our community can ‘step up’ for the next generation.”

Community Cooperative strives to be the leader in alleviating hunger and homelessness in our community by addressing key root causes. With a dedicated team of volunteers, board of directors and staff, Community Cooperative stays committed to our core responsibility to collect and distribute resources through a strong and viable network of community partners. Community Cooperative is an exemplary steward of the resources entrusted to us, and serves our clients with compassion and integrity. Through collaboration and ongoing education, Community Cooperative supports and strengthens those whose lives have been affected by hunger and homelessness, ensuring that they have access to the resources necessary to transform their lives with dignity. For more information, visit www.CommunityCooperative.com.

Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties is one of the largest Habitat affiliates in the country. Since 1982, 1,550 families in need of a hand up have partnered with Habitat Lee and Hendry to build or improve their home. Habitat homeowners, alongside volunteers, help build their own home and pay an affordable mortgage. Through volunteering, financial or material donations, everyone can help Lee and Hendry county families achieve strength, stability and independence. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit www.habitat4humanity.org.

Hope Healthcare is a not-for-profit health care organization dedicated to providing care and comfort to every individual and their loved ones as they fulfill life’s journey. Under the leadership of President and CEO Samira K. Beckwith, the organization grew from a hospice caring for fewer than 100 patients a day, to a comprehensive health care system. Many of our programs enable adults to live comfortably through their later years and into their final chapter of life. We also give hope to children coping with complex medical issues, serious illness and grief. To learn more about Hope’s innovative programs and community services, please visit HopeHCS.org.

The Uncommon Friends Foundation was founded in 1993 by Jim and Ellie Newton in response to the book written by Jim Newton, “The Uncommon Friends”. The book details the unique friendship he shared with the five Uncommon Friends- Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, Charles Lindberg, and Alexis Carrel. The Foundation is based on the guiding principles of those friendships including investing in future leaders through curriculum education, business ethics, and historic preservation of the rich history those friendships gave Fort Myers and the Southwest Florida region. The Foundation supports scholarships, an endowment at Florida Gulf Coast University for Business Ethics, and historic preservation of the Burroughs’ Home and Gardens. For more information on Uncommon Common Friends Foundation, please visit https://uncommonfriends.org/.

United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades, and Okeechobee is a volunteer driven organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for all people in our community. This is accomplished through fundraising, fund distribution, community building, volunteer advancement and information and referral. In addition to raising funds for human service organizations in our community, the United Way promotes partnerships and collaborations among agencies and initiatives, helping them to work together focusing on issues and solutions that continue to improve lives. All money raised in the United Way Campaign stays in the local community to help support the local human service network of over 96 agencies and over 260 programs. The United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades, and Okeechobee has raised and distributed over $177 million since it was established in 1957. For more information please call United Way at 239-433-2000 or visit www.UnitedWayLee.org.

Valerie’s House helps children and families work through the loss of a loved one together, and go on to live fulfilling lives. Their vision is that no child will grieve alone. Valerie’s House is the only organization in Southwest Florida solely dedicated to providing children who have lost a parent or sibling a safe place to share and experience loving support while moving through the grieving and healing process. Children attend support session twice a month, using art, music, and other creative activities to help them identify and process their grief. Valerie’s House also gives the child’s caregivers the tools to identify the changing faces of grief and to build coping skills for the family to heal together. To learn more about Valerie’s House and the services they provide, please visit https://www.valerieshouseswfl.org/.

Privacy Notification

By using this website, you agree to use of cookies. We use cookies to provide you with a great experience and to help our website run effectively.