BLUE BELL, Pa., and NORRISTOWN, Pa., April 9, 2026 — Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers and Norristown Area School District have been recognized by the Philadelphia Business Journal as a 2026 Partners in Philanthropy honored partnership for their collaboration supporting local students and families through Project Backpack. The recognition reflects a shared effort to help students begin the school year prepared, supported and ready to learn. The organizations are being recognized at the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Partners in Philanthropy luncheon on April 9, with honorees also set to be profiled in a special print edition on April 10.
Project Backpack is a community initiative focused on helping students start the school year with the essential supplies they need. Through the partnership, Ostroff Godshall and Norristown Area School District worked together to support backpack and school supply distribution efforts for local students and families, while also bringing together staff, volunteers and community partners around a clear community need. The nomination materials describe the partnership as a collaborative effort grounded in local impact, volunteer engagement and practical support for educational readiness.
“Strong community partnerships matter because they create real support for students and families,” said Rich Godshall, owner and managing partner of Ostroff Godshall. “We are proud to stand with Norristown Area School District in recognition of work that was practical, collaborative and focused on helping students begin the school year prepared.”
“Project Backpack worked because it was organized around a clear need and carried out through real collaboration,” said Marina Bradley, executive director of Ostroff Godshall. “This recognition reflects the effort of the district, our team and community partners who came together to support students and families in a direct and meaningful way.”
“We are grateful to be recognized alongside Ostroff Godshall for a partnership that helped support our students and families at an important time of year,” said Christopher Dormer, Superintendent of Schools for the Norristown Area School District. “Project Backpack showed what can happen when organizations come together around a shared goal and work to create a positive start to the school year.”
The Philadelphia Business Journal’s Partners in Philanthropy Awards recognize collaborations between for-profit and nonprofit or community organizations across Greater Philadelphia. Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers and Norristown Area School District were among the 2026 honorees announced by the publication.
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About Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers
Founded in 1993, Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers is a Pennsylvania-based personal injury law firm representing individuals and families who have been seriously harmed. The firm combines trial experience, disciplined preparation and clear communication to handle serious injury matters statewide, with every case built as if it will be tried. It represents clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, with offices in Allentown, Bensalem, Blue Bell, Lewisburg, Norristown, Quakertown and York, Pennsylvania, and Mount Laurel, New Jersey.
About Norristown Area School District
Norristown Area School District (NASD) is a diverse public school district in the heart of Montgomery County in southeastern Pennsylvania, serving close to 7,400 students across the Municipality of Norristown, East Norriton Township, and West Norriton Township. The district takes great pride in its investments in educational programs and opportunities, including the addition of nearly 195 new staff positions in the last five years. NASD is proud to be committed to welcoming and inclusive school communities where each and every student, family, and staff member are valued, respected, and safe. NASD has been designated as a “Best Community for Music Education” for eight consecutive years and an “Outstanding Visual Arts Community” for the last three years, with several schools recognized as “Best Schools” by U.S. News & World Report. NASD is also a second-year member of the League of Innovative Schools, and has been recognized as a Great PA School by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association’s Great Pennsylvania Schools Program.
Media Contacts:
José Loya
Director of Marketing
Ostroff Godshall
484-808-2755
Jillian Williamson
Communications Coordinator
Norristown Area School District
610-630-5024