By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – A special award from the Metrowest Legal Services of Framingham was presented recently to Branch Yules for his volunteer efforts for the past six years. The attorney and longtime entrepreneur has served as Attorney for the Day once a month, offering those with little or no income free legal services.
Branch is the founder of Lilien Realty, LLC, which owns and operates apartments in the Marlborough, Hudson and North Attleborough areas, including the Frye Building on Lincoln Street in Marlborough, where he houses Furnishing Options – a nonprofit agency that provides a training ground for those recovering from mental illness, and provides free furniture for homeless families and individuals.
The Lilien Realty Team, which has spent the last few years restoring the Frye Building, accomplishes its most significant local contributions so that low-income residents have safe, affordable housing. Branch gives a lot of credit to the team of individuals who work with him and have the same intention – to help those less fortunate find a normal financial and social existence.
“Our biggest satisfaction comes from tenants who, through a relationship of trust in us, upgrade their living situation and lives,” he said. “Many of our tenants have moved from rooms to studio apartments and then on to other upscale properties in the area.”
Earlier this year, Branch received “The Voice of Hope” award from Employment Options, for his many contributions to the city and its residents. Mayor Nancy Stevens presented the annual award and thanked him and his team for their efforts in restoring the outside and upgrading the inside of the Frye Building, providing low-income residents with safe, affordable housing. Heading up his team are Office Manager Fatima Garrity and General Manager Joe Maher.
“Our support of Furnishing Options allows us to be part of the success stories of many good local people who just need a little help to get a new or fresh start,” Maher said.
Other team members include Maintenance Manager John Spada, Joshua Prashaw, Kevin Candage and Rob Grenier.
Branch worked his way through business school as an apartment rental consultant and said he became interested in the community impact that real estate could have. This had a significant effect on his chosen vocations and life in general.
He is married to Tina Yules, who is a volunteer with the Big Sister/Little Sister program. They are the parents of two sons, Brandon and Devon. Branch is also a soccer coach in Ashland, is active with the Boy Scouts of America and is an Eagle Scout. He serves as a trustee and member of the Board of Directors of Furnishing Options.
“If you have anything a homeless family could use to make a house a home,” he said, “please consider making an appointment to drop items off and see what great things Furnishing Options accomplishes.”
The Yules legacy of community service was started by Branch's father, who served as a physician, an Air Force pilot and a Boy Scout leader.