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Dear Friends, As we wrap up this Mental Health Awareness Month, I would like to acknowledge the incredible team at Mental Health Advocacy Services for their fierce advocacy during this crisis. Providing legal services isn't new to our attorneys and legal advocates; it's been the core of our existence for 43 years. What is different today is the immediate sense of urgency and additional layer of uncertainty for low-income people with mental health disabilities. MHAS staff have risen to the challenge while also learning to adjust to this new normal in their personal lives. Their commitment and quick action have secured successes, like the ones below, for our clients in these difficult times.

Samuel and Kristina, who have two young children and are expecting their third this summer, had their electricity shut off. They paid their landlord for utilities on time, but he failed to submit the payments. Samuel and Kristina's MHAS attorney wrote a letter to the electricity company and their power was restored quickly. Their family can now charge their phones, connect their fridge, and watch TV in the safety of their own home.

Fergus had a disability overpayment due to a paperwork error from his doctor. When his benefits were terminated, he could no longer afford to make rent and became homeless. MHAS represented Fergus at his appeal hearing and helped him prepare his testimony. At the hearing, Fergus' overpayment was overturned and he was advised to apply for backpay benefits for the months he lost. MHAS is also coordinating with Fergus' social worker to obtain housing assistance for him.

Pedro and Fatima, former MHAS clients, are an elderly couple hesitant to apply for public benefits or seek medical care due to the public charge rule. When MHAS called them to share information on the local resources available, Fatima disclosed that she had been laid off due to the pandemic. Despite holding legal work authorization, Fatima assumed she didn't qualify for unemployment benefits due to her legal status. After MHAS corrected her assumption, Fatima applied and was approved for unemployment benefits, which have provided a much needed financial respite.

Thank you Andrea, Angie, Howard, Ilana, Jesse, Jo, Jules, Kyle, MacKenzie, Naomi, Nic, and Renee for going above and beyond for our clients and for making our day-to-day work possible. And to you, our MHAS Supporter, we thank you for standing by our clients and our mission. You and your partnership are crucial to our ability to sustain our work.

Jenny Farrell Executive Director

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