Thank you to our Board of Directors! | |
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In this newsletter, we would like to acknowledge our Board of Directors, who dedicate their time and expertise to making our work possible. MAP is proud to be led by a diverse board of directors comprised of attorneys, community members, as well as former clients, who guide our work as we strive to advance the safety, independence, and economic stability of those most affected by poverty, racism, and other structurally oppressive systems.
We extend our gratitude to the MAP board which includes Abigail Garcia, B. Daniel Inquilla, Brad Brelinski, Carol Recher, Charles Borgsdorf, Charo Ledon, Delphia Simpson, Donna Green, Gloria Trevino, Jacquelyn A. Dupler, Kate Sharkey, Kellie Podolsky, Kent Bieberich, Linda Rexer, Mary Kay Scullion, Melanie Wandji, Reshma Sambare, Rob Mossel, Sharda Taylor, Vanina Gilmore, and William Godfroy.
We also thank our MSAS board members, including Martha Gonzalez Cortes, John Philo, Linda Rexer, David Shaltz, Delphia Simpson, and Hansen Clarke.
Thank you to each and every one of our MAP and MSAS board members for bringing a unique skill set and area of knowledge to MAP. Our organization and clients benefit immensely from your dedication, compassion, and generosity. To learn more about our board, visit our website.
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The year is soon coming to a close so we’re reflecting on some of our amazing accomplishments from 2022. The following is a snapshot of the many ways we have expanded services or contributed to systemic change this year: | |
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MAP received a new two-year $320,906 grant from LSC’s Pro Bono Innovation Fund to grow our pro bono expungement program.
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MPLP was involved in the state’s Debt Collection workgroup, working to reform the debt collection process in Michigan. | |
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MLH launched the What’s Next Text program, a system that lets people opt-in to receive automated text messages which prompt them to take the next steps in handling their legal matters.
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MIRC began its Helpdesk program, a “court-based legal education program” to educate unrepresented, non-detained noncitizens, at the Detroit Immigration Court in December 2021.
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MEJI staff members were appointed by Governor Whitmer to serve on the Nursing Home Workforce Stabilization Council. This Council will address the shortage of direct care workers for long-term care consumers. | |
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CVLAP launched its Tribal Survivors Project, which expands free civil legal assistance in family law matters to indigenous individuals who have experienced domestic violence.
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FLS received approval from the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) to allow Accredited Representatives (i.e. non-attorney staff) to represent immigrants in their applications for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services–expanding FLS’ ability to provide representation to farmworkers.
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We take pride in our growth this year, and we acknowledge that there remains much work to be done. We look forward to continuing to reach even more clients in 2023 and beyond, serving Michigan’s most vulnerable citizens and working to one day close the justice gap. We’ll be sharing additional updates about 2022 in our first newsletter of 2023, so stay tuned! | |
Interested in Legal Aid Work?
Here are some ways you can make a difference!
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Join Our Team
We are seeking new team members who share our passion for providing access to justice to those who need it most. Visit our employment page for full postings.
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Volunteer
MAP welcomes volunteer attorneys in each of our counties and programs. To volunteer, please complete our Pro Bono Attorney Registration Form.
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Give
Through your contributions, we can provide safety and security to thousands of Michigan families. Visit the link below to make a non-attorney donation, or click here to make an attorney donation.
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Please help us spread the word about these upcoming community events and resources. | |
Food Assistance Program Update | |
The expunged Food Assistance Program (FAP) benefits that were removed from accounts earlier this year were added back on Saturday, November 19th. Recipients will receive a letter via US mail regarding the dollar amount added back to their account, how to order a card if they have questions or would like to request a fair hearing, and general information about the expungement policy.
More information
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LSNTAP Webinar: Case Study #3 - Crafting an Online Intake Process
December 13, 2022 - 3:00 PM EST
Join LSNTAP on December 13th for a case study on the process to plan, implement, and maintain an online intake system. This webinar will focus on key project management and technical factors in the implementation of an online intake system, as well as usability and ongoing refinement considerations.
Register here
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Most debt lawsuits get decided without a fight. Michigan leaders want to change the rules.
“We’re talking about individuals who don’t have a whole lot of money in the first place...and before you know it, their wages are being garnished and they can’t pay their rent, which may mean that they’re being evicted, which means they become homeless, so it becomes a much bigger systemic problem," Lorray Brown, MPLP Co-Managing Attorney, on the current state of debt collection cases in Michigan.
Read more
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Here's how Michigan is working to ensure court-appointed guardians don't take advantage of elders
"We often see people who want more than anything to remain in their homes. As soon as the guardian is appointed, in very short order, they get moved out of their home. Once they lose their home, they lose almost all their possessions and live in an assisted living facility or a nursing home with hardly anything from their entire life. It’s heartbreaking." - Alison Hirschel, MEJI Managing Attorney
Read more
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After years of waiting, Michigan Section 8 renters race to find housing
“If you’ve talked to people who’ve gotten a voucher, really struggled with it and in worst case scenario, failed, in my mind that’s a tragedy,” said Jim Schaafsma, a Michigan Poverty Law Program housing attorney.
Read more
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Staffing woes foil Michigan efforts to keep residents out of nursing homes
“The pandemic was the worst possible scenario for the workers, but also for the clients,” said Michael Daeschlein of the Michigan Elder Justice Initiative, a legal and advocacy group for older Michiganders, which examined barriers to home care in its 52-page report, released in September. “It kind of exploded the issue.”
Read more
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If your organization has relevant happenings you would like us to promote in next month's newsletter, send details to: communications@lsscm.org
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