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Dear supporters and friends,
A lot has changed since our last annual report four years ago: a global pandemic that impacted every facet of life; a necessary reckoning on racial and social justice across the country; a turbulent economy and record high inflation. And, now, the end of the public health emergency that brought critical resources to many living in poverty. While in many ways a year of optimism and anticipation of better times ahead, 2022 saw continued struggles for many low-income families across Michigan still picking up the pieces from the devastating impact of COVID-19 and the economic fallout. For Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, the struggle is exacerbated by a system built on racism.
|  | The intertwining crises that began in 2020 continue to deeply affect those in poverty, but the truth is that many were struggling far before the pandemic. From difficulty paying rent to trouble accessing unemployment to increased incidents of domestic violence and discrimination, our clients still face enormous obstacles to escaping poverty. | |
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MAP is rising to meet the increasing and varying needs of our clients, rapidly expanding over the past several years. When we released our last annual report, we had 58 full-time staff members. Now we have 221 across all of our programs. Through the chaos of the early days of the pandemic, MAP developed and implemented a strategic plan that brought about a newly defined mission and values and renewed our understanding of the intended impact of our work, allowing us to pivot to new and expanded services immediately.
We renewed our commitment to anti-racism, and our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee and racial affinity caucuses allowed space for important discussions and for more voices to be heard, improving the way we understand our work and our client communities. Our recent client needs assessment engaged our communities and partners, ensuring that we are providing the services that help our clients the most. MAP is emerging from the COVID era with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to zealous advocacy in partnership with our clients.
We are so grateful to our supporters for allowing us to continue this work, and to our staff who stand ready each and every day to help our clients overcome the legal obstacles that keep them in poverty. Because of you, MAP is stronger than ever before.
So, yes, a lot has changed since our last annual report. But our dedication and commitment to our clients has remained and will continue to be steadfast in 2023 and beyond.
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It's National Expungement Week! | |
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This week, we recognize National Expungement Week! Clearing one's record through an expungement can improve housing security, employment prospects, and financial stability. But, an expungement can be a daunting task--and that is where MAP's Expungement Team comes in. One client shared his gratitude for the support of our staff during his expungement process:
“When it comes to...law and court systems, I [felt] a bit hopeless and intimidated right from the beginning. I am very fortunate to have the chance to move forward without the weight of my past hindering the opening of doors that could make my life and my family's life much easier.”
In 2022, MAP handled 836 expungement cases and referred 328 cases to pro bono attorneys. We also collaborated with local bar associations and partner organizations, serving over 700 attendees at seven expungement fairs to improve employment prospects and housing opportunities for our clients.
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Happy National Hispanic Heritage Month from MAP!
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! We’re proud to celebrate the accomplishments and cultural contributions of the Hispanic and Latino communities in the past and present.
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Michigan State Bar Foundation Lansing Presidents' Lunch
MAP Executive Director Ann Routt and LSSCM Managing Attorney Jessica Mass attended the Michigan State Bar Foundation's Access to Justice Luncheon for Lansing Law Firm Presidents and Leadership. The event was hosted by Fraser Trebilcock, with guest speaker Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement.
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FLS at DHHS Human Trafficking Conference
The Farmworker Legal Services (FLS) team participated in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Standing Together Against Trafficking Conference, and FLS Managing Attorney Kara Moberg spoke on the Anti-Trafficking Initiatives in Michigan: A Look at the Work panel discussion.
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MAP's Board Appreciation Event
Earlier this month, MAP held a long-awaited Board appreciation event at Lansing Shuffle to express our gratitude to our amazing Board of Directors! Managers and Board members gathered in person for the first time in a few years to catch up on program news and welcome new faces.
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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! | |
2023 Washtenaw Family Law Assistance Clinics | |
Wednesday, October 25, 2023 - 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Join us for free legal advice for low income unrepresented individuals on issues such as divorce, child custody, personal protection orders (PPO), and more.
Clinic is first come first serve until full.
Find more information here
Are you a family law attorney interested in volunteering? Register here
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Seeking Attorney Volunteers - Washtenaw County Expungement Fair | |
Saturday, October 28, 2023 - 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Help your community get a clean slate! We are seeking volunteers for our upcoming Washtenaw County Expungement Fair at the Learning Resource Center on October 28th.
Hosted in partnership with the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office, Washtenaw County Public Defenders, Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department, and Michigan Works!
Register here
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Oakland County Family Law Assistance Project (FLAP) Clinic
Wednesday, October 11, 2023 - 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Who should attend?
Individuals with low income, who are U.S. Citizens or eligible undocumented immigrants; who need legal services in Oakland Country or live in Oakland County; whose circumstances are related to a domestic Personal Protection Order (PPO), or family law issues such as divorce, custody, parenting time, child support, minor guardianship; etc.; and who are not represented by an attorney.
More information
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U-M Health Community Health Services Commits $5.4 Million to Improve Health Equity in Washtenaw County
MAP is among 13 community-based initiatives to receive grant funding for three years from U-M Health Community Health Services to address community health priorities across Washtenaw County. MAP will partner with the Ypsilanti Health Center in a Medical-Legal Partnership to promote positive health outcomes through legal intervention.
More information available soon!
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CVLAP awarded $750,000 from the Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) to serve the legal needs of domestic violence survivors
Through this new Legal Assistance for Victims project, the Tribal Survivor Project, which is housed within the Michigan Advocacy Program, in partnership with Uniting Three Fires Against Violence, seeks to expand culturally specific, free civil legal assistance in family court matters in state and tribal courts to tribal survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking in Michigan, prioritizing survivors in northern Michigan.
Read more
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Michigan State Bar Foundation on CBS Detroit
“Last year, legal aid programs throughout the state handled about 57,000 cases, and about 55% of those were eviction cases,” Michigan State Bar Foundation Director Jennifer Bentley tells CBS Detroit how legal aid programs are combatting the rising housing crisis.
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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