Our Annual Report is Now Available! | |
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We’re excited to present MAP’s 2023 Annual Report, highlighting our continued growth and unwavering dedication to Access to Justice. This year’s report features new stories demonstrating our commitment to serving clients in need through direct legal help and statewide advocacy.
We deeply appreciate our supporters and look forward to continuing our work with our clients!
You can read the full report by visiting: tinyurl.com/426npk8m
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MAP Celebrates Pro Bono Month | |
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October is Pro Bono Month in Michigan. During this month, we recognized the incredible work of our volunteers and the impact of their pro bono services across social media. Below are a few selections from Pro Bono Month this year.
We are so proud to honor our volunteers who provide essential legal services to those in need, and their commitment makes a difference in our communities every day!
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Pro Bono Expungement Project:
This year, we've opened 525 expungement cases with the help of 44 dedicated pro bono attorneys, 35 committed law students, and 24 navigators who helped guide our clients through the process. We've also participated in 7 expungement fairs, connecting with our community and making a difference!
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Pro Bono Volunteer Spotlight:
Our partnership with Dykema Law Firm allows us to assist graduates of sobriety court in their quest to restore their driver's license, which is often crucial to increasing employment opportunities and household income.
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Family Law Assistance Clinics:
Our Family Law Assistance Clinics provide attendees with the opportunity to receive advice and assistance from pro bono family law attorneys. Volunteer attorneys might assist attendees with preparing pleadings and explaining the process of a divorce and/or custody case.
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MAP Honors Domestic Violence Awareness Month | |
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October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Throughout the month, we stood in support of survivors with a series of posts aimed at raising awareness, sharing resources, and highlighting the importance of community support.
In Michigan, domestic violence impacts countless households. Together, we continue to make strides toward safety and healing by supporting survivors and raising awareness across our community.
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Did You Know?
Most victims in abusive relationships do not seek help. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or abuse, please visit our websites below for more information.
Legal Services of South Central Michigan: lsscm.org/how-to-get-help
Crime Victims Legal Assistance Project: cvlap.org/contact-us
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DV Outcomes:
Through our programs, we continue to assist clients in various legal issues, including child/spousal support, housing, and personal protection orders (PPOs).
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Impact in Numbers:
We are very proud to share that so far this year, our programs have closed 636 domestic violence cases and assisted 1,829 individuals.
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MAP Staff Celebrates Purple Thursday | |
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Earlier this month, MAP staff celebrated Purple Thursday, a national day of action to raise awareness about domestic violence and its effects on our communities. In recognition of this important cause, staff across our programs wore purple to show support for those who have experienced domestic violence and abuse.
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To view the rest of our posts during Pro Bono Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, please visit our social media accounts. | | |
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Staff Present at Consumer Voice Conference
Last month, Emily Miller (Program Director at CVLAP), Kelly Jonker (Long Term Care Ombudsman), Nicole Shannon (Systemic Advocacy Attorney at MEJI), Karrie Craig (Long Term Care Ombudsman at MEJI), and Alison Hirschel (Program Director at MEJI and Consumer Voice Board President) presented at the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care’s annual conference in San Francisco. This year’s theme was “The Power of Together,” and our MAP staff presented on best practices for long term care ombudsmen who are navigating the legal system for the benefit of residents.
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CVLAP Staff Attend Elder Law & Disability Rights Conference
Earlier this month, members of our CVLAP team attended the Elder Law & Disability Rights Fall Conference in Bay City, Michigan. Staff had a wonderful time connecting with fellow advocates, sharing insights, and exploring new strategies to better serve our communities.
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MEJI’s Alison Hirschel Participates in Conference Panel
This month, Alison Hirschel (Director & Managing Attorney at MEJI) participated in Grantmakers in Aging’s plenary panel during their annual conference in Detroit, MI. The conference focuses on information and inspiration related to aging-related issues, and brings together organizations of all types and sizes.
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MAP Hosts Washtenaw County Expungement Fair
MAP recently hosted an expungement fair at the Learning Resource Center in Ann Arbor, serving 57 individuals!
Thank you to our dedicated volunteers and community partners who made this event possible.
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MAP Attends Community Resource Fair
Earlier this month, MAP staff attended Project Connect, a community resource fair in Centreville, MI. Anna Moss and Pam George attended and connected with guests about the legal services we offer.
They also participated in Veterans Stand Down, an event dedicated to supporting veterans by providing resources on the services and benefits eligible to veterans or family members of veterans. It was estimated that between 300 and 400 veterans attended.
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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! | |
Seeking Volunteer Attorneys for New Ingham County Family Law Assistance Clinics
The Ingham County Family Law Assistance Clinic takes place at the 30th Circuit Court on the last Wednesday of every month through December from 1-4 PM
We are seeking volunteer attorneys to provide brief advice in family law matters at our new Family Law Assistance Clinic in Ingham County.
Sign up here
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2024 Washtenaw Family Law Assistance Clinics
The Washtenaw Family Law Assistance Clinic takes place at the 22nd Circuit Court on the last Wednesday of every month from 12-3 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-served until full.
Find more information here
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FLS Recognizes Successful Settlement in Pregnancy Discrimination Charge
We are pleased to share this successful settlement on behalf of FLS' client, which would not have been possible without her bravery and dedicated advocacy for over a year and a half. We hope that this result will not only bring some closure to our client but also protect the rights of other pregnant workers to make their own decisions about their availability to work, and serve as a warning to employers that discrimination against pregnant workers will not be tolerated.
For more information about pregnancy discrimination and employment rights, please see FLS's 2024-25 calendar: https://farmworkerlaw.org/farmworker-calendar
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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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