SMRLS Insider: Summer 2019
Celebrating 110 years of providing access to justice!
What's New at SMRLS?
Welcome Senta Gorrie, Director of Philanthropy
Senta Gorrie joined SMRLS in June 2019 as the new Director of Philanthropy. Senta is the former Executive Director of the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless, a statewide public policy and advocacy organization that ensures housing stability and economic security for all Minnesotans. She has more than 15 years of experience working across sectors to create opportunities for people in poverty to achieve their potential.

To learn more about SMRLS and the funding priorities of its donors, Senta is inviting donors and volunteer attorneys to meet with her to discuss their giving experience at SMRLS, why they became involved with SMRLS, and what they hope to accomplish through giving to SMRLS. Please contact Senta at senta.gorrie@smrls.org to arrange a time to meet.
New Healthcare-Legal Partnership Unit
SMRLS currently operates four healthcare-legal partnerships (HLPs), and has an additional three new HLPs on the way. In a healthcare-legal partnership, SMRLS attorneys collaborate with medical professionals to identify and treat health-harming legal problems that stand in the way of a patient’s health. Problems affecting patients range from unsafe living conditions, limited access to healthcare, threats of domestic abuse, and more. Through this collaboration, patients receive comprehensive treatment that improves their overall wellbeing.
To support this growing program, SMRLS is establishing a new Healthcare-Legal Partnership Unit dedicated solely to HLPs. This practice area previously existed in the Metro Region's Economic Justice Unit. SMRLS supervising attorney Meghan Scully will manage the new HLP Unit.
Workplace Giving Opportunities

Did you know that many employers offer matching gifts and automatic salary deduction programs? These programs provide an easy way to make a tax deductible contribution to the non-profit of your choice. Participating in one of these programs is a simple way to make a big difference at SMRLS. Contact cla@smrls.org to learn more!

"[Workplace giving] is a nice perk that my firm provides based on my performance to be used as my wife and I feel best serves our community," workplace donor John C. says.
Consumer Law Project Funding

Thank you to the Saint Paul Foundation and the F.R. Bigelow Foundation for funding our Consumer Law pilot project! These grants allow SMRLS to work with the Ramsey County Court system to provide legal services to low-income individuals in the area of consumer debt collection. This project seeks to correct an imbalance of power that currently favors creditors with legal representation over debtors who are often left to represent themselves. Look for future announcements about this exciting new project!
"Little Healthcare-Legal Partnership on the Prairie"

The National Center for Medical Legal Partnership (NCMLP) has selected SMRLS' Lawyers Advancing Wellness (LAW) healthcare-legal partnership (HLP) at Open Door Health Center to present a workshop at the NCMLP conference next September in Washington, DC. The workshop is entitled: Little HLP on the Prairie – Opening Doors in Rural Communities to Those Who Are Homeless, In Addiction Recovery, Survivors of Domestic Violence and Isolated in Rural Communities . The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation is sending the workshop team, including healthcare providers from Open Door Health Center, the LAW staff attorney and volunteer attorney coordinator, one of the volunteer attorneys involved with the project, and others to Washington DC for the presentation.
SMRLS In the News
SMRLS CEO featured in the Bench & Bar
The MSBA Bench & Bar publication recently featured an interview with SMRLS CEO Jessie Nicholson . Ms. Nicholson, who has served as CEO since 2007, shared her story of becoming an attorney, the benefits of working in legal aid, and her advice for law students considering a career in legal aid.

Ms. Nicholson says, "Having a staff of lawyers, paralegals, and other professionals who truly embrace the mission of legal aid brings me great joy."

Click here to read the full article.
Volunteer Attorney Program
The Ramsey County Housing Court Clinic is approaching its one year anniversary! The clinic is held at the Ramsey County Courthouse every Tuesday and Thursday during the eviction calendar. SMRLS and the Volunteer Lawyers Network provide our clients legal advice at each clinic. Ramsey County Emergency Assistance and Neighborhood House are there to help our clients pay for past-due rent, and the Dispute Resolution Center provides mediators to try to settle cases.

Because the rental market is very tight, having an eviction on your record makes it very difficult to find safe and affordable housing. Just this year alone, we have served more than 200 people facing eviction in Ramsey County, providing advice prior to their hearing . The combination of services provided is making a big difference for a large percentage of our clients.

Now, another housing court clinic is starting – this one in Olmsted County. As in Ramsey County,
SMRLS' volunteer attorneys will be staffing the clinic.

These clinics are an effective way to meet the critical needs of our clients and the time commitment for volunteer attorneys is just a few hours. If you are interested in volunteering for a housing court clinic, please contact Carol Bros at carol.bros@smrls.org .
In Case You Missed It
Social Justice Uncorked
A festive spirit filled the stadium as the 12th annual Social Justice Uncorked returned to Target Field on Thursday, June 6, 2019. No, not because of the Minnesota Twins are dominating major league baseball, but because Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services celebrated its 110 year anniversary of providing access to justice to thousands of low-income individuals in Minnesota. Click here to read more.
Save the Date
Fall Appreciation Luncheon
SMRLS' annual Fall Appreciation Luncheon is scheduled for Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at InterContinental Riverfront Hotel in Saint Paul . More details to be announced in the coming months.
Staff Recognition
SMRLS Legal Secretary Shannon Andree recently celebrated her 15 year anniversary at SMRLS.

Larry Nicol , Southwest Region Senior Leadership Attorney, says, "Shannon is the consummate team player and that you never feel like an imposition giving her work. She is a wonderful legal secretary, always willing to step into the breach."
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Celebrating 110 years of providing access to justice!
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services | (651) 228-9823 | smrls.org