Celebrating 50 Years of Advancing Justice

November 2021 Welcome to our monthly e-news! Domestic Violence Awareness Month WLC staff members dedicated time during the month of October to raise awareness of DV and services for survivors. Legal Director Laure Ruth presented to the Legal Resources Ministry & Rise Ministry during a Virtual Family Law Clinic; MEDOVI Project Director Suzanne Bailey joined the 3rd Bi-Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Forum for a discussion about DV and the pandemic; and MEDOVI Legal Advocate Elena Martinez attended the Prince George's County State's Attorney's Office Purple Bike Ride resource fair (pictured here), as well as presented to the PNC Bank Latino Subcommittee during Hispanic Heritage Month. News from the Board of Directors WLC welcomes Victoria Heyliger as one of its newest board members. Her practice with Heyliger Law Offices focuses on the areas of estates & trusts, criminal matters, and family law. She is passionate about working on behalf of women in Maryland and advocating for the rights of all: "I believe in WLC's commitment to the mission of fighting for the rights of those who are unable to fight for themselves." Victoria has been a strong supporter of WLC, and we are thrilled to welcome her to the team. Executive Director Michelle Daugherty Siri appointed to the Maryland Equal Pay Commission Appointed by the Governor, the Commission studies the extent of wage disparities between men and women, with an intersectional lens, in both the public and private sectors. It also considers what factors are responsible for wage disparities, how such disparities affect families and the economy, and what actions might eliminate and prevent wage disparities. While Maryland has made great progress over the years, it remains a fact that women in our state generally still earn only 86 cents to the dollar every white man earns, with Black women only earning 62 cents and Latina women faring far worse at 54 cents on the dollar. Michelle says, “As the WLC has always been a staunch advocate in Annapolis for eliminating the gender pay gap, I am excited to be a part of the Commission to continue that important work.”   WLC Staff Spotlight Jocelyn Gresock joined WLC this September as a CLAS Project Staff Attorney, where she works with survivors of domestic violence on their long-term family law cases and other collateral legal issues. CLAS attorneys also provide support to the POARP project, representing DV clients in protective order hearings. Prior to joining WLC, Jocelyn was in private practice, primarily working in labor and employment law and as a certified mediator. She began her legal career as a paralegal mainly focused on family law. Jocelyn says of her interest in public service, “I discovered that my license to practice law gives me a unique power to give back to the community and that I can make a drastic difference in people’s lives.” Jocelyn and her husband live in Baltimore County with their three young boys, where she volunteers with her local recreation council and coaches youth sports. Welcome to Team WLC, Jocelyn!

Race for Rights - Choose Your Challenge! Thank you for raising money and awareness during Domestic Violence Awareness Month through our annual Race for Rights. Participants hiked, paddled, ran, and walked - all in support of WLC! And we hope you caught a glimpse of the Halloween witches paddling in the Harbor to support WLC (pictured below)... Giving Tuesday Save the Date for Giving Tuesday - November 30, 2021! On this global day of giving, together we give to strengthen our communities. Help us ensure the physical safety, economic security, and autonomy of women and their families across Maryland. Workplace Giving Campaign As state, federal, and private employers kick-off their workplace charity campaigns, please remember WLC in your giving. Charity campaigns remain virtual this year, but you can still donate! Campaign codes: MCC 52-1238912; CFC 42153; United Way 18911

About The Women's Law Center of Maryland The vision of the Women’s Law Center of Maryland is a legal system that provides justice and fairness for women. The Women’s Law Center’s mission is to ensure the physical safety, economic security, and autonomy of women throughout the State. We work towards this goal by providing direct legal representation, information and referral services, and legislative advocacy.

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The Women's Law Center of Maryland, Inc. is a charitable organization designated as tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3). A copy of our financial statement is available upon request. Documents and information submitted under the State of Maryland Charitable Solicitations Act are available from the Office of the Secretary of State of Maryland, Annapolis, MD 21401 for the cost of copying and postage.

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