LASC and SEOLS couldn’t do what we do without the amazing efforts of our pro bono attorneys and volunteers. In 2022, you’ve helped keep families housed with our Tenant Advocacy Projects, given people a fresh start with our bankruptcy programs, brought peace of mind to seniors through our Wills clinics and Seniors Referral Project, provided safety to domestic violence survivors, and much, much more. In short, your work has made a life-changing difference for Ohioans in need.
Thanks to pro bono attorneys like you, we were able to help folks like Victoria, who had been caring for her 15-year-old granddaughter for several months without any word from her daughter—the child’s mother—when she reached out to SEOLS. Victoria wanted help becoming the child’s guardian so she would be recognized as Hailey’s caregiver for school and medical appointments.
Our pro bono team connected her to Columbus attorney Don Wolery, who helped her fill out custody paperwork and prepared her for the custody hearing. Following the call, Victoria successfully completed the steps to become Hailey’s guardian. The conversation was “life-changing,” Victoria said. “I know it may seem like something small, but it means the world to us.”
Since Hailey has been in her grandmother’s care, she’s made the honor roll and has more self-confidence. “Hailey said she is “way happier” at her grandmother’s. “I’m finally getting to be a kid.”
Your pro bono efforts have also helped clients like William, who called LASC because he was in danger of losing his home due to foreclosure. His mortgage company said he was behind on his payments because it was putting $150 of his monthly payment toward homeowner’s insurance. The company started charging him for the insurance after his wife died three years ago. Prior to her death, his wife refinanced the home in her name only. His wife did not have a will, but William was able to remain in the home because he was on the deed.
“The mortgage company was relentless,” said William, who is disabled and uses a wheelchair. “I tried talking to them for over two years.” William could not afford to pay an additional $150 towards his mortgage to cover the insurance and wanted help determining whether the additional insurance fee was necessary. He was already paying for homeowner’s insurance through his own insurance agent.
Pro Bono attorney Sarah Pollyea volunteered to assist William with the matter. She reached out to the mortgage company and negotiated that they stop deducting the insurance charge from his monthly payment. “The attorney took care of everything,” he said. “I can’t say enough good stuff about her.”
We can’t thank you enough for your selfless donation of time, expertise, and financial support in 2022, and we look forward to working with you in 2023 to continue giving hope to low-income Ohioans. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. We wish each of you a warm, safe, and restful holiday season.
With Gratitude,
Dianna Parker
Director of Pro Bono and Community Engagement
P.S.—Be sure to check out the information below to receive your CLEs and credit for your volunteer efforts!
