Posted December 1, 201512:09 pm
“I wanted the opportunity to speak to 1,000 activists – the people who care about making our system of justice work,” said U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, “that’s why I accepted this invitation to speak.” Ohio’s senior Senator told a sold-out audience of 1,000 attorneys, members of the judiciary, civic leaders, elected officials and community partners that he celebrates the work of Legal Aid supporters – Democrats and Republicans alike.
At the 110th Anniversary Annual Luncheon and Report to the Community on November 30, 2015, Sen. Brown, a longtime supporter of Legal Aid in the U.S. Congress and personally, noted “Laws mean little if the rich and powerful can skirt the laws and won’t be held accountable.
Executive Director Colleen Cotter and Board President Frank DeSantis presented an inspiring recap of Legal Aid’s accomplishments over the past year -- helping 20,595 people resolve a legal problem -- increasing assets and income and reducing debt by $18 million, preventing 99% of threatened evictions, and improving access to education for 88% of the children who needed barriers removed.
Richard “Dick” Pogue, a Jones Day partner and former trustee of the Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation (OLAF) was awarded the inaugural Louis Stokes Paragon Award, the highest honor given by The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland. He said it was humbling and gratifying to receive an honor named for his good friend Lou Stokes, a U.S. Congressman, former board member and supporter of Legal Aid.
“Legal Aid lawyers and volunteers protect the most fundamental ideals so that people can pursue safe, healthy and happy lives,” said Pogue. “We still have a long way to go since [so many] civil legal needs are not being met.”
A new video debuted at the event that highlights the importance of Legal Aid’s medical-legal partnership, featuring Metrohealth pediatrician Dr. Robert Needlman. He recalled his work at Boston City Hospital, saying, “poverty is the cancer we treat.” Having a Legal Aid lawyer at his side is a critical tool for his patients who have a legal problem that affects their health, but more importantly for the children to see that the system works for them, he said.
Click here to see the new video about Legal Aid that premiered at the event.
Legal Aid attorney Anita Myerson received the C. Lyonel Jones Lifetime Achievement Award and three staff members were recognized: Deborah Dallmann, Adrienne Fischer and Erica Thomas.
Several outstanding volunteer attorneys among more than 2,000 of Legal Aid’s pro bono volunteers were also recognized. Click here to see the full list and award descriptions.
The forum also paid tribute to the service of two retiring board members who represent the interests of Legal Aid’s client population: Tim Walters nominated by Merrick House and Ida Williams nominated by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County.
Finally, with support from a record number of sponsors, the luncheon raised nearly $200,000 to support legal services.