LIVING UNITED Spring 2012 LIVING UNITED Spring 2012 : IFC
2 SPRING 2012 KEY TO SUCCESS continued . . . This was the group that Lee was fortunate enough to find. Seven local not-for-profit agencies, including Baden Street Settlement, Catholic Family Center, Charles Settlement House, Community Place, Ibero-American Action League, Monroe County Legal Assistance and SouthWest Area Neighborhood Association, make up the Emergency Service Providers Collaborative. At its core, the group helps ensure that the basic needs of every community member can be met. In many cases they must work as part of a network to help people like Lee resolve crises, increase stability and improve their quality of life. No easy task. But because they work together and utilize the skills and backgrounds of many different people, they are able to develop a comprehensive plan that best helps the person facing crises. And while they put together the plan, they ensure the client’s basic needs are met. “Nobody walks into our office with just a legal issue. They are coming in with many challenges that we cannot address,” said Lori O’Brien, attorney of law at Monroe County Legal Assistance. “I can give them legal help, but there isn’t much I can do to help them maintain their stability until their hearing.” As for Lee, he’s excited about the help he’s received and what he’s been able to accomplish. With the help of the Emergency Service Providers Collaborative, he’s found safe, affordable housing, no longer worries about where his next meal will come from and is working on some health issues. “I have people that are there for me now that I didn’t think were out there,” said Lee. “Because of their help I can focus on getting a job and staying on the right track.” Left to right: Zetta Denno, John Paul Perez, Annie Miller, Cheryl White, Annalisa Rogers, Ruth Nieboer, Marvin Hymes, Lori O’Brien and Elisa DeJesus work together as a part of the Emergency Service Providers Collaborative. “ Nobody walks into our office with just a legal issue. They are coming in with many challenges that we cannot address . . .”
Publication List
Using a screen reader? Click Here
