Legal Aid Society 2020 Annual Report

2020 Annual Report Second Draft FB.pdf

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2020

ANNUAL REPORT

2020 Annual Report Second Draft FB.pdf

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Message from the Executive Director

DARKENYA W. WALLER In the early hours of Tuesday, March 3, 2020, a vicious tornado ravaged Middle Tennessee. Within hours, our “suits on the ground” organized free legal clinics focused on natural disasters. We quickly updated our website with relevant resources, distributed over 10,000 brochures to people in affected areas, and volunteered on-site for the cleanup effort. Just two days after the tornado, the first case of COVID-19 in Tennessee sent the state into a tailspin. The calls did not stop; neither did we. Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands (LASMTC) went virtual. By midsummer, the country had erupted in protest in response to the murder of an unarmed black man named George Floyd and LASMTC heeded the call to action. LASMTC served 5,355 people and secured over $5,242,000 in vital support for our clients during these critical and unprecedented times.

By leveraging the talents and resources of our staff, volunteers, and donors, we did what none of us could achieve on our own. Our clients and community are the heartbeat of everything we do. Though we cannot be confident of what the future holds, we can be clear and resolved in our mission: to advance, defend, and enforce the legal rights of low-income and vulnerable people to secure the basic necessities of life for them. The pandemic has served to further reveal preexisting inequities in housing, education, healthcare, food security, criminal justice, and employment. Yet, we remain rooted in our commitment to recover and aid in the renewal of our communities by providing holistic legal services.

This year’s annual report highlights how we approached some of the most challenging times by showing up, displaying compassion, educating the community, and serving our clients. I invite you to learn more about our work, partners, volunteers, and donors. Most importantly, I invite you to join us in the fight to advance, defend, and enforce the legal rights of our most vulnerable neighbors.

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Legal Aid Society Program Spotlight

VOLUNTEER LAWYERS PROGRAM The pro bono attorneys of Legal Aid Society’s Volunteer Lawyers Program (VLP) allow us to provide legal assistance to clients in our 48-county service area who would normally be out of the reach of our staff. Since 2014, VLP has provided legal help to low-income families in more than 10,000 cases.

We’re tremendously grateful to these volunteer attorneys, who give their time and talents to ensure that our fellow Tennesseans receive equal access to justice.

The March 2020 tornadoes devastated parts of Middle Tennessee.

The damage from the tornadoes exacerbated existing underlying issues, including high poverty rates and limited available and affordable housing. Within a matter of days, predatory developers, unscrupulous home repair companies, and others were preying on marginalized and vulnerable people, pressuring many to make decisions that were negatively impacting them.

LASMTC attorney Bill Bush helps clean up an area heavily impacted by the 2020 tornado in Cookeville, TN.

LASMTC and its partners were “suits on the ground,” bringing aid and relief to residents impacted by the destruction. The TN Disaster Legal Services team, comprising LASMTC and 11 partners, began addressing immediate and long-term needs by offering legal, disaster response, and housing assistance services. In the first month, a toll-free legal assistance hotline was established, online resources specific to disaster relief were created, and 15 free legal clinics were held.

2020 LAS PRO BONO AWARD: JIM DORAN “Since 2009, Jim has represented over 30 victims of abuse in contested Order of Protection hearings and an additional 140 clients in matters ranging from conservatorship to breach of contract. Due to his tireless and excellent representation of our clients, Legal Aid Society proudly nominated Jim Doran for the Hands On Nashville’s 2020 Strobel Award for Volunteer Victim Defense.”

- Andrae Crismon Volunteer Lawyers Program Director

For a full list of 2020 pro bono attorneys visit: LAS.org/2020-pro-bono-attorneys

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2020 BY THE NUMBERS Civil legal aid is an essential part of our state’s front-line response. It’s vital that our government and community leverage every possible resource to meet the multiplying needs of our neighbors. Here are a few accomplishments achieved in 2020:

LASMTC

WE

PRO BONO

YOU

OPENED

REACHED

ATTORNEYS DONATED

HELPED US BREAK

5,975

50,000

3,309

3

CASES SERVING NEARLY

NEW PEOPLE THROUGH

HOURS HOSTING

FUNDRAISING RECORDS WITH

12,298

248,121

153

1,177

PEOPLE WINNING,

WEBSITE ENGAGEMENTS &

FREE LEGAL CLINICS, SERVING

GENEROUS DONORS GIVING

$5,375,692

18

1,376

IN BENEFITS FOR CLIENTS

FACEBOOK LIVE SEMINARS

CLIENTS

$901,968 THANK YOU!

FINANCES Since 2008, our budget has grown from just under $6,000,000 to $9,437,465 in 2020. The pie chart on the left is a breakdown of our funding streams. On the right, you can see what percentage of cases fall into our different practice areas.

Where our funding comes from

Cases per program area

State

Federal

United Way

Housing

Misc.

Employment

Bar Association

Foundation

Local Gov.

Benefits

Consumer

Family

Investment

Campaign

Legal Services Corp.

Individual Rights

Education

Health

Please visit las.org for our financial information.

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WHO WE ARE

GALLATIN OFFICE Active Cases: 548 Benefits to Clients: $1,162,975 Staff Size: 6

COOKEVILLE OFFICE Active Cases: 513 Benefits to Clients: $465,139 Staff Size: 9

NASHVILLE OFFICE Active Cases: 1,292 Benefits to Clients: $1,334,161 Staff Size: 40

OAK RIDGE OFFICE Active Cases: 991 Benefits to Clients: $1,162,975 Staff Size: 12

CLARKSVILLE OFFICE Active Cases: 513 Benefits to Clients: $162,553 Staff Size: 10

TULLAHOMA OFFICE Active Cases: 474 Benefits to Clients: $311,929 Staff Size: 8

COLUMBIA OFFICE Active Cases: 356 Benefits to Clients: $265,049 Staff Size: 8 MURFREESBORO OFFICE Active Cases: 345 Benefits to Clients: $228,312 Staff Size: 6

OUTREACH For over 50 years, LASMTC has informed and educated our beneficiaries about their rights under the law. During the pandemic, LASMTC provided partners, community members, and clients with the information they needed to navigate some of the most challenging times of their lives.

BROCHURES DISTRIBUTED

73,091 TOTAL

MEDIA MENTIONS

Family Law

Tax

Disaster Recovery

Senior

General

Education

Housing

Consumer

Health & Benefits

2019 2020 0

50

100

150

200

250

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2020 TIMELINE MARCH 3RD In the early hours, tornadoes ravaged Middle Tennessee causing extensive damage to Nashville, Cookeville, Gallatin, and the surrounding areas.

LASMTC’s attorneys provided help by holding 15 free legal clinics, providing immediate self-help resources, and volunteering on-site.

MARCH 27TH The CARES Act was signed into law, and the first stimulus check, which maxed out at $1,200 per person (with an extra $500 per dependent) was issued. LASMTC ensured families had access to the additional benefits by solving outstanding tax obligations and answering tax questions. The LASMTC Tax Unit increased its caseload by 304% and calls for help by 396% as compared to the same time in 2019.

MARCH 22ND Governor Bill Lee issues an executive order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 by limiting social gathering, dine-in services, gym use, and exposure at nursing and retirement homes.

Legal Services Corporation (LSC) shut down all physical spaces and began the process of creating a remote work environment to continue meeting the needs of clients and the community.

APRIL 1ST The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) temporarily halts residential evictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

LASMTC responded by hosting a webinar via Facebook Live concerning evictions and housing issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. LASMTC was able to assist over 900 families with housing issues during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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MAY 1ST Tennessee began to participate in the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Program, which provides an additional $300 to individuals experiencing job loss due to COVID-19. LASMTC filled the gap by answering questions about unemployment eligibility, fighting employment discriminatory practices, and informing individuals about employee/employment rights.

JULY 1ST Violence between intimate partners rises by nearly 10 percent during the quarantine shutdown. LASMTC launched a public awareness campaign to help ensure victims knew when and where to turn for safety.

MAY 30TH George Floyd is murdered by Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, sparking over a year of civil unrest. In response, LASMTC created an internal Racial Justice and Equity Team to enact anti-racist policies for staff inside and outside the office.

DECEMBER 25TH Shock reverberates throughout downtown Nashville after an RV packed with explosives detonates on Second Avenue on Christmas morning. LASMTC collaborated with the Nashville Bar Association and Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services (TALS) to provide free training for attorneys offering legal support to small businesses impacted by the attack.

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HOUSING During the pandemic, requests for aid, particularly in housing, unemployment, and mortgage issues, skyrocketed. When Tennessee’s COVID-19 shutdown order took effect, many people who never experienced job loss were facing sudden financial challenges.

Our clients, like Marsha, were on the brink of homelessness. For LASMTC, which provides legal advice and representation as well as assistance on benefits applications for the state’s low-income population, the pandemic meant a massive increase in clients.

39

992

MEDIA INTERVIEWS

CASES ACCEPTED

3,346

297

REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE

HOUSING INTERVENTIONS

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MARSHA’S STORY Marsha’s husband did odd jobs around the community during the day while Marsha cared for his adopted disabled daughter, Nicki, and their younger daughter, Jessica. However, the couple wasn’t making enough money and accrued a considerable amount of debt.

So, when he gave Marsha an ultimatum about co-signing for a house in Dover, TN, she said no. “His face got red, and he balled up his fist. I was afraid. I didn’t know if he was going to hit me.” He stormed out and sat in his car. The next morning he was gone. When he returned, he had drained their joint bank account and went to take his adopted daughter, Nicki, away from Marsha. He pulled Nikki by her hair, ripping it from her scalp. When she refused to leave with him, he threatened to beat her with a tire iron. That’s when Marsha reached out for an order of protection.

Marsha’s husband violated the order of protection by reaching out to their landlord to contact Marsha. Marsha rightfully called the sheriff to report the breach of the protection order. In response, her landlord served her with an eviction which read, “I do not want the sheriff called here because of your drama.”

LASMTC was able to secure an order of protection for Marsha, TennCare for Nicki, and assist with their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

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HEALTH & BENEFITS For Tennesseans who are dependent on public assistance benefits, a difference of $100 or $200 in their monthly budgets can dramatically affect the way they live. Northwestern University found that food insecurity more than doubled as a result of the economic crisis brought on by the COVID-19 outbreak, hitting as many as 23% of households earlier this year. At LASMTC, we work with many Tennesseans, some of them elderly, who encounter problems accessing benefits that they rely upon for daily living, such as Social Security, SNAP, (also referred to as food stamps), and Medicare. When one benefit is disrupted, it can interrupt other critical benefits as well. Stories like Ka’Leigha’s emphasize the need for these essential services.

1,529

1,037

CLIENTS WITH DISABILITIES

CASES CLOSED

2,265

335

REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE

SNAP CASES CLOSED

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KA’LEIGHA’S STORY Ka’Leigha is a 6-year-old with a severe form of epilepsy known as Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS). The condition causes severe seizures and global cognitive dysfunction that often includes physical disabilities. Ka’Leigha is non-verbal, non-ambulatory, and reliant on her family and nursing care for all of her needs.

The stiffness in her legs causes her to lift and cross her legs while she sleeps. Crossing her legs exacerbates issues she has with her spine and hips. Ka’Leigha’s doctors recommended a medical, supportive mattress to help keep her hips in place, but Medicaid declined the family’s multiple requests.

During the year-long appeal process, Ka’Leigha’s hips became dislocated. Now, she needs two intensive surgeries to pin her hips back in place. Ka’Leigha’s mother, Jennifer, told us, “I feel like if we had the mattress sooner, we could at least have prolonged the need for surgery... It’s frustrating because you know what your child needs. Every day is different. One day she's asleep all day. The next, she needs suctioning every five minutes.”

LASMTC attorney Shelby Dodson worked with the family and overturned TennCare's decision to secure the equipment, which will be critical during Ka'Leigha's recovery after the surgery.

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FAMILY LAW During COVID-19, the impact of domestic violence increased by as much as 10 percent. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration data suggests domestic abuse is acting like an infection, flourishing in the conditions created by the pandemic.

There was every reason to believe that the restrictions imposed to keep the virus from spreading created the perfect environment for victims to experience more violence. LASMTC fought tirelessly on behalf of victims to secure orders of protection, create safety plans, navigate court closure, and provide divorces on behalf of victims.

1,156

223

DOMESTIC ABUSE CASES HANDLED

VICTIMS OF STALKING

5,398

196

REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE

VICTIMS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE

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KARYN’S STORY Karyn Karyn and and Brad Brad married married fast. fast. They They were were in in their their forties forties and and confident confident that that they they would would avoid avoid the the relationship relationship pitfalls pitfalls of of their their youth. youth. Once Once the the honeymoon honeymoon phase phase started started to to fade, fade, Karyn Karyn began began to to notice notice the the red red flags. flags.

Her Her husband husband had had aa history history of of addiction, addiction, aa history history that that began began repeating repeating itself. itself. They They sought sought professional professional treatment, treatment, but but Karyn Karyn found found herself herself carrying carrying the the emotional emotional and and financial financial burden. burden. Over Over time, time, his his anger anger and and drug drug use use grew grew more more severe, severe, and and his his verbal verbal abuse abuse turned turned into into physical physical abuse. abuse. “He “He started started using using his his fist fist to to punch punch me me in in the the head. head. When When II would would try try to to get get up, up, he he would would kick kick me me back back down down and and say, say, ‘That’s ‘That’s where where you you need need to to stay.’” stay.’”

Despite Despite the the turbulence turbulence at at home, home, Karyn Karyn submitted submitted college college applications applications and and was was accepted accepted by

by Tennessee Tennessee State State University.

University. Just Just one one week week after after starting starting school, school, Karyn Karyn found found herself herself in in aa domestic domestic violence violence shelter. shelter.

Her husband had strangled her until she lost consciousness after an altercation about his drug use.

That was the turning point. "I was at a fork in the road... I could feel pieces of me dying and just slowly fading off."

She remembers sitting on the edge of her bed at the shelter and thinking, "You can go to campus tomorrow, withdraw from classes, get another job, and get yourself out of this situation, or you can stay on this track of getting your degree." She was back in class the next day.

LASMTC was able to help Karyn extend her order of protection and connect her with a pro bono attorney to assist her with the divorce. "I just felt so comfortable and so empowered. Whether I knew it or not, I needed them there, and that's what LASMTC provided for me." Four years later, Karyn has finished her undergraduate degree, obtained her master's degree, and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Women’s Studies at the California Institute of Integral Studies.

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PHILANTHROPY DURING COVID The philanthropic response to the legal issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the sector at its best.

LASMTC received an overwhelming amount of support from the community, donors, and foundations that provided us the opportunity to rapidly address the growing legal needs of the community. Due to the generosity of our supporters, we were able to show up for our clients more than ever before.

The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee & United Way of Sumner County donated over $40,000 to help tornado victims in impacted areas. LASMTC created a disaster recovery program that focused on having the necessary tools in place to allow LASMTC to respond quickly in times of disaster. In addition to representing clients, the disaster recovery team developed disaster-related brochures that were electronically distributed to all eight LASMTC offices covering 48 counties. Additionally, the brochure is available on our website and has been electronically distributed to five partner agencies.

The Frist Foundation recognized the key role of front-line employees in the pandemic response. It offered LASMTC a grant to help employees deal with the prolonged stress of working under trying conditions. Each employee was given two self-care days, LASMTC swag and a stipend to focus on restorative practices, meditation, and self-care.

Mazon increased funding to help address food insecurity during the pandemic.

LASMTC launched a service-wide awareness campaign to notify the community about additional emergency funds that may have been overlooked.

Bank of America Foundation awarded LASMTC $50,000 to help with housing recovery.

Our housing practice group notified, represented, and guided clients through the multiple phases of eviction moratoriums throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Greater Nashville Regional Council increased funding to help seniors facing issues caused or exacerbated by COVID-19. LASMTC launched legal clinics to assist senior citizens during prolonged times of isolation.

The $127,325 received from the Access to Justice Fund (ATJ) Fund assisted LASMTC in providing $5,375,692 in direct financial benefits to clients, handling 7,147 cases, hosting 153 legal clinics, and completing 253,707 of hours worked by employees.

JUSTICE FOR ALL A Tennessee Supreme Court Initiative

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Thank You to Our

CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE Our 2020 Campaign for Equal Justice collected a total of $901,968 from 1,177 donors and firms. We thank each of our supporters for your generosity. Your contributions enable us to advance our mission of delivering justice to all those throughout Middle Tennessee and the Cumberland Plateau. Our 2020 committee members were invaluable in the success of our campaign: Lela Hollabaugh Campaign Chair

Scott Sims & Jason Gichner Small Firms Co-Chairs

Ashley Waters Cookeville Chair

Chris George Gallatin Chair

Melissa Blackburn Judge Chair

Laura Proctor Community Campaign Chair

Cameron Hoffmeyer Columbia Chair

Lauren Biloski Oak Ridge Chair

Scott Carey & Stan Graham Large Firms Co-Chairs

Mark Rassas Clarksville Chair

Michelle Blaylock Howser Murfreesboro Chair

Tami Ross Tullahoma Chair

“It was an honor to serve as the 2020 Campaign Chair of LASMTC’s Campaign Committee. We are so thankful for the time and effort these community members invested in making our 2020 fundraising campaign a major success. We could not have done this without them, and the continued, generous support of our Leadership Cabinet.”

- Lela Hollabaugh 2020 Campaign Chair

LEADERSHIP CABINET Law firms or in-house legal departments of four or more people (within LASMTC’s service area) who contribute at least $400 per attorney within their firm are recognized as members of our Leadership Cabinet. We are proud to partner with these organizations to provide equal access to justice for low-income people and seniors.

Baker Donelson Bass, Berry & Sims Berry & Tudor Bone McAllester Norton Bradley Arant Boult Cummings Butler Snow Cornelius & Collins Dodson Parker Behm & Capparella Gullett, Sanford, Robinson & Martin

Hagan Law Group Hale and Hale Holton and Mayberry John C. McLemore, PLLC Kinnard, Clayton & Beveridge Leader, Bulso & Nolan Manier & Herod Nashville Electric Service Ortale Kelley

Patterson Intellectual Property Law Pepper Law Sherrard, Roe, Voigt & Harbison Taylor, Pigue, Marchetti & Blair Trauger & Tuke Waldron, Fann & Parsley Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis Weatherly, McNally and Dixon Wiseman Ashworth Law Group

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Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands 1321 Murfreesboro Pike Suite 400 Nashville, TN 37217

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Michael W. Binkley (Mike) Esq. John T. Blankenship Esq. Traci L. Brooks Cynthia A. Cheatham Esq. Sharon Crane Diane Davis Robert A. Dickens

John A Goddard Esq. Charles K. Grant Esq. Cameron R. Hoffmeyer Esq. Susan L. Kay Esq. Katie B. Klinghard Esq. Rebecca Kopp Tessa N. Lawson Esq.

Turner McCullough Jr. Erin P. Polly Esq. Mozianio S. Reliford III Esq. Adrie M. Rhodes Walter H. Stubbs Esq. Sal W. Varsalona Esq. James L. Weatherly Jr. Esq. David A. Weil II Esq.

LEADERSHIP Practice Group Leads

Executive Leadership

Management

Allison Jones Amelia Luna William Bush Marla Williams Zachary Oswald

DarKenya W. Waller Derria Ford Laura Brown Paul Swiney

Amelia Luna Andrae P. Crismon David Kozlowski Iska Hoole J. Kevin Fowler Janet Mynatt Marla Williams Patricia A. Jones Zachary Oswald

Sub-Practice Group Leads Chay Sengkhounmany Mary Gillum Patricia A. Jones

CONTACT US 1-800-238-1443

www

LAS.org

Facebook.com/LASMTC

@LASMTC

For a full list of donors, please visit las.org/who-we-are/financial-information/annual-reports/