Elder Law of Michigan Newsletter
May 2009 
In This Issue
Law Day Event
Beware of Foreclosure Scams
Help Stamp Out Hunger
May is Older Americans Month
Benefit Enrollment Project
CFFP Celebrates Volunteers
Recycle Your Cell Phone with ELM
Law Day a Joyous Celebration!
Joe Sutton
On May 1, 2009, Elder Law of Michigan celebrated the first annual Joe D. Sutton Esq. Call to Justice Awards.   Over 150 people attended the luncheon and the uplifting prgram seemed to inspire and offered a great opportunity for catching up with old friends while making new contacts.
 
Mr. Frank J. Kelley, former Attorney General of Michigan served as Master of Ceremonies, charming the audience with his humor, advice and fond rememberances of Joe. 
 
 
 
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Other Interesting  Links
 
 
 
 
Beware of Foreclosure Scams 
By Susan Peters Esq., Volunteer Attorney, The Legal Hotline 
  If you or a family member are facing foreclosure, these steps may help prevent you from becoming a victim of a foreclosure scam. 
   Be sure to have a  reputable professional review your situation.  There may be ways to restructure debt so foreclosure can be avoided.   Read more... 
MiCAFE Urges You to Help Stamp Out Hunger 
 
 Be part of the largest single-day food drive on Saturday, May 9, 2009.  Leave non-perishable food items next to your mailbox for your mail carrier to pick up. 
Help Stamp Out Hunger to learn more.
 Do you know someone who needs help paying for food?  Call the MiCAFE program at 1-877-664-2233 or visit Michigan's Coordinated Access to Food for the Elderly.
 
May is Older Americans Month 
   Beginning in 1963, May has been designated as Older Americans Month as a time to acknowledge the AoA 09 Logocontributions of older Americans.  This year's theme is "Living today for a Better Tomorrow."   Visit the AoA website to learn more.
Benefit Enrollment Center Project Launched
 After MiCAFE sent a mailing about the newest ELM project -the Benefits Enrollment Center, funded by the National Council on Aging (NCOA), - the calls started rolling in.  The project's goal is to identify persons who may be eligible for public assistance programs they are not currently receiving.  Screening began on April 7th and already, nearly 100 people have been screened. 
   The goal is to screen 200 people per month.  Currently additional staff are being trained because of the overwhelming response.   The Benefit Enrollment Center staff and MiCAFE staff recently participated in an AARP screening event hosted by Grammy Winning Gospel Artist, Yolanda Adams.   If your organziation is hosting a large event, you may consider inviting these programs to participate.  For more information about the Benefit Enrollment Center, click here.
Consumer Fraud Prevention Project Celebrated National Volunteer Week
 Access to JusticeApril 20-24 was a special week in the Consumer Fraud office.   Spearheaded by Assistant Director, Pat Ochletree, special theme events were held every day.  Volunteers were treated to ice cream sundaes, took a tour of the Capitol building and were served high tea by Director Ron Tatro.  
  Volunteers have reached nearly 46,000 people so far in 2009 with important information to help protect from becoming a victim of fraud.   To learn more or to become a volunteer click here.
 
Recycle Your Old Cell Phone and Raise Funds for ELM
 
While you are spring cleaning this year, check to see if you have any old cellular phones, digital cameras or ipods.  Then drop them off at the ELM offices during business hours.  Elder Law of Michigan is able to recycle them for cash.  These funds will be used to support our important programs benefiting Michigan seniors.  Find out how you can help >>    

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