Leadership is getting the right people to do the right thing for the right reason in the right way at the right time at the right use of resources. -Clark Crouch, Management Consultant

This March, Elder Law of Michigan Board of Directors along with staff completed its strategic planning process to set the strategic direction for the next 24 months.  "We had wonderful participation and are poised to take our work in new and exciting directions while staying true to our mission and values," said Kate White, Executive Director.  As part of the process, ELM has embraced a broader mission to meet the needs of its customers and stakeholders.

New Mission Statement:  Elder Law of Michigan promotes, protects and advocates for the rights, health, nutrition, housing and economic well-being of adults and people with disabilities by providing information, legal advice, training and professional services.

Seniors in Michigan are struggling.  People are living longer. According to the Administration on Aging of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, persons reaching age 65 have an average life expectancy of an additional 18.6 years.  Older adults make up more of the population.  While the 2010 census had the number of persons 65+ as being 40.2 million, the projection for 2020 is 54.8 million, the largest increase ever.  About 37 percent of Michigan's seniors are living at or below a level of basic economic security, according to a recent analysis by the Wayne State University Institute of Gerontology's Seniors Count! project.  

Over the years Elder Law of Michigan (ELM) has developed several projects to help Michigan seniors in a holistic manner.  One of ELM's projects, The Benefits Enrollment and Options Center (BEOC) has developed into a major part of ELM.  Getting help from the BEOC is easy.  When you call, we set up an appointment with a benefits specialist for a screening to find which of over twenty government programs and services you might qualify for.  The programs include food assistance (e.g., Bridge card, commodities, and home-delivered meals), tax assistance (e.g., Homestead Property Tax Credit, Tax Credit for the Elderly and Disabled, and Poverty Exemption for Property Taxes), and medical assistance (e.g., Medicaid and MiRx Card).  The screening takes a half hour or less and is scheduled at your convenience.