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VOLUNTEERS OF THE MONTH
September 2010:
August 2010:
Certified General Appraiser
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VIP UPDATE
VIP Launches Facebook Page
VIP is pleased to announce the launch of our Facebook page! Click the following link to check out our page and to become a fan!
VIP United Way Campaign Kicks Off
In order to meet the increasing demand for our services, and to more effectively recruit and retain volunteers, we need your help. Your support of VIP can make a profound difference to individuals, families and to the quality of life within the greater Philadelphia region.
Please consider a gift through United Way to Philadelphia VIP. Our donor option number is 7763.
For more information on how to donate, click here.
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AVAILABLE CASES
Please click here for a list of available cases that offer you an opportunity to help low income Philadelphians with critical legal issues.
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| UPCOMING EVENTS |
Spotlight on Stabilizing Families: Pro Bono Opportunities Day
Mastering the Art of Advocacy
October 29, 2010
Ethics of Pro Bono
December 3, 2010
VIP's 30th Anniversary Gala
March 19, 2011
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SAY YES!
Take advantage of this opportunity to invest in Philadelphia VIP. VIP can in turn say YES to clients to help them break the cycle of poverty or exploitation, overcome obstacles, and navigate complex issues.
Donate Now! |
STAFF Spotlight
Systems Manager |
Terri Jett
VIP is pleased to highlight the work of Terri Jett, Systems Manager. Terri, who has been with VIP since 1992, plays a vital role at VIP through:
- CLE Compliance - Terri deals with all CLE credit issues and acts as the liason between volunteers attending trainings and the Pennsylvania CLE Board
- Data Management - outcomes and results for funding & statistical purposes
- Status Reports
- Accounts Receivable
Terri's work at VIP is very important in maintaining VIP's high standard of excellence. Through her years of experience, expertise, and knowledge, Terri has helped VIP advance and grow throughout the years. We are thankful to have her on VIP's team and are proud to spotlight her hard work!
To learn more about Terri Jett or to contact her, click here.
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Letter from the Executive Director
Did you know that ninety percent of litigants in Philadelphia's Family Court have no legal representation? Families who are already in crisis face a daunting legal system without an advocate to help guide them.
Since our founding in 1981, supporting family stability through legal advocacy has been a cornerstone of our mission. By representing clients in family law matters, VIP volunteers help ensure that families in crisis receive the necessary legal services to stabilize their lives.
This year, we hope you will join us as we spotlight VIP's work supporting family stability at our annual Pro Bono Opportunities Day on Wednesday, October 27. Attorneys new to the practice of law and attorneys new to pro bono are invited to partner with VIP to ensure that individuals and families involved in Philadelphia's Family Court achieve access to justice. I hope you will join us!
Sincerely,
Sara Woods
Executive Director
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Interview with Gloria Silva: One Woman's Fight for Legal Guardianship
Jacqueline Walsh saw Ms. Gloria Silva's* guardianship case in October 2009 while scrolling through Philadelphia VIP's case list. A recent graduate from Villanova Law School, she was looking to give back to her community. She contacted Philadelphia VIP to accept the case and met with Ms. Silva.
Ms. Silva is a native of Angola who frequently travels back and forth while balancing studying, teaching and caring for her 5 children as a single parent. In February of 2008, Gloria's sister, Ana, was visiting from Angola when she became ill and had to be hospitalized. She subsequently fell into a coma and was in and out of hospitals and nursing homes for two years.
Her doctors felt that she needed constant supervision but she was denied access to care because of her lack of official status. An extension was granted for her visa in 2008, but had since expired and the results of the extension application were pending. Ms. Silva wanted to gain guardianship over her sister to deal with Ana's immigration status and to make vital medical decisions for her. Furthermore, Ana did not have any source of income and needed to apply for medical and financial benefits.
Jacqueline Walsh immediately met with her client and started working the case. Ms. Silva explained: "Ms. Walsh always made sure to explain every step of the case thoroughly."
Even though Jacqueline lacked experience with guardianship cases, thanks to VIP, she was given a mentor who guided her throughout the process. Furthermore, VIP allowed her to use their office resources and supplied her with the additional help she needed to help Ms. Silva.
In February of 2010, the judge granted Ms. Silva plenary permanent guardianship of her sister. Ms Silva exclaimed, "I couldn't believe it was going to work out that fast!" For Jacqueline, "It was the greatest feeling in the world. I would definitely do it again."
Jacqueline stresses to new attorneys that taking pro bono cases is a great way to immerse oneself in a new field of law: "Pro bono cases are more of a personal experience and they allow you to develop your interpersonal skills and gain court experience; this is not always possible at a large firm." Jacqueline confidently asserts: "People believe in you and are there to help you! ...VIP was there for me when I needed them."
If you are interested in joining Philadelphia VIP as a volunteer attorney, please visit our website at www.phillyvip.org or call us at (215) 523-9550. |
Partnering to Prevent Homelessness: Spotlight on PECO/Exelon
VIP is proud to highlight the great work of its corporate partner, PECO Energy Company/Exelon Corporation. The partnership between VIP and PECO/Exelon developed because of a shared commitment to preventing homelessness in Philadelphia.
For years, PECO/Exelon Corporation, the nation's largest electric utilities corporation, has worked closely with VIP's LawWorks Project to recruit volunteer attorneys to help VIP respond to a high volume of homeownership cases. LawWorks secures pro bono legal assistance for low-income residents who are at risk of losing their homes due to legal entanglements and also serves nonprofit organizations as well as small businesses in Philadelphia. Since 2007, VIP has received an Exelon Generation grant that helped VIP say "yes" to clients at risk of homelessness. Most recently, PECO/Exelon gave a grant that allowed VIP to support more than 2,000 clients in 2009. "We are proud to partner with PECO/Exelon to keep low-income homeowners in their homes," stated Sara Woods, Executive Director of Philadelphia VIP. "Exelon has a long history of giving back to the community and their investment has a direct impact right here in Philadelphia."
PECO/Exelon has continually dedicated their resources and staff to pro bono service. Amy Tarr, Assistant General Counsel and Exelon's Pro Bono East Coordinator stated, "We at PECO/Exelon consider ourselves lucky to have been directly affected by Philadelphia VIP's enthusiasm, 'can do' attitude, extensive substantive expertise, and remarkable ability to make a significant and lasting difference in our community." She continued, "We look forward to continuing our commitment to the Corporate Pro Bono/microentrepreneur clinics and the mortgage foreclosure program, as well as working with Philadelphia VIP to expand our relationship." Thanks to PECO/Exelon's dedication to pro bono work and their true spirit of service and volunteerism to low-income homeowners in Philadelphia, we are truly making a difference in our community. To read more about PECO/Exelon's impact, click here.
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| QUARTERLY STATISTICS |
July - September 2010
New Clients Receiving Assistance: 179
Volunteers Providing Service: 168
Requests for Assistance: 378
Volunteers Needed for Open Cases: 114
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*Clients' names have been changed to protect their anonymity.
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