1966 - 2016

2016: A Commemorative Year in Review

North Mississippi Rural Legal Services, Inc.

A Message from the Executive Director and Board Chairman

orth Mississippi Rural Legal Services, N Inc. (NMRLS) celebrated fiy years of providing legal assistance in 2016. The theme for the 50th Anniversary Celebraon was “NMRLS: The Quest for Jusce in Mississippi”. During the year, we

presented special events to reflect on the Ben Thomas Cole, II, Esq. Willie J. Perkins, Sr., Esq. programs and significant ligaon which earned Executive Director Board Chairman us a renowned reputaon for aggressive legal advocacy in pursuit of remedies for the vulnerable populaon we served. Three special events were held during the year: The 50th Anniversary Kick‐Off, NMRLS Historic Ligaon Conference and the Quest for Jusce Gala. These events were designed to:  Create awareness of NMRLS’ history and successes;  Forge partnerships with businesses, corporaons, schools and friends;  Raise funds to implement current and future programs for the commu- nies we serve; and  Reconnect past and present NMRLS staff, board members, clients, aorneys and others.

NMRLS achieved many successes and withstood many challenges over fiy years. The survival of our organizaon can be aributed to the vision and fortude of board members and staff who relied upon God to direct their efforts to improve the quality of life for their fellow Mississippians. Many of these heroes and others, who fought for equal jusce under the law, were recognized for their work during the Anni- versary’s special events. Some of their stories are also told in words and pictures throughout this annual report. NMRLS’ role in the provision of legal aid connues to evolve as the mes have changed over the past fiy years. While the famous adage says, “ Everything Must Change”, we believe that ONE THING WILL NEVER CHANGE: Freedom and jusce are inalienable rights owed to ALL and guaranteed by the United States Constuon. That is why North Mississippi Rural Legal Services will connue (with your help ) into the next 50 years with our focus, our fight, and our Quest for Jusce for All!

Each Day Our Attorneys Help the Vulnerable

n 2016, 15 NMRLS staff aorneys worked many long hours to help low income I Mississippians who needed free civil legal services. The Managing Aorneys, along with their staff, were located in Clarksdale, Greenville, Oxford, and West Point. They served 39 counes. On any given day, a NMRLS aorney may start the morning helping a mother with mulple issues. The mom may need a protecve order to escape domesc violence. She may also need help from the NMRLS aorney that aernoon to avoid an evicon or solve an employment problem. While you may think that this aorney’s long work day may be near its end…. ITS NOT! Later that evening, the aorney may be called on to speak at a com- munity educaon program. In 2016, NMRLS impacted the lives of more than 18,357 people.

A synopsis of the services we provide is listed below:

Employment  Opposes wrongful aach-  Represents clients on ments, garnishments of public benefits  Helps obtain wrongfully bank account and wages  Promotes the financial denied unemployment  Enforces contracts and independence and dignity benefits warranes for consumer of clients and their  Assists with criminal rec- goods families ord expungements to  Assists in preparaon and remove barriers to hous- Family and Children resoluon of tax conflicts ing and employment  Avoids wrongful garnish-  Assists in obtaining di- Health ment of income vorce, custody and

support  Helps sick children, the Housing  Assists survivors of do- disabled and the elderly obtain medical coverage  Preserves affordable mesc violence  Helps parents obtain  Assists seniors in preserv- housing ing health care choices  Stops wrongful evicons visitaon rights, guard- ianships, or adopons  Prepares advance health  Assists homeowners in care direcves, powers of loss migaon process  Defends parents in youth court cases aorney and basic wills  Helps persons with housing choices  Provides help for correc- Educaon  Obtains return of on of birth cerficates security deposits  Helps children obtain Income Maintenance educaonal services to which they are entled Consumer  Helps to obtain, preserve,  Assists children in avoid- restore or increase in-  Combats overly aggres- ing unfair school suspen- come to meet basic hu- sive or illegal debt- sions and expulsions man needs collecon acvity

1

NMRLS Celebrates 50 Years of Justice Event ‘ Kicks Off ’ Many Memories

he 50th Anniversary Kick‐Off took place January 21, 2016 T at the University of Mississippi School of Law — the place where it all began 50 years ago. State legislators, aorneys, Law School faculty, NMRLS Board of Directors, current and former staff members and friends were in aendance. All were welcomed by Ben T. Cole, II, Esq., NMRLS Execuve Director and Deborah Bell, Esq., Interim Dean and Professor of Law at the University of

Mississippi School of Law. The Kick-Off program was hosted by Harrison McIver, Esq. Harrison McIver, Esq., Execuve Director and CEO of Memphis Area Legal Services, Inc., and a former Managing Aorney in the NMRLS Clarksdale Office.

TALKS of the EARLY YEARS

Professor Emeritus John H. Bradley of the University of Mississippi School of Law discussed the early years of NMRLS and the partnership that has existed between NMRLS and the Law School.

Special Thanks to Our Aorney Constance Slaughter Sponsors: ‐Harvey shared her experiences, including what it BancorpSouth Tupelo was like to be the first African- Bank of Holly Springs American woman to receive a MaxxSouth Broadband law degree from the Banks, Finley, White & Co. University of Mississippi. Cannon Motors of Mississippi Constance Slaughter‐Harvey, Esq. Complete Computers Presiding Jusce of the FNB Oxford Mississippi Supreme Court Jess H. Dickinson, Friends of ICS Head Start summed up the evening by discussing the unmet Merkel & Cocke, P.A. legal needs in Mississippi and the importance of Serenity Funeral Home NMRLS. Walker Law Office, PLLC

2 2

Guests Remember the Early Years

Students from Itawamba A SALUTE from LAWMAKERS Community College Film Club recorded guests The Mississippi House and Senate pre- (young and old) as they sented a Joint Resoluon to Ben Cole. discussed “Life in Missis- sippi and their Experiences From le are: Sen. Barbara Blackmon, at NMRLS”. Sen. Derrick Simmons (NMRLS Board Top: Students Ryan Perich Member), Sen. Robert Jackson, Sen. Bill (with camera), Chloe Robinson (seated le) and Abby Stone, Ben Cole, Rep. Linda Coleman Holiman (standing) interview law school student (NMRLS Board Member) and Sen. David Denise Fondren. Boom: Students stand along side Jordon. college advisor Morgan Cuurini.

Justice Dickinson Played Two Roles 50th ANNIVERSARY HONORARY COMMITTEE

Aer addressing the crowd, Co‐Chairs (top) MS Supreme Court David R. “Ronnie” Musgrove, Esq. Jusce Jess H, Dickinson Carlos Moore, Esq.

joined his band mates

(boom) Joe Thornton and Commiee Members Steve Thornton of “The Blue Mike Espy, Esq. Grass Appeal” as they pro- State Rep. Willie J. Perkins, Sr. vided the entertainment for Joyce Freeland, Esq. the Kick-Off. I. Richard Gershon, Esq. Mr. Richard Howorth Charles M. Merkel, III, Esq. Rev. Thomas Morris, Sr., Esq. Nina Stubblefield Tollison, Esq.

3 3

Litigation Conference Recalls History

early 300 people came to Oxford April N 22, 2016 to re-live the early years of NMRLS through the Historic Ligaon Conference. The Conference, held at the University of Mississippi School of Law, was the second of three 50th Anniversary events. The day -long program commemorated NMRLS’ 50 years Aorney Michael Trister (le) returned to Oxford of providing access to jusce to vulnerable for memorable event. He was the first NMRLS execuve director. Aorney John Briain (right) populaons, achieving success in the courts and joined NMRLS in 1969-1970. impacng individuals and families in North Mississippi.

Aorney Michael B. Trister traveled nearly 1,000 miles to Oxford to discuss the early years of NMRLS. “There were many mes when no one believed that NMRLS would celebrate a fih Anniversary, let alone a fiieth,” said Trister. The topics and presenters at the Historic Ligaon Conference were: Access to Educaon in Mississippi and the Ayers Case, by former governor Ronnie Musgrove; The Quest to Provide Effecve Civil Legal Services in the Era of Federal Funding from Legal Services Corporaon, by Ay. Wilhelm Joseph; and The Future of North Mississippi Rural Legal Services, by State Rep. Willie J. Perkins, Sr. Three panel discussions took place: 1) Significant Ligaon and Mission of NMRLS. Panelists were Aorneys Alvin O. Chambliss, Solomon Osborne, Willie Perkins and Judge Catherine L. Farris-Carter; 2) Day-to-Day Paralegal Pracce in the Early Years. Panelists were Ledell Robinson, Lenard Robinson, Mary Gordon, Margaret Kibbee and Henry Boyd; and 3) Facing Today’s Challenge of Providing Legal Services to the Poor in Mississippi. Panelists were Judge Denise Owens and Aorneys Roy Campbell, Karen Peairs, Ta’Shia Gordon and Ruby White.

Civil Rights Acvist James Meredith and Aorney Alvin Chambliss were among the speakers. Meredith was Judge Farris-Carter, the first black to aend Ole Miss. who was a panelist, is Chambliss was the lead aorney in one of many officials Panelists were (from le): Ledell Robinson, Lenard Rob- NMRLS’ famous Ayers v. who began their inson, Margaret Kibbee, Mary Gordon and Henry Boyd. Fordice case. career at NMRLS.

4 4

Historic Litigation Conference Speakers The Historic Ligaon Conference brought together some of the most noted community leaders, edu- cators, government officials, aorneys and others. They discussed NMRLS ligaon which spanned five decades and, consequently, made a posive difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of Mississippians. Included in the discussions was the famous Ayers Case, which originated at NMRLS.

5 5

Friends NMRLSJoin in ‘Quest50 Years: for Justice’

undreds of long-me friends, legislators, current H and former board members, staff, and others convened for the last of the three 50th Anniversary commemorave events, The Quest for Jusce Gala. The Gala was held October 27, 2016 at the BancorpSouth Conference Center in Tupelo. This grand event was a celebraon of the past and a look ahead to the bright future for NMRLS. The Gala began with former Gov. Ronnie Musgrove and MS Supreme Court Jusce Ann Lamar presiding. The invocaon was given by Rev. Thomas Morris, Sr., Esq. Resoluons were presented by representaves from the Offices of U.S. Senator Roger Wicker and Congressman Trent Kelly. A resoluon was sent from the Office of Congressman Bennie Thompson. Other greengs were given by Aorney Krisn Belvin, President of The Lee County Bar Associaon and The Honorable Jason Shelton, Mayor of Tupelo. The keynote speaker was Aorney Paulee Brown, the Immediate Past President of the American Bar Associaon (ABA). Aorney Brown was the first woman of color to become ABA president and the third African- American ABA president. She has served in a number of posions, including in-house counsel to several Fortune Pictured Top: Hundreds celebrate at Gala. Middle: 500 companies. Currently, she is a member of Locke Lord, Ay. Paulee Brown addresses the audience as LLP, an internaonal law firm where she is the Chief former Gov. Ronnie Musgrove looks on. Boom: Diversity Officer. Ben Cole receives a Resoluon from Senator Wicker’s office.

Far le: Aorney Wilhelm Joseph sends out a Call to Acon to help the communies we serve. Right: MS Supreme Court Jusce Ann Lamar introduces Judge Jacqueline Mask, Co-Chair of the Mississippi Access to Jusce Commission.

6 6

GALA Celebrates Service in 39 Counties

Special guest speakers were (from le) Execuve Director Wilhelm H. Joseph, Jr., Maryland Legal Aid; Ay. Carlos Moore; Rev. Thomas Morris, Sr., Esq.; Keynote Speaker Ay. Paulee Brown; The Hon. Ronnie Musgrove; Jusce Ann Lamar; Board Chair Willie J. Perkins, Sr.; NMRLS Execuve Director Ben Cole; and NMRLS Advocacy Director Ruby White.

Among the guests were ( from le) Aorney and Mrs. Roberts Wilson along with Aorney and Mrs. Charles Merkel, III. Aorney Merkel is a member of the NMRLS Board of Directors.

The Rust College Jazz Ensemble provided lively entertainment.

Mrs. Annie Lee Burt, a former para- Pictured (from le) are: Aorneys Carnelia Fondren, Ava Jackson, Rev. Tom Morris, and legal, was Felecia Wilson. presented a plaque for her 25 years of service at NMRLS and her service in the community. She is surrounded by daughters (in forefront, from le) Rosie Davis and Annie Confer. At 97-years-old, Mrs. Burt is NMRLS’ oldest living former employee. Well-known Mississippi song- Aorneys Jesse Pennington (standing) and stress, Effie Burt, was also on hand to sing in tribute Alix Sanders aended the special evening. to her mother. Both are former NMRLS execuve directors.

7 7

Specialized Outreach Programs Local Communies Receive $3 Million in Tax Refunds

n 2016, NMRLS partnered with BancorpSouth, Brown I Missionary Bapst Church, LIFT Community Acon Agency and the University of Mississippi School of Law Pro Bono Iniave to sponsor five Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites in North Mississippi. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is an IRS iniave designed to provide free tax preparaon service for the underserved populaon. These sites increased tax preparaon services to underserved communies, increased the number of returns filed electronically, significantly improved the accuracy of returns and eliminated tax preparaon fees. In 2016, NMRLS helped clients file approximately 2,100 federal income tax returns and 1,600 state income tax returns, yielding a $3 million return for local communies. Through another tax program, called LITC (Low Income Tax Clinic), NMRLS helped 129 taxpayers with controversies with the IRS. We provided consultaons to 25 taxpayers and also held 32 educaonal events reaching approximately 344 taxpayers in 2016. NMRLS is commied to aiding taxpayers in controversies with the IRS and the Mississippi Department of Revenue, and in conducng educaonal acvies. $600,000 Grant To Combat Violence Against Women The Office of Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), granted NMRLS a three‐year grant to help reduce violence against women and to strengthen our services to vicms of domesc violence, dang violence, sexual assault and stalking. The grant will allow NMRLS to provide services in the counes of Bolivar, Coahoma, Humphreys, Issaquena, Leflore, Lowndes, Quitman, Sharkey, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tunica and Washington. The services offered will also include:

 Obtaining protecon orders;  Providing representaon for divorces (when related to safety for vicms);  Gaining custody and/or visitaon rights and child support orders;  Providing representaon for administrave maers such as housing; and  Developing programs to reach diverse and underserved populaons.

8

Cases and the People NMRLS Helped

Race of NMRLS Clients Number of Closed Cases

Consumer 375

Individual Rights 75

Family 1,357

Juvenile 185

Admin/ Income 280

Employment 291

Housing 249 People Helped in 2016 Health 17 Misc. 318 Closed Cases 8,415 Educaon 10 Acve Cases 1,725 TOTAL CASES CLOSED 3,254 Other Services 8,217

Total Persons Helped 18,357

9

Housing Needs Met for North MS Residents

NMRLS is a HUD-approved housing counseling agency. As an approved housing counseling agency, our staff is trained and approved by HUD to help current and prospective homeowners/renters make responsible choices to address their housing needs. In 2016, NMRLS provided counseling on Mortgage Delinquency & Default Resolution, Rental Housing and Fair Housing.

Program helped homeowners save $881,191

Many hard-working Mississippians were in danger of losing their homes as a result of the financial crisis. Fortunately, the Home Saver program from Mississippi Home Corporation was created to help struggling home- owners save their homes. NMRLS worked closely with the corporation to help homeowners who lost their job or experienced at least a 15% income reduction through no fault of their own, suffered death of a co-borrower, underwent a divorce or experienced other situations that put them at risk of default or foreclosure.

A Tesmony From A Columbus Client:

I was employed for a company making a very good income. Unfortunately, the plant closed and I was laid off. My income was reduced dramacally. I went from making over $80,000.00 per year to receiving $211.00 per week unemployment compensaon. I completed a Home Saver applicaon; and with assistance from the North Mississippi Ru- ral Legal Services West Point office, I was awarded $50,000.00 in homeowner assistance, which is the maximum award given under the program. I was elated to receive the award from Home Saver and is thankful for the help I received from the West Point Office. It reduced a great amount of stress and pressure on me and my spouse and helped me avoid foreclosure on my home. I was also able to go back to school to further my educaon so that I can obtain beer opportunies in the future.

10

NMRLS at Forefront of Elder Law Jusce Kilgore reres aer much NMRLS success Aer more than fiy years in existence, NMRLS remains a leading force in the state and region for Elder Jusce. Last year, with a team of aorneys, law students and volunteers, the Elder Law Project helped provide free civil legal representaon and counseling for 684 individuals. The financial impact to our clients was more than $603,300. The Project’s workshops focused on the Prevenon of Elder Fraud and Financial Abuse (Tax Scams, Reverse Mortgages, and Nursing Home Rights); Access to Health Care (Nursing Home Rights, Medicaid, Medicare); and Planning for the Future (Wills, “Ginny” Kilgore Powers of Aorney, and Advanced Health Care Direcves).

The Elder Law Project was created in 1985 under the leadership of Catherine “Ginny” Kilgore. In 1992, she developed the Elder Law Conference to train social workers and aorneys on working with the elderly. In December 2016, Ginny rered as the Elder Law Project Director. During her 39 years of service, Ginny organized hundreds of workshops and conferences, partnered with community agencies, aorneys and social workers and advocated for thousands of elderly in the state.

Ginny aended the University of Mississippi School of Law. She was a solo praconer for two years in Oxford and then joined the NMRLS staff in 1978. Ginny also served many years as Adjunct Professor for the Elder Law Clinic, a part of the University of Mississippi School of Law Civil Legal Clinical Program. She provided hands -on experience for law students in the areas of law that impact the elderly. She has published materials about the availability of health care and public benefits for the elderly in the state. In 2011, she received the Naonal Aging and Law Award. She received the University of Mississippi Law School Public Service Award in 2002 and The Mississippi Bar Legal Services Lawyer of the Year Award in 2000.

The new Director of the Elder Law Project is Al Cuurini, J.D., former assistant director of the Elder Law Project and Director of the NMRLS Foreclosure Prevenon Program.

11

Elder Law Program Receives Prestigious Fellowship

The Borchard Foundation Center on exploitaon. Her Law and Aging, located in Woodland Hills, tenure at NMRLS has California selected NMRLS as one of four allowed her to organizations across the country to promote dialogues on receive the 2016‐2017 Borchard Fellow‐ the strengths, ship in Law and Aging. Borchard Fellows weaknesses and are chosen from a naonal pool of recent obstacles in assisng law school graduates to assist outstanding vicms of elder abuse. elder law programs that are located across Kristine Simpson, Esq. the country. In addition to NMRLS in Oxford, the prestigious Borchard The Borchard Fellow for NMRLS is Fellowship was awarded to organizations in Kristine Simpson, Esq. Aorney Simpson’s Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and New goal is to develop a model for responding Orleans. to issues of elder abuse, neglect and

Conference provides training to OUR PARTNERS help elderly for the elderly

The Elder Law Project conducted its The Elder Law Project works in partnership annual Elder Law Conference at the Uni- with: The University of Mississippi School of versity of Mississippi School of Law in Law, Area Agencies on Aging, Baptist Health August. The Conference, sponsored in Care Corp., government agencies, law enforce- part by Three Rivers Area Agency on Ag- ment, social workers, health care providers, churches, community centers, senior centers, and ing, provided more than 150 lawyers, volunteer organizations, such as RSVP of social workers and others with training in Oxford. how to help the elderly live independent- ly and with dignity. Speakers from across the state discussed legal issues that are impacng Mississippi’s aging populaon. Bapst Health Care awards two grants to support Elder Law

25 YEARS The Bapst Memorial Health Care Corpora- Mark your calendars!!!! on awarded two grants to NMRLS: 1) To con- duct four outreach programs in rural Mississip- The 25th Elder Law Conference pi enabling our aorneys to educate residents will take place about their rights, benefits and resources; and Friday, August 11, 2017 2) To support the Elder Law Conference that at the Oxford Conference Center. takes place August 11, 2017.

12

North Mississippi Rural Legal Services, Inc. Financial Overview January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016

Net Assets– Beginning of Year $ 693,121 2016 REVENUE Legal Services Corporaon $ 1,619,122 67% Grants and Contracts Non LSC $ 560,950 23% Lawyers Trust Fund $ 32,350 1% Older Americans Act $ 79, 656 3% Fundraising $ 59,030 2% Other $ 91,940 4% TOTAL $ 2,443,048 100.00%

2016 EXPENDITURES

Personnel $ 1,682,764 67% Occupancy $ 166,699 6% Supplies and Postage $ 41,914 2% Telephone/Internet $ 117, 094 5% Travel and Lodging $ 64, 752 3% Other $ 443,075 17% Total $ 2,516,298 100.00% Net Assets– End of Year $ 619,871

A copy of our current financial statement is available by calling (662) 234-8731, ext. 2104.

13

THANK YOU to DONORS in 2016

James W. Abernethy, Esq. Phi Beta Sigma (Eta Zeta Sigma ) MS Center for Legal Services, Inc. Janice Antonow V. Lynn Evans Cynthia I. Mitchell, Esq. Area Agencies on Aging Farmer & Merchants Bank Anita Moore Jerry Askew, Esq. Faycon Professionals, LLC Carlos Moore, Esq. BancorpSouth Tupelo FNB Bank Oxford Robert E. Moore Bank of Holly Springs Carnelia Fondren, Esq. Rev. Thomas Morris, Sr., Esq. Banks, Finley, White & Co. James Ford, Esq. Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church Borchard Foundation Center Joyce Freeland, Esq. Dr. Bramlett Murphy, M.D. Gwendolyn Baptist-Rucker, Esq. Elvin Garner Faye Murphy Dudley M. Barnes I. Richard Gershon, Esq. Governor David Ronald Musgrove Deborah H. Bell, Esq. Ethel Gilmore Wayne E. Myles Russell Bennett J. Lane Greenlee, Esq. J.E. Neilson Co. C. F. Brittenum, Jr. Greenwood Voters League Oxford Insurance Agency, Inc. Complete Computers W. Howard Gunn, Esq. Roy O. Parker, Jr., Esq. Barbara Brooks Christopher and Carol Hamilton Karen Peairs, Esq. Brown and Brown Insurance Valerie Hancock Pegues Barber and Style Shop Mary A. Brown, Esq. Bishop J. Timothy Herrington Jesse Pennington, Esq. Paulette Brown, Esq. Sarah D. Hollowell Takiyah H. Perkins, Esq. Robert V. Bullins Hopewell #1 M.B. Church Willie J. Perkins, Sr., Esq. Tab and Sam Buchanan, Esq. Minnie P. Howard, Esq. Betty L. Petty Annie Burt Hughes Brown, PLLC Pitner Office Supply Company Danie Burt Hunt Ross & Allen, LLC Porter Arms Apartments Shirley Byers, Esq. ICS Head Start Renasant Bank Roy D. (Nancy) Campbell, III, Esq. Ava N. Jackson, Esq. RHO Gamma Lambda Chapter Cannon Motors of Mississippi Reverend and Mrs. Leroy James of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Carlisle's Big Star No. 53, Inc. Cliff Johnson Rose Business Company CB&S Bank Reverend Jamuel Johnson Mark A. Robertson, Esq., P.C. Eula Chamberlin Nicole D. Johnson Lindia Robinson, Esq. Clarence Chandler Russell Johnson S and J Art Gallery Chapman Lewis & Swan, PLLC William and Sally Johnson Alix Sanders, Esq. Claude F. Clayton, Jr. Wilhelm Joseph, Jr, Esq. Judge Watosa Marshall Sanders Baptist Memorial Health Care Corp. Rance & Catherine Kilgore, Esq. Serenity Funeral Homes, Inc. Chick-fil-A Kiley C. Kirk, Esq. Jason Shelton, Esq. John Cocke, Esq. Richard Kohlheim Simmons & Simmons, PLLC Merkle & Cocke, P.A. Lafayette County Farm Bureau Smith & Weiland, Inc. Pastor Milton Coffee Lamar and Hannaford, P.A. South Center Printing Cynthia and Ben T. Cole, II, Esq. Dr. & Mrs. Paul Lampley Square Alteration & Monogramming Law Office of Linda Coleman Sabra & Ronald Laumbach, Esq. Senator Bill Stone Jennifer Riley Collins, Esq. Law Office of Andrew Stuart, II Nina Stubblefield-Tollison, Esq. Jim L. Collins, Esq. Lee County Bar Association Tampa Orlando Jewish Foundation Community Friends of ICS Lee County Chapter NAACP Gerry Taylor Community Mortgage & Loans, Inc. Leflore County Branch of NAACP Michael B. Trister, Esq. Complete Computers Locust Grove Baptist Church Mattie Tucker Lillene Condon Edward Long, Esq. Marion Dunn Tutor Roslynn N. Copeland Etoyil Long University of Mississippi School of Law Willie B. Cornelious Denotee Martin University Sporting Goods Warren E. Cox, Esq. Judge Jacqueline Estes Mask Waide & Associates, P.A. Jim M. Criss, Esq. Kenneth Mayfield, Esq. Damien Wash Susan Culpepper, Esq. Maxx South Broadband Katherine Weatherby Richard C. Davis, Esq. Kristian McCray, Esq. West Camp M.B. Church Jerry Davis John McCullough, Esq. Ruby White, Esq. Prof. Samuel M. Davis & P. J. McGill Walker Law Office, PLLC Carolyn Davis Abe McGlothin, Jr., Esq. Constance Williams Dr. Roy Deberry, Jr. Harrison D. McIver, Esq. Roberts Wilson, Esq. Melvin Deberry Charles Merkel, III, Esq. WWISCAA (Community Action Agency) Holcomb Dunbar Donna White Merkel Felecia L. Wilson, Esq. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Charles Merkel, Jr., Esq. Susan Zachos, Esq. Lucius Edwards, Esq. Sandra Miller Walter Howard Zinn, Jr., Esq. Carol C. Epes Dr. Chandra Minor Yalobusha County NAACP

14

How You Can Help!

Your support enables North Mississippi Rural Legal Services to help tens of thousands of north Mississippians who count on us each year.

To make a donation, please use the donation form below and mail to: Post Office Box 767, Oxford, MS 38655 or visit http://www.nmrls.com/donate-to-nmrls/. To learn more about NMRLS giving, contact Ben Thomas Cole, II, Executive Director, at (662) 234- 8731, Ext. 2108 or [email protected]. You may also contact Ethel Gilmore, Director of Development, at 662-234-8731, Ext. 2132 or [email protected].

Name: ______Email:______Address: ______City:______State:___ Zip:______Daytime Phone: ______Evening Phone: ______Email Address:______

Enclosed is a check for $______ Enclosed is a money order for $______Please make checks and money orders payable to: North Mississippi Rural Legal Services, Inc.

North Mississippi Rural Legal Services, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides free civil legal services to low-income people in north Mississippi. All funds received by North Mississippi Rural Legal Services, Inc. are spent in accordance with the Legal Services Corporation Act of 1974, as amended 1977, 42 U.S.C. § 2996 et. seq., its implementing regulations, 45 C.F.R. § 1600 et. seq., and other applicable laws.

A Tesmony From A Greenville Client:

I was afraid my daughter would lose her Supplemental Security Income benefits aer she turned 18 and was required to prove she was disabled according to Social Security Administra- on’s adult standard for disability. We were referred to NMRLS. We set up a meeng and met with them. They gave us helpful advice regarding what to expect at the hearing. Thanks to Legal Services, we were able to prove that she is disabled as an adult; and as a result, she maintained her monthly disability benefits. The aorney provided excellent service. I , whole- heartedly, recommend her and North MS Rural Legal Services to others.

15

North Mississippi Rural Legal Services, Inc. Staff Administrative Office Ben Thomas Cole, II Execuve Director Schenille Marn Fiscal Manager Ruby White Advocacy Director Eunice Carter Special Project Accountant Ethel Gilmore Director of Development Jessica Rayford Accounng Clerk

Gloria Bogan Administrave Assistant Denise Fondren Execuve Assistant

Clarence Franklin Network Administrator/Op. Manager John Price Custodian

Cherri Green Statewide Coordinator of Resource Development

Greenville Office Sharon Wiy Managing Aorney

Shandreka Brown VAWA Staff Aorney

Gloria Benson Fiscal Secretary/Call Center Intake

Shirley McNeal Case Maintenance Secretary

James Jenkins Custodian

Clarksdale Office West Point Office Patricia Booker Managing Aorney Susan Culpepper Managing Aorney

Linda Strong Fiscal Secretary/Call Center Intake William Young Case Maintenance/Fiscal Secretary Nadia Gipson Case Maintenance Secretary Mable Kimbrough Staff Aorney Gail P. Thompson VAWA Supervising Aorney Dorothy Moore Custodian Naomi Keaton VAWA Support Staff

Oxford Office Minnie Howard Managing Aorney Catherine Kilgore Elder Law Project Director William L. Williamson Staff Aorney Krisne Simpson Borchard Fellow Sandra Murray Case Maintenance Secretary Johnnie Ivy PAI Coordinator Nora Rasco Call Center Manager Alfred Cuurini Foreclosure Unit Manager Ben Wilkerson Call Center Aorney Cynetra Freeman Foreclosure/Resource Development Priscilla Grantham Call Center Aorney Romara Johnson MVLP Clerk Jordan Hughes LITC Director Minnie McEwen Custodian Connie Starks LITC Paralegal

16

The 2016 Board of Directors

CHAIRMAN Hon. Phillip Levy Hon. Willie J. Perkins, Sr. Daniel Coker Horton & Bell The Perkins Firm, PLLC Mr. Robert Mayes VICE-CHAIRMAN Oxford Client Representative Mrs. Katherine Weatherby c West Point Client Representative Hon. Kristian M Cray The Trout Law Firm, PLLC

c MEMBERS Hon. Abe M Glothin, Jr. Assistant U.S. Attorney Southern District of MS Hon. Gwendolyn Baptist-Rucker The Baptist Law Firm, PLLC Hon. Charles M. Merkel, III Hon. Kimberly Brown-Bowling Merkel & Cocke, P.A.

Mitchell & Cunningham, PC Hon. Solomon Curtis Osborne

The Osborne Law Firm Mr. Clarence Chandler Tupelo Client Representative Hon. Karen Peairs The University of Mississippi Hon. Nichole Clinkscales School of Law The Clinkscales Law Firm

Ms. Betty Petty Hon. Linda Coleman Greenville Client Representative The Coleman Law Firm

Hon. Nebra E. Porter Hon. Jim L. Collins Assistant District Attorney The Collins Law Firm First District

Mrs. Willie B. Cornelious Hon. Derrick T. Simmons Oxford Client Representative Simmons & Simmons, PLLC

Hon. J. Lane Greenlee Mr. Brandon L. Spight Greenlee Law Firm Oxford Client Representative

Ms. Mary Hastings Mr. Harvie Spikes Tupelo Client Representative Clarksdale Client Representative

Mr. Robert Jamison Ms. Mattie Tucker Clarksdale Client Representative Greenville Client Representative

NMRLS Office Locations

Clarksdale Litigation Office Administrative and Oxford 526D Choctaw Street Litigation Office Clarksdale, MS 38614 5 County Road 1014 (662)627-4184 Oxford, MS 38655 (800)388-3163 (662)234-2918 (800)559-5074

Greenville Litigation Office West Point Litigation Office 1024 Washington Avenue, Suite 101 313 Highway 45 Alt. South Greenville, MS 38701 West Point, MS 39773 (662)335-8203 (662)494-6122 (800)-545-1909 (800)898-6122

To apply for services, please contact the Call Center Hotline Monday–Thursday 9:30 .. — 3:30 .. 1-800-498-1804

Apply online: www.nmrls.com OR www.mslegalservices.org