2014 LEGAL AID ANNUAL REPORT

HONORING STORIES OF STRENGTH courageous CLIENTS

Protecting rights and improving lives for more than 100 years 2014 BOARD

Eric Rucker, President JoAnn Evenson, First Vice President Brigid M. Fitzgerald, Second Vice President James A. Rubenstein, Past President Robert A. McLeod, Treasurer Cathy Haukedahl, Secretary

Shari Aberle Joan D. Humes Larry Jensen Timothy Kelley Anne M. Lockner John Mandler Nadine Martin James Mayer Sara McGrane Nataisia McRoy Rebecca Nathan Adam Perry Art Sauter Jesse Smith Kay Snyder Rebecca Spence Ashley Turnbull Irina Tyutina Kimberly Washington Aaron Welch DEAR FRIENDS,

Each year in our Annual Report, we share to the Legal Aid Board of Directors, our clients’ stories. We do this so you bringing their knowledge, experience and can meet the people who are directly willingness to help others. Some bring affected by your generosity. These are homemade food to the office, or invite families and individuals whose lives us to their high school graduations, or let change through Legal Aid’s help — and us know when they’ve finished a college people who, through their courage and degree. Many send us pictures and willingness to stand for their rights, cards and reminders of the difference change the lives of others. that access to justice can make in an individual’s life. In this year’s Annual Report, we’re pleased to showcase “Courageous Every client you will meet in this Annual Clients.” While they come to Legal Aid Report has given the generous gift of our mission for assistance, they often return later their story. Others tell their stories in To advocate for the legal to give back to others who face similar video projects, come to our Law Day situations. Dinner, or speak at our fundraisers. Each rights of disadvantaged brings courage, generosity and insights to people to have safe, healthy Most of our clients come to us in a time our work with them. And these insights of great need. Their safety is at risk, they extend to others… over and over again. and independent lives in are overwhelmed with bills they don’t strong communities. think they owe, they are losing their Sometimes people say to me, “Legal Aid homes or their income, or they face a work must be hard and discouraging.” seemingly insurmountable obstacle to This isn’t true. The work is deeply health, independence or education. They rewarding because we work in have the courage to reach out to Legal community with people who consistently Aid and ask for help. Then they further give the gifts of hope and inspiration, and extend their courage to open their lives a passion for justice and fair play. and their stories to us. As you read this year’s Annual Report, In this complicated world, civil legal please know that each of these clients problems are not uncommon. People who represents thousands more. Thank you cannot afford legal representation often for being a part of this community, this suffer tremendous consequences from an circle of generosity, and this commitment oversight, a misstep, or a very intentional to the ideal of a level playing field for effort by an individual or system to take everyone. advantage of their vulnerability and lack of personal resources.

Our clients locate their paperwork, bring it to the office, and they repeat their Cathy Haukedahl, Executive Director stories in court. They do this because they believe in justice for themselves, and for others. They participate in class actions and they inform our policy advocacy. They go the extra mile and persist so that someone else doesn’t have to fight the same battle.

In addition to the gift of working with us, some of our clients donate financially to Legal Aid after their cases are resolved. Some volunteer their time and work

Legal Aid Annual Report 2014 | 3 The Courage to Fight for What’s Right ONE WOMAN’S FIGHT HELPS OTHERS IN NEED elizabeth came to Legal Aid because she the office and described the situation. Staff wanted to swim. It was about swimming, but attorney Justin Page took the case. ultimately it was about fighting for her rights, and the rights of others around her. “Justin really cared about what was happening. He asked me if I was serious enough about this to Elizabeth uses a wheelchair because of a spinal commit and follow through, even go to court if I cord injury. Swimming gives her valuable freedom had to. At first I thought I didn’t want to do that, of movement and exercise, and she’s been but it is disrespectful to people with disabilities to swimming at the pool at Hinckley–Finlayson Public blatantly ignore a federal law — especially a school Schools for years. In the past, she used stairs district. You’d expect them to set some kind of leading to a vertical ladder to get in and out of the example. After thinking it over, I told Justin I was pool. But as she gradually lost strength, she found willing to go all the way to court if I had to.” that she could no longer manage the stairs and ladder, and stopped going to the pool. Justin wrote a demand letter to the school district, citing the law and requesting immediate Elizabeth started seeing chairlifts in pools at action. “I was hoping they’d agree once they saw hotels and she tried one out. She found that she I had a lawyer,” says Elizabeth. “Honestly, I was could operate it easily, and didn’t have to depend astonished they wouldn’t just do it. Justin really on staff or volunteers. She began to do some had to back them into a corner. They had to know online research and discovered that as of January it was the law, but I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t 31, 2013, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) have put that lift in if I didn’t have legal backing.” standards require all existing larger pools of public entities to have at least one means of The district installed a chairlift, and Elizabeth entry that is either chair lift compliant or sloped is back to swimming two or three times a week. More than entry compliant. The pool staff has been great, offering help when one in five needed and making sure the lift was ready when “I asked the pool staff if the school district was Elizabeth needed it. Minnesotans planning to install a lift,” says Elizabeth. “They is a person beat around the bush and didn’t really answer me. “If you’ve never been in a wheelchair, then I asked if they were aware it was a federal law and you have no idea,” she says. “To get out of the with a they sort of ignored me. I think they hoped wheelchair and move in the water is such a sense disability. I’d go away. They told me I could go to the pool of freedom. I would have gone as far as it took to in Sandstone, but that’s another twenty miles get this done because it’s the law, and it’s right and Source: Centers for away. It’s not that easy for me to coordinate rides. it’s fair. That’s why legal services are so important. Disease Control Getting to Sandstone is pretty much out of reach.” I’m on disability and I couldn’t have paid a lawyer. I never realized before what a difference it makes Elizabeth went back to internet research and to have legal backing when you need it.” discovered the Disability Law Center. She called

4 | Legal Aid Annual Report 2014 INDIVIDUAL CASES CAN EFFECT BROADER CHANGE in FOCUS Accommodation cases like Elizabeth’s are an important part of the work that Legal Aid’s Disability Law Center does on a regular basis.

“Of course we are always client–centered, and the needs of our clients come first,” says Justin. “But we are well aware of the wider implications in a case like this. We’re very interested in permanent relief so we can effect change that makes public places more accessible for everyone.”

The Americans with Disabilities Act is intended to allow people with disabilities to participate fully in society. A case like Elizabeth’s, where the school district had a clear obligation to comply with the law, removes barriers to access not only for Elizabeth but also for any other individual in need of similar services.

Legal Aid Annual Report 2014 | 5 The Courage to Step Forward for Justice THE POWER OF PRO BONO

jairo came to Legal Aid in 2013 in need of help. Jairo had worked in the United States for more than 11 years; in 2004 he incurred on-the-job injuries that prohibited him from being able to work. Fortunately, he was covered by an employer-provided long-term disability insurance plan, which provided disability benefits that allowed Jairo to support his family. However, his benefits were cut in 2012, and again in 2014. They were down to 25% of his original benefit, wreaking havoc on his finances and his ability to support himself and his family living in Guatemala.

6 | Legal Aid Annual Report 2014 THE POWER OF in PRO BONO WORK FOCUS To date, more than 67 In late 2013, MMLA staff attorney Kirsten Olson began attorneys have registered leading Legal Aid’s nascent Pro with MMLA’s Pro Bono Project Bono Project. In addition to expanded pro bono workshops, Kirsten has instituted referral protocols for individual volunteers “I live in a little room in a house, and I very responsive and helpful throughout interested in full representation was very short on money. I have family the process. Typically, a person with cases, where an attorney like to support in Guatemala. I called the his type of injury and work history Josh can guide clients through insurance company to ask about the would be eligible to receive Social legal issues from start to finish. To cuts, and they said I needed a real Security disability benefits and these date, more than 67 attorneys have Social Security number to make any benefits would reduce the long–term registered with MMLA’s Pro Bono kind of claim. I didn’t know what to do.” disability insurance benefits. The Project. Cases are available in a insurance company needed proof that broad array of civil law matters, Jairo was “undocumented” (not yet neither Jairo nor anyone in his family and volunteers are offered a legal citizen), which made his case was eligible to receive Social Security training and mentorship under the difficult. But Legal Aid attorney Jay disability benefits.” guidance of experienced MMLA Wilkinson stepped in to help. Jay called staff attorneys. the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to After more than a month, a phone call inquire about undocumented workers’ from Josh to Jairo delivered the good “The goal of the Pro Bono Project rights under federal law. He found that news he had been hoping for. “Jairo, is to expand client service the DOL evaluates the terms of each you’re going to get your money back. through a structured experience contract for disability benefits, versus All of it!” The total back pay came for volunteers,” says Kirsten. the individual’s citizenship status. This to $63,519 — enough to dramatically “MMLA works with a diverse gave Jay the information he needed to improve Jairo’s immediate situation population of clients who have take the next step for Jairo. and help his family in Guatemala legal issues across the poverty law for a long time to come. Today, Jairo spectrum. We introduce volunteer Because Jairo’s case was an ERISA is attending classes at Minneapolis attorneys and paralegals to (Employment Retirement Income Community Technology College, poverty law issues gradually, and Security Act) case, Jay took it to studying business management. provide training and guidance as Kirsten Olson, Legal Aid’s Pro Bono needed throughout the lifespan Coordinator. Kirsten contacted Cynthia Josh contributed about 25 total hours of the case.” Anderson, Pro Bono Director at on this full representation case — 25 Lindquist & Vennum LLP, who in turn hours that had an extraordinary impact MMLA staff identify cases they connected Jairo with Josh Natzel, an on a man’s well–being. The opportunity cannot take, but which they think employee benefits attorney at her firm. to do pro bono work, especially full have merit, and refer those cases representation, is very important to to the Pro Bono Project. Kirsten “It made me nervous to open the letter Josh. “I’m lucky to work at Lindquist then uses MMLA’s wide network from him,” says Jairo. “To go to first & Vennum. Our firm is committed to of pro bono coordinators and one attorney and then another — I community service and pro bono work. counsel at local firms to assist wasn’t sure who I could trust. But It’s a core value of our firm and for me with placement of the referral. when Josh called, he explained that I personally. I enjoy helping all of my didn’t need a Social Security number to clients, but to help someone who truly “I am so happy to be part of this get my benefits. He offered to fight on needs it and can’t pay for it ­— well, it’s process,” says Kirsten. “Every day my behalf, and I decided to take hard to put into words, the feeling I get we have to turn away individuals the chance.” from that.” who need help. But through this program, we sometimes find a “Jairo was great to work with,” “All those people who helped me, I put volunteer who can help a client commented Josh. “He’s a very kind them in my prayers every day,” says resolve their legal issue from start person and made friends with everyone Jairo. “I pray and hope they can help to finish. In Jairo’s case, we found he met here at our firm. He had to do others who need it. If everyone could the perfect match — a dedicated a lot of work finding documents and help someone else, this world would be volunteer attorney who made all going to appointments, and he was a much better place.” the difference.”

Legal Aid Annual Report 2014 | 7 Courage in the Face of Fraud SINGLE MOTHER FIGHTS HOUSING SCAM AND WINS the nightmare started when Lori’s mother died. James found that the County valued the home at Lori has 7- and 11-year old daughters and a 24–year–old $145,000 but the purchase price on the contract was son who, because of a stroke, uses a wheelchair. Until her $230,000. Clearly, the house was extremely over–priced, mother’s death, Lori had been living with her mother. which would have made it near impossible to acquire However, her siblings chose to sell the family home, a loan for the full price of the home. Further research which left Lori and her children in need of an accessible uncovered the fact that the contract was designed for home to live in — and quickly. the owner to keep the down payment and monthly rent, and to take over the property three years later when Lori When Lori received her share from the sale of her couldn’t find anyone to finance a mortgage. At this point, mother’s home, she put $28,000 down on a new house. the City became involved, demanding that the house be They began making plans for a ramp and other accessible vacated immediately. features. But before they could make any progress, Lori began noticing serious repair problems. Lori and her children were again homeless, but now without any funds to cover a new home or moving Due to a sewage leak and subsequent flooding in the expenses. Lori was particularly worried about her son — basement, Lori paid out over $800 for a plumber. without a disability accessible home, providing adequate Meanwhile, she was trying to get her credit repaired so care for him was very difficult. she could finance the house. The contract gave her three years to find a loan, and she was paying $1,345 per month. James stepped in. He negotiated with the City to allow “Everyone I talked to, when I told them the amount I more time for Lori and her children to move. And he had put down, they said ‘That doesn’t sound right — you secured the return of Lori’s initial down payment and got should have someone look into that.’” permission for the family to live in the home rent–free for two months. Lori finally contacted Legal Aid. Attorney James Clark looked at the contract and realized it wasn’t a sale, but “James is real personable and very down-to-earth,” says rather a lease with an option to buy. Lori was in fact a Lori. “He doesn’t put himself above you, he just works tenant with a landlord. with you on the same level. I didn’t know the law, but I knew the way things were going was wrong. I thought “James told me to make a list of all that was wrong with — who will listen to me long enough to get what really the house. I don’t know much about that sort of thing, so happened here? Well, James did. The whole team was so James told me to call the city inspector and get things good, always on top of it, always kind, and they always got documented so we could get the landlord to make back to me with answers.” repairs. Well, that opened a whole Pandora’s box.” “This type of real estate scam is not uncommon,” says The inspector condemned the building as unfit for human James. “Once Lori realized what had happened and knew occupancy. James called the owner, who said he wasn’t she was in the right, she really dug in. She was ready a landlord and he wouldn’t fix anything. Meanwhile, the to fight and go the distance for her family. Lori plans to City fined the landlord because he did not have a rental report both realtors to prevent other families from going license, and he was renting a condemned building. through the same thing.”

“At that point, both realtors and the landlord started Lori and her family are now settled in an apartment. “If pressuring me to sign a rewritten contract, so that I would we hadn’t gotten help from Legal Aid,” says Lori. “I don’t in fact own the building,” says Lori. “But by that time, I know where we’d be. It would have ruined us completely.” knew better.”

8 | Legal Aid Annual Report 2014 TEAMING UP TO FIGHT FRAUD in FOCUS Unfortunately, cases like Lori’s are all too common. James sees inappropriate housing contracts on a routine basis. Inflated purchase prices, large down payments, high monthly payments, and large balloon Each year, Mid- payments all make owning a home difficult. And to make matters worse, these schemes are typically targeted to people with bad credit and low Minnesota Legal Aid incomes. Often this leads to homes going into disrepair and families lose helps more than what little money they did have along with their home. 3,000 clients fight “It helps when people call Legal Aid as soon as they realize something housing battles. is wrong and, like Lori, work with us to see it through,” explains James. “Not all of these cases have happy endings. It hurts to see people preyed upon and taken advantage of. We’d like to interrupt the scams and stop the entire practice from being profitable, ever.”

Legal Aid Annual Report 2014 | 9 The Courage to Fight Back SENIOR CITIZEN TAKES A STAND AGAINST ERRONEOUS TAX LEVY

edward is a veteran, a senior citizen and a retired optician. He’s never made much money, so when he received a letter from the IRS saying that he owed $155,812 plus $1,533 in penalties and $1,350 in interest, he knew he needed help.

The letter indicated, “We may take your property, or rights to property. Property includes real estate, automobiles, business assets, bank accounts, wages, commissions, Social Security benefits and other income.”

10 | Legal Aid Annual Report 2013 ADVOCACY & COMPASSION: in TWO CRITICAL FOCUS INGREDIENTS IN FIGHTING TAX PROBLEMS

Income tax problems arise in many ways. Mistakes can The IRS identified more than2.5 million occur and they can have a massive impact on a person’s math errors on tax returns filed in 2013. financial well–being. In Edward’s case, a credit union Source: http://www.irs.gov/uac/SOI–Tax–Stats–Math–Errors–on–Individual– made a paperwork error Income–Tax–Returns,–by–Type–of–Error–IRS–Data–Book–Table–15 that affected several years of tax returns and payments. The average American isn’t equipped with the knowledge Edward has been living on about only $39,000. Jacqueline contacted needed to navigate U.S. tax $850 a month for the past five years. the IRS and asked for a 30–day regulations, so understanding He limits his expenses as much as collection suspension. The suspension the root cause and getting to he can to make ends meet. Rather was granted; the IRS would not take a solution can be daunting. than paying rent, he runs errands and Edward’s Social Security or levy his shops for his landlord in exchange for bank account. Even when errors are a room in a house. He gets his food not involved and the from Second Harvest food bank. He “The idea that they could take my taxpayer owes taxes, skillful drives a rusty 1991 Buick. In fact, his Social Security really scared me,” said advocacy can prevent or biggest expenses are his car insurance Edward. “I knew I owed some taxes, reverse collection actions, and repairs. but not that much.” Edward had a reduce debt, and even heart attack a few years ago. At the get reimbursements for “My bank account contains money time, he had filed for an extension, overpayments or penalties. I’ve set aside for funeral expenses,” but then forgotten to follow up. “I lost MMLA’s assistance helps he said. “I couldn’t let them levy that.” 35 pounds and I’m on nine different Minnesotans get back on When Edward looked into getting prescriptions. The medications their feet as workers, earners a lawyer to help him, he quickly sometimes mess up my memory. and tax–paying citizens realized he couldn’t possibly afford With all of that going on, it’s hard to without the burden of a lawyer, even if he paid in monthly remember the things that aren’t right collection actions. installments. Having heard of Legal in front of you.” Aid from friends at church, he found MMLA’s tax specialists and the phone number at his local library Legal Aid’s tax unit helped Edward a corps of volunteer lawyers and placed a call. sort everything out, both federal and and law students take these state, from 2010 until the present. In federal income tax cases “Once Legal Aid got involved, things the end, all of Edward’s back taxes, without charge. They work to moved quickly,” says Edward. “They including penalties, added up to less identify and resolve problems went through all of my paperwork and than $500. Edward paid the bills right and educate clients about got to the real issues.” Staff attorney away and was happy to do it. the hazards of irresponsible Jacqueline Schmitt discovered and erroneous tax that the U.S. Federal Credit Union “Legal Aid helped me at a very preparation. Their expertise had made an error on Edward’s critical time,” he says. “My attorney and dedication often turns 2010 forms. His 1099 form showed and all the people I worked with were seemingly insurmountable $359,000 in income from an IRA real life-savers in getting my finances obstacles into very rollover, but his income was actually back on track.” manageable solutions for Minnesotans in need.

Legal Aid Annual Report 2013 | 11 The Courage to be a Voice for the Voiceless YOUNG WOMAN FINDS STABILITY IN AN UNSTABLE WORLD lindsey entered the foster care system before her first benefits were denied, stating that, “We have determined birthday. Now 20 years old, she has lived in more than 10 that your condition is not severe enough to keep you homes. Her case came to Legal Aid when Anna Smith, her from working.” court–appointed guardian and conservator, began looking for help to obtain Social Security disability benefits for Lindsey. The Legal Aid team, working with Anna and a social worker, gathered and organized all of Lindsey’s records, eventually “It wasn’t Lindsey’s fault that her biological parents were compiling enough to fill six binders plus an accordion file. unable to care for her due to their own mental illnesses,” The Social Security judge said that in all the time she’d says Anna. “It wasn’t her fault that the couple who adopted been hearing appeal cases, she’d never seen such her couldn’t deal with her illness and made her a ward of the voluminous documentation. state. It wasn’t her fault that she was moved every few months from foster home to foster home so no one could ever settle “Legal Aid knows how to get the information that’s needed,” on a diagnosis.” says Anna. “Without their help, we’d still be lost in the appeals process. Their methodical documentation made all the Regardless of who is to blame, the consequences of the difference.” Lindsey won her appeal and is now receiving the instability within Lindsey’s living arrangements were all too Social Security disability benefits she needs to keep her in a real. Lindsey’s history included flight from several placements, successful placement. Additionally, Anna now receives a small hallucinations, explosive anger, delusional and suicidal stipend for her professional advocacy on Lindsey’s behalf. thinking and self–mutilation. Various diagnoses included ADHD, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, Post “I don’t know where Lindsey’s life path will lead her,” says Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and schizophrenia. And Anna. “But I do know this: she wouldn’t be able to make the her problems were exacerbated by the fact that she didn’t journey without the funding she now receives. Without the have Social Security and her payments came from the county, support of programs like this, Lindsey and vulnerable adults making it difficult to find and afford much-needed, specialized like her would have no voice.” and adequate placement and care.

As Lindsey moved to each new placement, her medical history was dropped, so no one was aware of the seriousness of Lindsey’s illnesses. Lindsey has never been able to work consistently or support herself. She’d been able to earn just The Social Security Administration sees $50 per month working in a sheltered workshop, and had no money for personal needs. Her guardian, Anna, hadn’t more than 2 million new applications been paid for her work with Lindsey in over two years. “She for disability benefits per year. doesn’t appear to need that much help,” says Anna. “But if you take the time to look for it, there’s a pattern showing that Source: http://www.ssa.gov/oact/STATS/dibStat.html Lindsey will always need special support in order to succeed. She needs constant supervision and a solid, reliable support system.” Unfortunately, Lindsey’s request for Social Security

12 | Legal Aid Annual Report 2014 PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF in FOCUS At first, staff attorney Ralonda Mason couldn’t see why Social Security would have denied Lindsey’s case. “It should have been a slam-dunk,” she says.

But when she and paralegal Heather Helmer saw just how scattered and inconsistent the documentation was on Lindsey’s history, they understood the problem. “Social Security sees so many cases,” says Heather. “They need the evidence to be direct and clear.”

Ralonda and Heather had the benefit of working with passionate, committed advocates. Anna and the county social worker provided the missing puzzle pieces needed to present a coherent picture of Lindsey’s situation. And once that picture was clearly presented, the legal decision was in fact a slam–dunk.

“This young woman needed help and layers of advocacy more than anyone I’ve ever worked with,” says Heather. “The cards were stacked against her from the start, and in her case an unstable living situation was a serious safety issue. Without funding, she was on her way to the street and the street would have eaten her alive.”

Legal Aid Annual Report 2014 | 13 FORMER LEGAL AID CLIENTS STEP UP TO HELP OTHERS IN NEED

It takes courage to ask for help. It takes Paying it Forward even more courage to pay it forward. The selection of members to the MMLA Lael recommended Nataisia for the Over the next few Board is a thoughtful and serious open board position for a number of decision because the work they do reasons. “Nataisia impressed me with pages you will find is life-changing. “We have to make her insight into the situation and her inspiring stories of tough choices on how to best use the thoughtful and perceptive questions limited resources at our disposal,” regarding her case. She has no legal current Legal Aid says Greg Marita, Deputy Director for background, but she was very interested Board members Minneapolis. “Thoughtful, engaged in the process and the consequences client board members help make sure of different actions. She takes her and donors who that the reality of the people we serve responsibility to her children and the began their journey remains at the heart of these difficult broader community very seriously. decisions.” She has a broad perspective that is with Legal Aid as especially helpful on our board — she clients themselves. nataisia mcroy is one of our wanted to carry the case through not newest members to join the Board, just for her own needs but because she Years later, after and her qualities are a perfect match. could see the harm that landlord would recovering from Nataisia’s first interaction with Legal Aid eventually do to others.” came when she needed assistance to situations that are solve a housing issue. The relationship often heart–breaking between Nataisia and her landlord was unstable and as a result, she feared and unimaginable, that she and her four children would be they returned to illegally evicted. Legal Aid to pay it She worked with Legal Aid’s Housing forward. Today, their Discrimination Law Project attorney, Lael Robertson. Lael supported Nataisia contributions help through the process of filing a formal touch and change complaint and eventually moving. While the final decision of her case wasn’t the lives of what Nataisia had hoped for, she and Minnesotans in need, her children successfully moved to a safer living situation. just as their lives were changed. And Shortly after Nataisia’s case was closed, she received a call asking her to be “The Board is largely comprised of we cannot thank on MMLA’s Board as a client member. lawyers who are used to analyzing them enough for “It’s strange how it’s worked out,” she commented. “I’ve stepped into concepts and voicing opinions,” sharing their stories, a broader dream than I could have says Ann Cofell, Deputy Director their talents and imagined. Suddenly I can help people for St. Cloud and Willmar. “We ask in a much bigger way than stopping just something much more difficult their compassion. one landlord from bad actions.” from our client members. We ask them to bring their life experience to the table. This takes a special kind of strength and courage.”

14 | Legal Aid Annual Report 2014 Legal Aid’s Executive Director Cathy Haukedahl is grateful for the generosity of time and experience that all of the client board members bring to the table. “Our clients have the most Today, Nataisia is a student at immediate understanding Minneapolis Community & Technical of what the community College, where she will soon receive needs and whether Legal her associates’ degree in human Aid’s services are meeting services. She’s a single mother with those needs,” she says. children ranging in age from three to 13, and one daughter has asthma and “Without the voices of severe allergies that require ongoing clients at Legal Aid Board medical attention. Despite all the meetings, how would we demands on her time, Nataisia has know if we’re headed in quickly become an important voice on the right direction?” the MMLA Board, including traveling to Washington, D.C. in the fall to attend “The cost of a new power chair was help when it comes to tax law. Laws the National Legal Aid and Defender a real eye-opener,” he says. “When benefit or assist those who don’t have Association (NLADA) conference. the salesman showed me the seat power. Legal Aid gives that power to elevator, I could see right away that it those who can’t access it financially.” “It is a beautiful experience,” Nataisia was a blessing. The chair allows me explains. “Attorneys, administrators, to gradually put weight on my legs Art has shared his talents and directors, clients — we are all looking at and helps with transfers. It’s not just a perspective since 2009. He’s served the same big picture. My work on the convenience — it’s freedom. It’s essential on the Audit Committee, the MDLC Board is opening doors and changing my to my independence.” Oversight Committee, and as Board perspective on what’s good and what’s Treasurer. “Art has an excellent grasp bad. We are here to serve a purpose, Staff attorney with the Minnesota on what will help the clients,” says to help people and work together as a Disability Law Center (MDLC) MDLC Deputy Director Pamela Hoopes. community. Everyone holds something Jennifer Giesen successfully “He’s a good watchdog — he ensures important, and we try to listen and represented Art in his appeal to that we focus on what the clients want speak without prejudging.” Medicaid. The denial was overturned and need, and helps us all stay aware of and the wheelchair was approved. possible unintended consequences of art sauter is another voice that the the actions we take.” MMLA Board has come to rely upon. Not long after the conclusion of Art’s case, Pamela Hoopes, Deputy Director Art finds his work with Legal Aid’s Art contacted Legal Aid in 2006 when for MDLC, contacted Art to ask him to Board rewarding. “I’ve learned a lot, he was denied Medical Assistance serve as a client representative on the and I feel like I can make a real coverage for a seat elevator on his MMLA Board. Initially, Art hesitated contribution, especially when viewing new wheelchair. He has post-polio to take on another commitment. He’d needs from the consumer angle. I’ve complications that have included a retired in 1996 and was in the process been on a number of disability advisory gradual weakening over time. When he of winding up several other volunteer committees, and I’ve learned what started his 32-year career as a CPA with commitments. But in thinking about accessibility really means. It’s a lot more Deloitte, Art was able to walk under the value of Legal Aid to his own than just being on a first floor or having his own power. Later he started using experiences, he knew it would be a wide enough doorway.” a manual wheelchair part–time, and time well spent. eventually a power wheelchair. When he could no longer stand independently, As a CPA, Art specializes in the area Art needed assistance. of nonprofit organizations, and he has valuable expertise navigating complex laws in this area. “Even smart, savvy, well–educated people need professional Legal Aid Annual Report 2014 | 15 Past clients. Present Donors.

Future Life-Changers “The lawyer and interpreters helped me with everything. My silvia’s story begins with a long and children, work, medical difficult story of assault, betrayal, abuse exams, referrals to other and attempts to escape an untenable organizations, everything. situation in her home country. In 2001, When I had to make Silvia was living in New Jersey with an personal statements, they abusive partner and their two young listened without judgment. sons. Silvia needed to escape her unsafe They gave me time to work home situation, but lacked the resources through my issues, and to address immigration issues for herself they didn’t let me fall. They and her sons. supported me emotionally. I received affection, After a particularly violent attack by comprehension, friendship. her partner, Silvia and her two sons left New Jersey and arrived in St. Paul. For someone like me, this Unfortunately, she suffered further is very important. I had violence from a man in St. Paul. Silvia nobody until I found reported the crime to the police, altering Legal Aid.” her and her sons’ lives forever. The abusive man was deported, and Silvia me emotionally. I received affection, gary first donated to Legal Aid while found Legal Aid. comprehension, friendship. For he was still a client. When Gary ingested someone like me, this is very important. antifreeze through an unfortunate Staff attorney Betsy Parrell helped Silvia I had nobody until I found Legal Aid.” accident, he immediately headed to apply for a special immigration status for the local emergency room. The rural victims of domestic abuse. This status Within a month of getting her legal hospital didn’t have the resources allows victims to stay in the U.S. and status approved, Silvia stepped into to help him, so he was airlifted to makes them eligible for a work permit the new role of donor. She walked into Hennepin County Medical Center and to apply for permanent residency. the Legal Aid office with a $500 (HCMC) by helicopter. After a prolonged and contentious money order. application process, Silvia’s application He was successfully treated and was approved in 2013. She now has When asked why she chose to donate to released. However, he came home to a legal status, employment authorization Legal Aid, Silvia had a lot to say. “In my staggering medical bill of over $10,000. for four years, and she is no longer conscience, this money is a very small Medicare denied payment for LifeLink, vulnerable to detention and removal. amount. You changed everything for saying that he should have been treated me. It wasn’t just normal, everyday help. in St. Cloud. LifeLink, the helicopter “That referral to Legal Aid was the best The people who worked on my case, company, appealed the decision and thing that ever happened to me,” says they changed things inside and out. I the appeal was denied so they began to Silvia. “The lawyer and interpreters was so fragile and afraid, but now my directly bill Gary. helped me with everything. My children, self-esteem is high. I understand what work, medical exams, referrals to other those services would cost — the lawyer, Gary tried to submit an appeal on his organizations, everything. When I had the interpreters, the applications and own, but quickly ran into obstacles to make personal statements, they other documents. Thousands of dollars. that made the possibility of an listened without judgment. They gave Whatever I gave, and whatever I’m going overturned appeal unlikely. Gary was me time to work through my issues, and to give, it’s still so little. God says you referred to Legal Aid, and began to they didn’t let me fall. They supported reap what you sow. I reaped first, and work with attorney Karla Krueger and now I’m sowing. I hope there are others legal assistant Pamela Manthei, who who will reap.”

16 | Legal Aid Annual Report 2014 “I donate so others can have the same benefits and not give up,” she says. specialize in working with seniors. “They “I’m so thankful... It’s not a were immediately eager to help. I live perfect world, and we have quite a ways from St. Cloud so all my to try our best to help dealings with them were by telephone. others. To other donors They kept me apprised, they knew what I say, do not stop giving. documents to ask for, and they dealt Living is giving, giving is directly with LifeLink on my behalf.” living. All things will die if Grateful for assistance, Gary donated $500 to Legal Aid. we only receive.”

Months later, Pamela called Gary to hawah made her first donation to Since walking through the doors of tell him that his appeal was successful; Legal Aid in 2009, when she gained Legal Aid, Hawah and her family have his insurance and Medicare covered it permanent resident status. “I donate made great strides. Hawah became a all. With the burden of the medical bill because I feel passionate about Legal U.S. citizen with Betsy’s help in 2013, behind him, Gary immediately donated Aid’s work,” says Hawah. “There are and is now taking science prerequisite another $500 to Legal Aid. so many others who need the same courses at Bethel University with the kind of help.” goal of earning a Master’s Degree in “Legal Aid is doing important work,” Gerontology so she can help elders he says. “I want to support that.” While Hawah’s relationship with Legal Aid make their way through the medical his statement may be succinct, Gary’s began in 2006 when she needed help system as a social worker. Hawah’s son monetary donation speaks volumes applying for permanent resident status. Michael, who Betsy also successfully about his gratitude, and paves the way Hawah and her two young sons suffered represented in a citizenship application, for Legal Aid to help others in similar brutality and persecution in Liberia. ran for mayor of Brooklyn Center in circumstances. They came to the United States in the the fall of 2014 and lost by less than 1990s and were granted asylum in 2000. 2% of the vote.

In the process of assisting with Hawah has made five separate donations residency applications, staff attorney to Legal Aid over a four–year span. “I Betsy Parrell also uncovered an issue donate so others can have the same with a loan that ultimately caused benefits and not give up,” she says. Hawah to lose her job. Betsy quickly “I’m so thankful — what if we were connected Hawah with the consumer still wondering, with no legal status, law unit for additional assistance. Staff struggling, not knowing what to do? It’s attorney Jeremy Carvell represented not a perfect world, and we have to try Hawah, and the case was successfully our best to help others. To other donors resolved when the judge ruled that I say, do not stop giving. Living is giving, Hawah had not been at fault, freeing giving is living. All things will die if we Hawah of any remaining debt. only receive.”

“When I first came to Legal Aid, I didn’t know what to expect,” Hawah says. “Each step and process was well– explained. They made it easy to go “Legal Aid is doing important through a very long process. I spent so work,” he says. “I want to many hours there!” support that.”

Legal Aid Annual Report 2014 | 17 Financials

REVENUE & EXPENDITURES | 2014 REVENUE

REVENUE Miscellaneous 1.5% United Ways $582,283 Federal 3,015,373 Fellowship & Clerks 1.9% State 3,890,057 Court Awarded Attorney Fees 1.9% Foundations 719,812 State Support & LSAP 2.9% Local Government 610,939 $10 Fund for Legal Aid 1,350,000 Legal Services Advisory Committee (LSAC) 1,152,001 State Support & LSAP 359,335 LSAC 9.3% Fellowships/Clerks 236,755 Fund for Legal Aid 10.9% Attorney Fees 233,057 $8 Miscellaneous 187,445 TOTAL $12,337,057 Foundations 5.8% EXPENDITURES United Ways 4.7% Poverty Law $7,833,378 $6 Disability Law 2,168,309 Administration 1,109,181 LSAP 475,197 State Support 514,874 $4 State 31.5% Fundraising 361,408 TOTAL $12,462,347 Local 5.0% Prior Reserve 2,771,824 Year End Reserve 2,646,534 Federal 24.4% $2 and Contracts Government Grants Grants Government

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | 12.31.14

Dollars in millions ASSETS 0 CURRENT ASSETS Cash and Cash Equivalents $2,522,665 Receivables: Grants and Contracts 1,416,152 EXPENDITURES Pledges and Other 288,070 Prepaid Expenses 145,290 Fundraising 2.9% TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 4,372,177 $10 State Support 4.1% PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, at cost 1,358,570 LSAP 3.8% Less Accumulated Depreciation (666,019) TOTAL PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (NET) 692,551 Administration 8.9% OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS $8 Funds Held by Community Foundation 2,579,753 Disability Law 17.4% Client Escrow Funds 169,385 TOTAL OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS 2,749,138

TOTAL ASSETS $7,813,866 $6 LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS CURRENT LIABILITIES Poverty Law 62.9% Accounts Payable $423,086 Client Trust Deposits 169,385 $4 Accrued Expenses 337,426 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES $929,897 NET ASSETS Unrestricted Net Assets 4,547,800 $2 Temporarily Restricted Net Assets 511,473 Permanently Restricted Net Assets 1,824,695 TOTAL NET ASSETS 6,883,968 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS $7,813,866 Dollars in millions 0 18 | Legal Aid Annual Report 2014 GIVING REPORT | 2014

FOUNDATIONS American Immigration Lawyers Association Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation courage in action: Catholic Charities of New YOU CAN MAKE A Ulm Diocese Center for New Americans DIFFERENCE. CFED Equal Justice Works The number of Minnesotans seeking legal assistance continues to rise. Your support ­— whether through sharing Family Housing Fund Federal Bar Association- your time or making a monetary donation — makes it Minnesota Chapter possible for us to meet increasing demands and provide Mazon much needed assistance for Minnesotans struggling to meet Mansfield Foundation their basic needs. When you contribute to Legal Aid, you Minnesota Justice contribute to a stronger community. You make someone’s Foundation day a bit brighter. You change lives for the better. Morgan Family Foundation We hope you’ll consider a contribution based on what works best Nexus Community Partners for you. consider these options: Northland Foundation Northwest Area Foundation Make a monetary donation. Any amount allows us to provide Otto Bremer Foundation invaluable help to people in need. Visit our site at mylegalaid.org/ donate to make an online donation, or contact our office to discuss Prepare and Prosper your payment. Robina Share Our Strength Extend your legacy with planned giving. Making a Skadden Fellowship planned gift to Legal Aid ensures that your passion for justice will Foundation be part of your legacy, leading by example, for others to give back. Stearns Benton Bar Learn more at: mylegalaid.org/give-and-share. Association Stevens Square Foundation Volunteer. If you are an attorney, you can share your talents West Central Initiative Fund directly with clients in need. to learn more or seek assistance, contact us UNITED WAYS Greater Twin Cities via email, phone or the web. United Way United Way of Central [email protected] Minnesota 612-746-3744 United Way of West mylegalaid.org/donate Central Minnesota

THE LANE SOCIETY Legal Aid makes every effort to properly acknowledge each of our donors. If we ($75,000–$100,000+) have misspelled or inadvertently omitted your name, please let us know. We will Crowder, Teske, Katz & correct it in future publications. Micko, PLLP

Legal Aid Annual Report 2014 | 19 BY THE NUMBERS CASES CLOSED | AREA OF LAW

Keeping kids in school 0.9%

Disability Law 10.9% Protecting consumers 7.5%

Working toward citizenship 10.1%

Preventing Other 3.9% homelessness 10,788 33.4% cases closed

Keeping families safe 10.6%

Securing basic needs 22.7%

CHAMPIONS OF KEYSTONE U.S. Bank Larkin Hoffman Daly & ($10,000–$24,999) Lindgren Ltd. JUSTICE William and Ann Hart ($50,000–$74,999) Anonymous Wernz Ann Marie Hirsch and Eugene M. Link Dorsey & Whitney Anthony Ostlund Baer & Foundation Louwagie P.A. Minnesota Lawyers Mutual BUILDER Insurance Company Faegre Baker Daniels Joseph W. Anthony ($5,000–$9,999) Foundation Rust Consulting, Inc. Laura and Benjamin Cooper Anonymous Fredrikson & Byron, P.A. Twin Cities Business Goodwin Procter LLP Attorney at Law Magazine Renee and Fred Pritzker UnitedHealthcare Gustafson Gluek PLLC BASSFORD REMELE, A Robins Kaplan LLP Professional Association Wells Fargo & Company Jill and Dan Gustafson Stinson Leonard Street LLP Best & Flanagan LLP Warren D. Woessner and Vince and Deb Louwagie Iris C. Freeman Jim and Julie Chosy Merchant & Gould P.C. Zelle Hofmann Voelbel & PILLAR Cozen O’Connor ($25,000–$49,999) Moss & Barnett, A Mason LLP Professional Association Dykema Briggs and Morgan, P.A. Nilan Johnson Lewis Eckland & Blando LLP Gray Plant Mooty FELLOW Foundation Oppenheimer Wolff & Greene Espel PLLP ($2,500–$4,999) Donnelly LLP Lindquist & Vennum LLP Richard and Deirdre Anonymous Hagstrom Schwegman Lundberg Aafedt, Forde, Gray, Maslon LLP Woessner Mark and Beth Kimball Monson & Hager, P.A. Thomson Reuters American Immigration Lawyers Association Minnesota-Dakotas Chapter 20 | Legal Aid Annual Report 2014 Cooper S. and Barbara Z. McGrath Nauman & Tansey, Clint and Kris Cutler Robert J. Hennessey Ashley P.A. Dady & Gardner, P.A. Dan Herber and Carrie Seib Barnes & Thornburg LLP Paul H. Ravich Kathleen Daly and Joseph Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP David W. Beehler Jeff Ross Daly Hogan Lovells US LLP Kathleen Blatz and Andrea and Jim Rubenstein Kathleen Davis Hollingsworth Davis Wheelock Whitney Steven A. Schumeister Dewitt Mackall Crounse & Joan D. Humes Patricia Bloodgood and Moore Siegel Brill P.A. Christopher Cleveland Richard Ihrig and Dr. Donohue Novak at Law Smith, Gendler, Shiell, Sheff, Colleen Cooper Jennie and Dick Carlson Ford & Maher, P.A. Dye Family Foundation Eric S. Janus and Carolyn Peter W. Carter Rick and Nancy Solum John Eisberg and Susan Chalmers Michael V. Ciresi Kline Stoel Rives LLP Gary Kane DLA Piper LLP Engelmeier & Umanah Tower Legal Solutions Robert J. King, Jr. Jeff H. Eckland The Environmental Law Richard and Lynn Voelbel Bob and Andrea Kircher Group, Ltd. Douglas and Susan Elsass Mary L. Knoblauch and Larry D. Espel Felhaber, Larson, Fenlon & Martin A. Carlson Vogt Foundation ADVOCATE Fafinski Mark & Johnson, ($1,000–$2,499) John Koneck P.A. Foley & Mansfield Anonymous Katherine A. Lawler Charitable Foundation Barb Farrell Thomas J. Abood Lapp, Libra, Thomson, Fruth, Jamison & Elsass, Hon. Charles Flinn and Hon. Stoebner & Pusch, PLLC Jeffer Ali Elizabeth Hayden Chartered Gislason & Hunter L.L.P. Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Ford & Hanson, LLP Jeannine Lee and Roger Smetak & Pikala, P.A. Susan and Michael Grimes Jeanne M. Forneris Finney Tom Berg Jim and Sharon Hale FriedemannFoarde, PLLC Krisann Kleibacker Lee and Best Buy Co., Inc. Joe Lee Henson & Efron, P.A. Terence M. Fruth Hon. Helen Meyer and Bill Matthew L. Levitt Tom Jamison Family of Jack and Sarah Bieber Garrett Littler Mendelson, P.C. Andrea Kaufman and Jim Blackwell Burke P.A. Jacobson Gaskins, Bennett, Birrell, Anne Lockner and Brian Steven C. Bruess Schupp LLP Bernat Timothy Kelley and Tove Kooda Burke & Thomas, PLLP General Mills Lockridge Grindal Nauen P.L.L.P. Peter and Mary Kiedrowski Daniel and Elizabeth Rolf and Mary Gilbertson Caffrey Lommen Abdo, P.A. Tom King Karla Gluek and Jim Cargill Law Sorboro Long, Reher & Hanson, P.A. Knopf Family Foundation Carlson, Caspers, Goetz & Eckland P.A. Stephen P. Lucke Larson · King, LLP Vandenburgh, Lindquist & John and Joanne Gordon Seymour and Susan Martin R. Lueck Schuman, P.A. Mansfield Cathy E. Gorlin John Mandler Martin and Peggy Carlson Richard G. Mark Clifford and Kim Greene Meagher & Geer, P.L.L.P. Michael and Jesseca Michael C. McCarthy Cockson Gregerson, Rosow, Johnson Medtronic, Inc. & Nilan, Ltd. Daniel McDonald William and Lorraine Cofell Thomas and Susan Randy and Kirsten McEllistrem, Fargione, Mielenhausen Jan Conlin and Gene Goetz Gullickson Landy, Rorvig & Eken, P.A. Keith Moheban Thomas J. Conlin and LB Guthrie Robert A. McLeod Kathleen Marron Erik T. and Karen A. Nelson Hamline University School Medica Consumer Justice Center Ann Newhall and Rick of Law Meshbesher & Spence, Ltd. Schleuss Eric Cooperstein and Katie Hanson Bolkcom Law Oberle Steven E. Rau and Christine John Orenstein Group, Ltd. L. Meuers Cousineau McGuire Patterson Thuente Laurie Hanson Chartered Minnesota Department of Pedersen, P.A. Dan Hedlund and Robin Military Affairs Steve and Amy Culbert Tom Pfeifer Preble Morrison Sund PLLC John W. and Kathleen P. Ravich Meyer Kirkman Curran

Legal Aid Annual Report 2014 | 21 Cynthia Moyer PLANNED GIVING David R. Mylrea Kathleen M. Newman + Legacy for Justice Associates, P.A. Kathleen M. Newman We thank the following people who made gifts to Legal Aid through estate planning. Planned gifts offer a way to support Legal Aid in its Nichols Kaster, PLLP second century. If you made a planned gift, let us know so we can show Pauly, DeVries Smith & our appreciation. Deffner, L.L.C. William Pentelovitch and Anonymous James H. Kaster Dr. Vivian Fischer Stephen Befort Thomas and Victoria Keller Kathleen Flynn Peterson Bruce W. Blackburn Robert King, Sr.* Steven M. Phillips Patricia Bloodgood and Christopher Tom King Steve Pincus and Michelle Cleveland Strangis Nancy Kleeman Stephen Bubul Michael Ponto Mary L. Knoblauch and Martin A. Carlson Rebecca A. Chaffee Purdue Awsumb & Baudler Jeremy Lane and Susan Lane P.A. Jan Conlin and Gene Goetz Richard G. Lareau Quinlivan & Hughes, P.A. Thomas J. Conlin and Kathleen Marron Vince and Deb Louwagie Steven Y. Reeves Laura and Benjamin Cooper Nancy Malmon Patrick J. Rooney Eric Cooperstein and Katie Oberle Seymour and Susan Mansfield Jerry and Lou Rotman Michael R. Cunningham David and Karen Minge Eric Rucker Pam and Rick Cunningham Bruce and Tracy Mooty Allen Saeks Joe and Genie Dixon Bill and Chouhei Mullin Sheva and Tom Sanders James E. Dorsey and Dee Gaeddert Thomas F. Nelson Schechter Dokken Kanter Jeff H. Eckland CPAs Paul and Terry Nelson Jim and Joy Erickson David and Marina Cara Lee Neville Schlesinger Jim* and Barb Farrell Michael and Anne O’Rourke Ronald and Janet Schutz Michael T. Feichtinger Gregory and Michelle Pulles Marianne D. Short Frederick E. Finch Paul H. Ravich Thomas Shroyer Donald and Arvonne Fraser Jerry and Lou Rotman Robert and Rebecca Sicoli The Honorable Linda Gallant Allen Saeks Sisters of the Order of John and Joanne Gordon St. Benedict Clint and Carolyn Schroeder The Deanne and John Greco Charitable Roger V. Stageberg Steven and Jill Sicheneder Fund of the Lutheran Community Mary J. Streitz Foundation Warren R. Spannaus Michael P. Sullivan, Jr. Susan and Michael Grimes Roger V. Stageberg Target Corporation Law Richard and Deirdre Hagstrom Michael and Marilyn Sullivan Department Sam and Mirja Hanson Janice M. Symchych TOWERS WATSON Kent and Judy Harbison Tom Tinkham Mavis and Bob Van Sambeek David L. Hashmall Richard and Lynn Voelbel Roberta Walburn Cathy and Mark Haukedahl Warren D. Woessner and Iris C. Freeman John R. Wald and Marianne Harry and Kathleen Hohman Brenda Wolfe T. Remedios John S. Holten* Rebecca Palmer and Lloyd Zimmerman Waldeck Law Firm, P.A. Richard Ihrig and Dr. Colleen Cooper *Deceased Walling Berg & Debele P.A. Peter Walsh

22 | Legal Aid Annual Report 2014 372 10,788 clients served Barbara Y.cases Welke closed and Tyler D. Candee Groshek Law, P.A. Barbara Muller William R. Welke through pro bono in 2014 George D. Carrollassistance Hall Law, P.A. Bill and Chouhei Mullin Steven Wells CBIZ MHM, LLC Dan Hall Myers Thompson P.A. Robin Ann Williams Colleen Chambers Neil W. Hamilton Charles N. Nauen John W. Windhorst, Jr. Chestnut Cambronne PA Bruce and Patricia Hanson Laura Nelson Winthrop & Weinstine,That’s P.A. College of St. Benedict Robert J. Hartman Peter J. Nelson Allison O. Woodbury Conlin Law Firm LLC Haukedahl Financial Matthew D. Nielsen Matthew Woods899 Services cases per month Kevin and Katie Conneely 85%Dick and Joan Niemiec Zamansky Professional Van and Elizabeth Hawn Courey, Kosanda & Zimmer, of householdsJonathan Nygren Association P.A. 1 in 3 Andy Horstmanserved by MMLA Alexandra Olson Zimmerman Reed, PLLP legal cases are had income at or Ingrid and Chris Culp Dag A. Hugdahl below 125% ofKristin the Berger Parker Rachel K. Zimmerman related to housing Vicki and Rich Dalle-Molle Susan Humiston poverty level each year Jon Parritz Colleen Daly and Nathan Martha Ingram Charles and JoAnne Meyer Mark A. Jacobson Parsons Jim and Jacque DeBuse 24 Mini Jain 96%Monique M. Perdok Number of Deluxe Corporation of households There is Sally Johnson served by MMLAWalter A. Pickhardt languages spoken Katherine Devlaminck Brad and Heidi Keilhad income atPiper or Jaffray Companies by clients served Hon. Mel DicksteinONE and below 200% of the legal services Kennedy & Graven, Beth Polozker Linda Foreman poverty level Chartered attorney for every Karl C. Procaccini James E. Dorsey and Dee Roger W. Kipp Gaeddert 4,022 Catherine Prody PATRON eligible clients inMichael Klutho ($500–$999) David Doty Melissa Raphan and Tom Minnesota. Matthew W. Lasley Rock Anonymous Diane Dube and Pete Gorman Raymond M. Lazar Thea Reilkoff Steven Kalin/Ken Sherman/ There is James Cargill David and Mary Jo Eide Brad Lerman David A. Robertson Shari and Ryan Aberle Stephen R. Eide ONE John C. Levy Anne F. Rodriguez private attorney Eric S. Anderson143 and Janet Embretson Lind, Jensen, Sullivan & Robert Rosenbaum Peterson, A Professional Janalee AureliaVolunteer Brad P. Engdahlfor every 365 Safety Center Inc. attorneys potential clients inAssociation Shane A. Anderson Susan S. Enlow James R. Safley Minnesota. Littler Mendelson, P.C. Apogee Enterprises, Inc. Michael T. Feichtinger Saliterman & Siefferman Andrew Luger and Ellen P.C. Kris Arneson Charles S. Ferrell Luger Ellen G. Sampson Norman and Kathy Baer Robert and Linda Fisher John W. Lundquist Robert and Sally Sands Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd. Kyle T. Fogt Law Office of Katherine L. MacKinnon Anthony C. Scarfone Brian H. Batzli Edward F. Fox Madigan, Dahl & Harlan, Christopher and Sonya Silvia Yaneth Bautista William E. Fox Medina P.A. Seidl Stephen Froehle Lee and Barbara Bearmon Diane D. Malfeld Steven and Jill Sicheneder Ellen Gavin C. Robert Beattie Malkerson Gunn Martin LLP Sieben, Grose, Von Holtum Joe Genereux and Shannon & Carey, LTD. Paul Markwardt Patricia A. Beithon Riley Hon. Kristin Siegesmund Brandon C. Mason C. Christopher Bercaw Julie Giddings and Aaron Kate and Rolf DeVries Fahrenkrog McCollum, Crowley, Jeffrey Bouslog Smith Moschet, Miller & Laak, Ltd. GoldenbergLaw, PLLC Bowman and Brooke, LLP Michael L. Snow Sara McGrane Stuart Goldenberg Bremer Law, P.C. SPECIAL COUNSEL Meyer & Njus P.A. Peter J. Goss Katherine Brennan St. Cloud Granite Rotary Lee R. Mitau and Karin J. Joe Green and Trudi W. Joseph Bruckner Birkeland Patricia St. Peter and Anderson Thomas Darden Stephen Bubul Vincent Moccio William L. Greene

Legal Aid Annual Report 2014 | 23 RACE

Hon. Paul H. Anderson Hon. Ivy Bernhardson African American AGEBY THE NUMBERS CASES CLOSED | AGE Nicole Ankeny James Bertrand African Born Molthira Anutree John F. Beukema <5 American Indian Patrick M. Arenz Joan Bibelhausen 5–18 Katherine Arnold Jennell C. Bilek Asian Suneel Arora Binder Law Offices, P.A. 19–59 Chicano/Latino James Ashley Thomas L. Bird 60–64 Jennifer Athanases Patrick Bisenius Multi-racial John Austin Brian Bix White 65+ Shannon M. Awsumb Sheryl Bjork Senbeta Ayansa Shannon L. Bjorklund Not Known/Refused Unknown Teresa Ayling Boyd Black Audrey Babcock David Black

4000 4000 0 1000 2000 3000 5000 0 1000 2000 3000 5000 6000 7000 8000 Benjamin Backberg Bruce W. Blackburn Jean K. Backstrom Mike Blackmon Shauro Bagchi David E. Bland Alexander M. Baggio Nancy Blomgren Maria Christu and Kevin Jose Antonio Abraira Staunton Rebekah L. Bailey Thomas and Susan David R. Abrams Boardman Stearns Benton Bar James L. Baillie Reed Ackerman Association Joshua A. Bobich Scholastica Baker Lucia Acuna Sue Steinwall Angela M. Bohmann and Roberto Barajas Kaitlyn J. Adkins Jonathan Riehle Mark and Mary Streed Ralph Barker Memorial Advance Consulting LLC Paul E. Bohnsack II Michael P. Sullivan, Sr. William Barnard Edmond and Dede Bernard E. Boland Christina Szitta Timothy M. Barnett Ahadome David and Kelly Bolgrien Taylor D. Tarvestad-Sztainer Cassandra Batchelder Odile Sese Ahossouhe Nancy Bolin Tewksbury & Kerfeld, P.A. Allan Baumgarten John Albanese Benjamin O. Bonestroo Thomsen Nybeck, P.A. Baxter Family Foundation Hon. Stephen C. Aldrich Ken Bonneville Thrivent Financial for Joseph Alexander and Kate Baxter-Kauf Lutherans Foundation Leah Boomsma Bridget Manahan Lisa L. Beane Albert W. Vredeveld William S. Borchers Hon. Pamela G. Alexander E. Casey Beckett Wallen-Friedman & Floyd, Gayle Borchert Jessica Allen P.A. Stephen Befort Hon. John W. Borg Kathy Allen Jason Weber Toni A. Beitz Bard D. Borkon Jessica Alm John Weinard, Jr. Ginny Belden-Charles Borman Law Firm, L.L.C. Charlene Altman Xcel Energy Inc. Brian B. Bell William Bornstein Hermes Alvarado James L. Young Carol Bell Raina Borrelli Juan Alvarez Julian C. Zebot Roberto Jose Benitiez Jeff Bangsberg and Maria Fatima Amaya Michelle Collins Zhao Sharon Benmaman Anita Boucher Raimundo Amaya Zonta Club of St. Cloud Joni and Patrick Bennett Joseph Bourne American Academy of Jan Bensen John Bowden Matrimonial Lawyers FRIEND Sharon G. Benson Elizabeth and Thomas Boyd Catherine Bitzan Amundsen ($1–$499) Scott Benson Brian L. Boysen Joy R. Anderson Anonymous John M. Benzian Steve and Gail Brand Kurt M. Anderson Robert P. and Roberta L. Larrin Bergman Hon. Tanya M. Bransford Abdo Nick Anderson Thomas F. Berndt Thomas Braun

24 | Legal Aid Annual Report 2014 Tyler P. Brimmer Jeff Brockmann ASSOCIATES’ CAMPAIGN Michael and Tara Broich The Brookes Family Congratulations and thank you Elizabeth Sorenson Brotten TOP DONATING FIRMS EMERGING LEADERS Arthur Brown The Associates’ Campaign carries out Emerging Leaders are associates who a friendly competition to benefit Legal give $500 or more in honor of Legal Hugh Brown Aid’s clients. Firms are grouped by Aid. Thank you to these very generous Robert Brown number of associates and compete for donors. the top spots. This year’s top-donating Shane A. Anderson Bryan R. Browning firms in each category are: Shelby Knutson Bruce George D. Carroll Will Brunnquell 35+ associates Jim and Jacque DeBuse Robins Kaplan L.L.P. Colin Bruns Katherine Devlaminck 20–35 associates Elizabeth B. Bryant Kyle T. Fogt Briggs and Morgan, P.A. Maria S. Bueso Julie Giddings and Aaron Fahrenkrog 11–19 associates Dan Hall Erica Buffington Moss & Barnett, A Professional Jennifer Bullard Association Dan Herber and Carrie Seib Brandon C. Mason Dan Burgess 6–10 associates Ann and Walter Burk Carlson, Caspers, Vandenburgh & Laura Nelson Lindquist, P.A. Sean Burke Matthew D. Nielsen 1–5 associates Ann M. Burkhart Alexandra Olson Greene Espel P.L.L.P. Liz Burnett Kristin Berger Parker Frederic W. Bursch Karl C. Procaccini 100% PARTICIPATION Caroline Bussey Congratulations to these firms — 100% Thea Reilkoff of their associates donated to the 2014 Ezekiel Z. Byrd David and Marina Schlesinger One Hour of Sharing Campaign. Mary P. Byrn Taylor D. Tarvestad-Sztainer Anthony Ostlund Baer & Louwagie, P.A. Martha Adela Caballero Albert W. Vredeveld Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd. Hon. Peter A. Cahill Michelle Collins Zhao Bassford Remele, A Professional Sam Calvert Association Caplan & Tamburino Law Bowman and Brooke, LLP Firm Briggs and Morgan, P.A. Michael R. Carey Dykema Alan G. Carlson Eckland & Blando LLP Andrew Carlson Fruth, Jamison & Elsass, P.A. Barbara Carlson Greene Espel P.L.L.P. Joel Carlson Gustafson Gluek PLLC Peter A.T. Carlson Halunen & Associates Maggie Carnahan Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP Mark J. Carpenter Lommen, Abdo, Cole, King & David Carrier and Subia Stageberg, P.A. Beg Maslon LLP Phillip C. Carruthers Meshbesher & Spence, Ltd. Manuela De Jesus Zelle Hofmann Voelbel & Mason LLP Cartagena Zimmerman Reed Eric E. Caugh Joe Ceronsky

Legal Aid Annual Report 2014 | 25 Eric R. Chad Dario Contreras LAW FIRM GIVING TO THE FUND Tucker A. Chambers Amy Conway Legal Aid is grateful to the following law firms Victor Chan Barb Corson supporting The Fund for Legal Aid at the level June Cheng William J. Cosgriff of $300 or $200 per lawyer in 2014. Alexander Chiquoine Alice A. Coudron LAW FIRMS GIVING Tewksbury & Kerfeld, Carol Chomsky and Timothy D. Couture P.A. Steven Liss $300 OR MORE PER Emily Cowing LAWYER Unger Law Office David D. Coyle Anthony Ostlund Baer & Zamansky Professional Louwagie P.A. Association Brian Craggs Bremer Law, P.C. Zelle Hofmann Voelbel Roberta A. Craig & Mason LLP 372 Kerry Creeron Briggs and Morgan clients served Foundation 10,788 cases closed Jim and throughLynne Crist pro bono LAW FIRMS GIVING Conlin Law Firm LLC Deborah L. Crowley $200–299 PER in 2014 assistance Cozen O’Connor LAWYER Andrea Victora Cuellar Dykema Borman Law Firm, L.L.C. Christopher Cuneo Eckland & Blando LLP Burke & Thomas, PLLP Pam and Rick Cunningham Ford & Harrison, LLP That’s Dady & Gardner, P.A. Annamarie Daley FriedemannFoarde, DLA Piper LLP R. Michael and Joanne PLLC 899 Daniel Dorsey & Whitney cases per month 85% Fruth, Jamison & Elsass, Foundation Erin Davenport of households PLLC served by MMLA Faegre Baker Daniels Anna1 Munah in Davis 3 Greene Espel PLLP Foundation legal cases are had income at or Christopher Davis below 125% of the Gustafson Gluek PLLC Dana Christensen related to housing Fredrikson & Byron, P.A. Craig S. Davis poverty level Hanson Bolkcom Law each year Goetz & Eckland P.A. Steven Christenson Group, Ltd. Lindsey R. Day Gray Plant Mooty Hon. Regina M. Chu Hollingsworth Davis Autumn D’Costa Groshek Law, P.A. Kodi Jean Church Karin Ciano Law PLLC 24 Lauren D’Cruz 96% of households Lindquist & Vennum Karin Ciano Law PLLC Kathleen M. Newman + Number of Luis E. De JesusThere is LLP served by MMLA Associates, P.A. Douglanguages and Tarryl spoken Clark Nury P. DeJesus had income at or McEllistrem, Fargione, ONE Long, Reher & Hanson, Hon.by Jamesclients H. served Clark, Jr. below 200% of the Landy, Rorvig & Eken, Robert DeMaylegal services P.A. poverty level P.A. James Hayden Clark, III attorney for every Ashley DeMinck Maslon LLP Merchant & Gould P.C. Bradley G. Clary James Denniston4,022 Moss & Barnett, A Morrison Sund PLLC Hon. Edward J. Cleary Professional Association Yolany Patriciaeligible Deras clients in Myers Thompson P.A. Kathy Cobb Minnesota. Purdue Awsumb & Matthew DeRuyter Baudler P.A. Nilan Johnson Lewis John W. Cofell Reena Desai There is Ravich Meyer Kirkman Pauly, DeVries Smith & Lisa Cohen and Amy Meghan DesLauriers McGrath Nauman & Deffner, L.L.C. Jacobson ONE Tansey, P.A. Kim Dettmer The Environmental Law Bradford W.143 Colbert private attorney Robins Kaplan LLP Group, Ltd. Patricia Devoy Susan M. ColerVolunteer for every 365 Schwegman Lundberg Waldeck Law Firm, P.A. Deborah N. Dewalt Delbert Collettattorneys Woessner potential clients in Wallen-Friedman & Juan Pablo Diaz Mendieta T.J. Conley Minnesota. Smith, Gendler, Shiell, Floyd, P.A. Erik Didrikson Sheff, Ford & Maher, P.A. Ryan Connell Heather Diersen Stinson Leonard Street Hon. Francis Connolly Foundation Hon. Christopher J. Dietzen Katie Connolly Hon. Martha A. Holton Corey M. Conover Dimick Erin Conti Michael Dirksen

26 | Legal Aid Annual Report 2014 Tim and Kim Dirr John S. Erickson Michael D. Dittberner Tim Eschweiler CENTENNIAL CIRCLE Joe and Genie Dixon Michael Etmund Thank you to our very generous Centennial Circle donors — individuals who gave $2,500 or more. We Hon. Kathleen Doar JoAnn Evenson commend these donors for launching Legal Aid into Sarah Doerr Evan Everist a second century of providing economic security, housing and safety for clients. Holly Dolejsi Falcon National Bank

Nick Dolejsi Thomas D. Feinberg Anonymous Tom King Michael J. Dominowski Marta Fernandez Caballero Joseph W. Anthony Ann Marie Hirsch and Eugene M. Link Timothy P. Dordell Yolanda Fernandez Valle Cooper S. and Barbara Z. James R. Dorsey Elvin R. Fernandez Ashley Vince and Deb Louwagie Keith A. Dotseth William Fetzer David W. Beehler Martin R. Lueck Christopher Dougherty John Fischer Kathleen Blatz and John Mandler Wheelock Whitney Janel Dressen Charlotte Fisher Thomas and Susan Patricia Bloodgood and Mielenhausen Logan Drew Holly A. Fistler Christopher Cleveland Keith Moheban Adam J. Duerr Brigid M. Fitzgerald Jennie and Richard A. Erik T. and Karen A. Carlson Allison B. Duerr Knapp and Dani Nelson Fitzsimmons Peter W. Carter John Duffey Ann Newhall and Rick John P. Flaten Jim and Julie Chosy Schleuss Tara Reese Duginske Paul M. Floyd Michael V. Ciresi John Orenstein Gregory Duhl Angela Fogt Laura and Benjamin Tom Pfeifer Joseph Dunham Cooper Kaitlin Foley Paul H. Ravich Sybil Dunlop Jeff H. Eckland James Forman Jeff Ross Marianne E. Durkin Douglas and Susan Elsass Bradley A. Forrest Andrea and Jim James and Jennifer Dwyer Susan and Michael Grimes Rubenstein Beth Forsythe Lauren R. Dwyer Jill and Dan Gustafson Steven A. Schumeister Edward J. Foss Nathan J. Ebnet Richard and Deirdre Rick and Nancy Solum Katherine Fossey Marian and Peter Edelman Hagstrom Richard and Lynn Voelbel Rick and Katie Fournier Mark A. Edwards Jim and Sharon Hale William and Ann Hart Lauren J. Frank Kathleen Eick Tom Jamison Wernz Nicole S. Frank Deborah Eisenstadt Andrea Kaufman and Jim Warren D. Woessner and Johanna Franzen Jacobson Iris C. Freeman Benjamin L. Ellison Tim Franzen Timothy Kelley and Tove Ami ElShareif Kooda Richard S. Frase Ron Elwood Peter and Mary Donald and Arvonne Fraser Greg L. Emmerich Kiedrowski Jacque French Erik Emro Mark and Beth Kimball Matthew J. Frerichs Irma Yolanda Enamorado Michael Friedman Nathan Endrud Bobbi McAdoo and Jim Amilcar A. Gavarrete Charles Frisch Gahlon John G. and Amelia J. Jerry Geis Engberg Deborah Frishberg The Honorable Linda Bob Gilbertson Gallant Martha Engel Charles G. Frohman Hon. Lorie S. Gildea Carrie Ryan Gallia Jason and Dani Engelhart Roger and Carole Frommelt Lori-jean Gille, Esq. Ron Garber Sheila Engelmeier Kierstin Fure Roy A. Ginsburg Christin Garcia Paul Engh Erin B. Furlong Christian J. Girtz Tom Garry Hon. Nicole Engisch Patricia Furlong Molly Jean Given Carolyn Garven Amy Erickson Genevieve E. Gaboriault Laurie Glapa David Gates James C. Erickson Legal Aid Annual Report 2014 | 27 Kyle R. Hardwick Adam J. Hoskins Charmaine K. Harris Ariel Howe thank you Hon. JaPaul Harris Dennis R. Hower Matthew Harris Jennifer Huang TO OUR 2014 Andrew Hart Theresa Murray Hughes LAW DAY DINNER UNDERWRITERS John K. Harting Benjamin W. Hulse Joe Hashmall Kathryn J. Hund Ali Doyow Hassan Hunegs LeNeave & Kvas Thomas E. Hauge Steve Hunegs and Jenifer Robins Christopher J. Haugen Bryan J. Huntington Phebe Saunders Haugen Eric and Lee Hurd Brett Haukedahl and Amber Kleiman Peter Ihrig Cathy Haukedahl Ronald Inkala Rochelle Hauser Leora Itman John Hayes Juventino Izaguirre- Munguia Eugene L. Heck J. David Jackson Jeffrey D. Hedlund Tory Jackson Doug Heidenreich Robert D. Jacob Jerry Helfand Scott Jahnke Susan and David Hellstrom Andrew T. James Charles Hempeck John P. James Pete and Carolyn Hendrixson Katharine James Jeffrey Gleason Fortunata Quindao Guden Alvaro Ernesto Hernandez David M. Jann Miranda Jeff Goldenberg Sarah Guillet Brady Janzen Lauren Hertz Melissa A. Goodman Bethany Gullman Geoffrey P. Jarpe Sarah J. Hewitt Tim Goodman Olga Sergeyevna Kate E. Jaycox Gumenyuk Anna R. Hickman David Goodwin Phyllis Jazdzewski Ben Gurstelle Joan Higinbotham Carrie Graf Christos Jensen and Melissa Pegg A.K. Gustafson James R. Hilbert Jacobsen Kathleen Graham Wayne Gustafson Christine Hinrichs Larry N. Jensen Barbara J. Grahn Betty Guzman Gomez Miranda S. Hirner Matt Jensen Deborah Grant Kevin Ha J. Michael Hirsch Jenna K. Jenson Mary Grau Kit Hadley Courtney Hofflander Sarah R. Jewell Kathryn Graves Melissa L. Hagstrum June Hoidal Doris Jewett Emma Greenman Hon. Jill Flaskamp David Hoiland Harold L. Johnson Grell Feist Prince PLC Halbrooks Thomas E. Holloran Hugo and Margaret Maren Grier Will Halverstadt Johnson Erica Holzer Gries Lenhardt Alexis H. Larson Iain Johnson Michenfelder Allen, P.L.L.P. Honsa & Associates, P.A. Brad Hammer Jackie Johnson Courtney Grimsrud Alex Hontos Brad Hanson Jennifer L. Johnson Meredith Grow Pamela Hoopes Sam and Mirja Hanson Kate Johnson Luke Grundman Hon. Carol A. Hooten Kent and Judy Harbison Lori Johnson Rosemary and Robert Kathryn Hopkins Gubrud Wendy L. Harden Marlene E. Johnson Sarah Horstmann

28 | Legal Aid Annual Report 2014 Patrick Johnson Judith Kilzer Mary L. Komornicki Douglas and Nancy Lane Jason P. Johnston Christine Kim Mehmet Konar-Steenberg Jeremy Lane and Susan Lane Brenda L. Joly Janine W. Kimble Deborah Walker Kool James K. Langdon II Barbara Jones and Larry Kathy Kimmel and Joel Mathew and Sonya Korte Jennings Bengtson Kathleen M. Langer Ted C. Koshiol Sara H. Jones Susie King Carol Lansing Connie Kotonias Claire V.J. Joseph Hon. Michael L. Kirk William and Linda Lapp Pamela J. Kovacs Jeffrey R. Joseph Kenneth Kirwin Lorrie and Scott Larison Linda Krach, M.D. Dan Josephson Jessica Klander Bert W. Larson Jessica Kracl Ann E. Juergens Nora Klaphake Elise Larson Fredrick R. Krietzman Carmel Collins Jung Nancy Kleeman Eric and Kathy Larson Kristine Kroenke Brenda Jursik Barbara L. Klein Kimberly A. Larson Karla Krueger Andrew Kabat Julia Dayton Klein Steve and Joan Larson Scott Krueger Mary Kaczorek Jesse J. Klick Louis A. Laski Kristine A. Kubes Susan M. Kadlec Patrice H. Kloss John Lassetter B.J. Kuhn and William Christine Kain Peter B. Knapp and Prof. Sjoholm Sara J. Payne Lucinda Jesson Benjamin Kajer Laura Kuipers Jean A. Lastine Lisa Knazan and Dennis Janice Kalin Samuel Kunde Paul LaVanway Levendowski Korey Kallstrom Hassan Saffouri and Katherine A. Lawler Jamal Knight Christina Kunz Kristina Kaluza Azucena Angelina Jim and Janet Knoblach Jamie Kurtz Lawrence Mari Kaluza Paul M. Knutson Lee LaDue Courtney A. Lawrence Leland Kampinen Hon. William H. Koch Virgilio Lainez Ross Edward Lawrence Jennifer and Bob Kaplan Ed and Christelle Kohler Richard C. Landon William R. Lawrence Phil Kaplan Peter Kohlhepp Maury and Julie Landsman Joel Lebewitz Mark J. Kappelhoff John Kohring Barry Landy John M. Lefevre, Jr. Ben D. Kappelman Piotr and Evghenia Legun Lucas Kaster RACE Marshall and Paula Lehman Hal Kaufman and Julie BY THE NUMBERS CASES CLOSED | RACE Berman Ashleigh Leitch Ochen Kaylan Alicia Reyes Leiva African American AGE Jan and Tom Keaveny Chris Lenhart Hon. A.M. Keith African Born Bobbi Leonard <5 Debra Kay Kellerman American Indian Michael N. Leonard Michael and Marilyn Kelley Evelyn Levine5–18 Janelle Kendall Asian Erik Levy 19–59 Bruce Kennedy Chicano/Latino Lori Lewandowski Steven Kerbaugh Nicholas 60–64M. Lewandowski Kern, DeWenter, Viere, Ltd. Multi-racial Jessica Lewis and Alex Mastellar Frances L. Kern White 65+ Lies Law Office P.A. Sarah Keuper Not Known/Refused Hon. UnknownDavid Lillehaug Erin Keyes Christine Lindblad Salima Khakoo

4000 4000 0 1000 2000 3000 5000 Benjamen0 1000 Linden2000 3000 5000 6000 7000 8000 Dina Khaled John and Mary Lindstrom Chandra Kilgriff Rick Linsk Sarah Kilibarda

Legal Aid Annual Report 2014 | 29 OFFICES

Minneapolis 47.9%

St. Cloud 31.7%

DLC 9.5%

Willmar 9.4%

GENDER James M. Lockhart BY THE NUMBERS CASES CLOSED | GENDER Tessa K. Mlsna Sam Lockner Omar I. Mohamed Linnea Stirraty Logas Jim and Carol Moller Travis Logghe Adine S. Momoh Nathaniel P. Longley Walter F. Mondale Female 59.9% Unknown 5.0% Michelle Looby Jesse D. Mondry Susan Lorenz Nicholas J. Monson Kathleen Loucks Jose Monzon Lorenzo Christina Rieck Loukas Male 35.1% Charles D. Moore Renee C. Loxtercamp Jack Moore Lubov & Associates LLC Rebecca Egge Moos Paul Luehr and Kathy Andrew Moran Woodruff Jennifer C. Moreau Paul J. Lukas Hon. Dan and Jean Moreno Ari B. Lukoff Caroline Marsili Colleen Marie McKinley Scott Moriarity Betsey Lund Marso & Kremer Law Office David P. McKinney Perry Moriearty Robert Lund Christiana Martenson Karen McMahon Chris and Sarah Morris Alan H. Maclin Ryan W. Marth Emily McNee Fred L. Morrison Roderick Macpherson Meg M. Martin Grant M. McNeilly Hon. Patricia Moses Maggie Madden Nadine Martin Paul and Donna McRoberts Neil and Susan Benosi and Kathleen Moses-Zirkes Jose Martinez Bryan Mechell Maduka Wayne Moskowitz Bradley J. Martinson Joao C. Medeiros Katie Maechler Anton Nikolaevich Gaye Adams Massey Carole M. Megarry Brieanna Maershbecker Mozolevskiy Dustin Massie Brian Melendez Donna F. Magarian Joseph O. Mrkonich Lucy Massopust Elizabeth Merchant Hon. Frank J. Magill Emily L. Mugaas Leanne L. Matchen Ike Messmore Eric Magnuson Jeffrey Mulder Nancy Mate Mike Meyer Maryanne and John Patricia A. Mullen Mahowald Laura Maternus Tessa Mielke Michael and Laura Mullin Marty Mahowald John Matheson Dina Mikhailenko Emma J. Murray Adam D. Maier Brian Mathiasen Dan Millea Richard Murray, Jr. Roger A. Maldonado John P. Mazzitelli Holly Miller Susan B. Narayan Nancy Malmon James McCarthy and Gloria Hon. Laurie J. Miller Robert R. Nardi Peterson Emily Maltz LeAnne Miller Tyler L. Nasiedlak Barbara McClure Peter J. Manderfeld Marcus Miller Archana Nath Patrick McDavitt Thomas Manewitz Nan Miller Karin Nelsen William E. McDonald Hon. Bruce D. Manning David and Karen Minge Charles E. Nelson Heather M. McElroy William E. Manske Minneapolis Department of Lisa Nelson Robert W. McGarry IV Civil Rights Nathan J. Marcusen Gordon and Ruth Nelson Ryan McGary Minnesota State Bar Tom and Hon. Lezlie Ott Foundation Greg Nelson Marek Robert McGillivray and Andrea Fike Minnesota Women Lawyers Cheryl Speeter Margoles Kristen Nelson Kevin McGrath Joel Mintzer and Heidi Julia Marotte Laura Nelson Schneider Catherine R. Mcgraw-Haffa Marcia Marshall Rick W. Nelson David L. Mitchell Jeff McGuire Sandra E. Marshall Cara Lee Neville Mary Jane and Ralph Iain A. McIntyre Mitchell 30 | Legal Aid Annual Report 2014 Sara Lynn Newberger and William Parker Anna P. Prakash Alexander Rinn Barbie Levine Shaun M. Parks Marilyn J. Preisinger Joshua Rissman Linhda Nguyen Grace Parsons Deborah and Michael Maria G. Rivas Mendez Andrew Nick Premo Stephen H. Parsons Denis O. Rivera Seth A. Nielsen Stephen M. Premo Roshni Patel David Robbins NightOwl Discovery Eric Prindle Elizabeth Patton Roben Law, PLLC Kate Nilan James and Nancy Proman Karina E. Paz Martinez Sharon Roberg-Perez Emily Niles Kelly Putney Cintya Paz Christopher Roberts Mary Nimmerfroh Michael Pysno Lauren Peck Justina Roberts Dan Nordin Hon. Kathryn Quaintance Matthew J.M. Pelikan Lael Robertson George H. Norris Hon. Jay Quam Rogel Benedicto Pena Hon. Susan Robiner Matt Norris Anne Quincy Justin and Lynn Perl David and Pam Rochlin Seth Northrop Leticia Quintanilla Adam Perry Jennifer M.K. Rogers Anna Horning Nygren Jim Porter and Elyse Rabinowitz Leif Bertil Rosarne Georgia M. O’Brien Katherine Rahlin Nick Rotchadl Kathleen O’Brien and L.J. and Carly Rotman Jeffrey Loesch 372 Denise S. Rahne Jenny Routheaux 10,788Elizabeth R. Odette clients served Shawn M. Raiter Lauren Winter Routhier Patriciacases A. closed O’Gorman through pro bono Juanita Ramirez de Ruiz Brynhild Rowberg Janetin Olawsky 2014 assistance Albert Ramirez Michael Rowe Penny Oleson Jose Orlin Ramirez Denise Roy Jane Olsen Marta Ramirez Michael J. Persellin David Rubin Dan Olson Williams Javier Ramirez That’s Nicholas Peterka Kathryn Rudd Luke Olson Hon. Jane Ranum Hon. Bruce A. Peterson Cara Ruff Sarah899 M. Olson Mitha V. Rao Colin F. Peterson cases per month 85% Barbara Lano Rummel Steven F. Olson Faris Rashid Emily Peterson of households Judith Rush Tyler K. Olson Ashleighserved Raso by MMLA Karli1 B.in Peterson 3 Dennis M. Ryan Olup & Associates legal cases are Jason Reedhad income at or Hon. Randolph W. Peterson Attorneys at Law below 125% of the related to housing Hon. M. Jacqueline Regis Behdad Sadeghi Anna Petosky poverty level Sherry Oman each year Sharon Reich Joanna Salmen Doug Pfeifer Maureen Opitz Brent L. Reichert Glenn M. Salvo Katie Pfeifer Irene Opsahl Karen Reierson Jim and Cheryl Samples 24 Vincent L. Pham 96% Sarah Lynn Oquist of households Number of Michael Reif Elizabeth Sanberg Joseph PhelpsThere is Diane Orenstein served by MMLA languages spoken Greg Reigstad Erika L. Sanders Patricia T. Phill had income at or byTeague clients Orgeman served ONE Hon. Denisebelow D. 200%Reilly of the Melinda Sanders Sarah Johnsonlegal services Phillips Michael and Anne O’Rourke poverty level attorney for every David Rephan and Jason M. Annie Santos Katrina L. Pierson Jeffrey and Julie Oseid Bryan Andrew Abyoseh Sartee Christopher4,022 A. Pinahs Holly Osterland eligible clients in Julie Reynolds Jesse Sater Robert G. Pittelkow Hon. Alan C. Page Minnesota. Mariah L. Reynolds Christine Yun Sauer Matthew Plowman Christine Page Stacey Rice Art Sauter Edward Pluimer Mary Anne Page There is Paula and Walter Richey Jenny Sautter Richard W. Podvin Raymond and Sandy ONE Kai Richter Michael Sawers Paggen Suzanneprivate Pontinen attorney 143 Damien Riehl M. Patricia Schaffer Hilary Loynes Palazzolo Angela Porter Volunteer for every 365 DJ Ringquist Patrick Schaffer and Sangki Park Lorenzo Posada attorneys potential clients in Diana M. Ringuette Tracy Jensen Elizabeth M. Parker Matthew Minnesota.Postma Legal Aid Annual Report 2014 | 31 Jonathan Singer Paige Stradley Hon. Thomas Sipkins Matthew A. Streff thank you Mark J. Sizer Ryan Sugden Jack and Gretchen Sjoholm Jack Sullivan TO OUR 3RD ANNUAL ST. CLOUD ACCESS William E. Sjoholm Peter J. Surdel TO JUSTICE LUNCHEON SPONSORS Brittany Skemp Peter N. Surdo Ann Montgomery and Ted Barbara A. Sutton Smetak Andrew R. Swanson Smith Partners PLLP Scott G. Swanson Johanna K. Smith Shane Swanson and Jeff Levi Smith Brockmann Ryan C. Smith Hon. Stephen D. Swanson Wheeler Smith Troy Tatting David Snieg Howard B. Tarkow Joseph G. Socha Eric Taubel Kiri Somerrmeyer Nicholas Teichen Sommerfeld Law Office Robert J. Tennessen John O. Sonsteng Hanna Terhaar Daniel E. Soto Philip L. Terry Soule & Stull LLC Angie Theisen Warren R. Spannaus Paul Thissen Ephraim Sparrow Aaron G. Thomas Brock Specht Mary Thomas David R. Schaps Tim C. Selander Marvin A. Spoden Nick Thompson Joseph Schauer Thomas F. Selleys and Ross D. Stadheim Patricia Thompson Pamela R. Saunders Hon. Heidi S. Schellhas Mark N. Stageberg Kelsey Thorkelson Amelia R. Selvig Hon. Patrick and Professor John and Tammy Lee Suzanne Thorpe Elizabeth Schiltz Jon Seppelt Stanoch Kristine Tietz Amanda Schmall Shira T. Shapiro Emily Grande Stearns Tom Tinkham Deborah A. Schmedemann Tania Shapiro-Barr Jacob W. Steen David Torgelson Lori M. Schmidt Priyanka J. Sharma Phil Steger Tiana Towns Steven B. Schmidt Maureen C. Sheehan Robert A. Stein Alyssa M. Troje Mark Schneebeck Lee E. Sheehy Ben Steinberg Lynn Truesdell Joseph “Jake” Schostag Jim Sherburne Ann M. Steingraeber Sarah Tucher Scott Schraut Barbara L. Shiels Sarah Stensland Pedro Turcios Kirsten Schubert Jessica Shiffman James Stephenson Natalie I. Uhlemann Lori Schultz Richard and Linda Chris and Leo Stern Shinofield Unger Law Office Ryan M. Schultz Michael Stinson Ruth Shnider Jeanne Unger Jacob T. Schutz Claire E. Stokes Kathryn Short Ellen and Jim Van Iwaarden Eric Schwartz Kathryn Stolpman Amos Y. Siafa Jake Vandelist Nadeem Schwen Hon. Terri J. Stoneburner Sally Silk David M. Vander Haar Courtney Sebo Pat Stoneking Rafael Simon-Latamblet Hon. Mary R. Vasaly Cara Seeley Jennifer Stoos and Daniel Rachel Simpson Brandon Vaughn Susan Segal Tysver Maria Sinchi Rachelle Velgersdyk Nancy M. Ver Steegh 32 | Legal Aid Annual Report 2014 Ryan Vettleson Amanda Welters David R. Zich In Honor of Andrea Kaufman Thomas H. Vicker Melissa Wendland Jonathan Zimmerman Steve Hunegs and Jenifer 372 Rosalia Villa and Jhony Tom Wentzell Manly A. Zimmerman Robins clients served Ariza 10,788 Sara Wenzel Kristin K. Zinsmaster In Honor of Judith Kilzer cases closed through pro bono Robert H. K. Vischer Hon. Mark Wernick Jessica L. Zuba Pat Schmatz in 2014 assistance Susan A. Voeltz John Wertz John M. Zwier In Honor of Mary Jerry and Connie VonKorff Katrina Wessbecker Knoblauch and Martin Paula Duggan Vraa Carlson Emily Wessels HONORARY GIFTS Kathy Knoblauch and Terry That’s Westman, Champlin & In Honor In Honor of Ische Koehler, P.A. Linda Bonney Connie Kotonias In Honor of B.J. Kuhn 899 William and Mary Westphall Janice Kalin cases per month 85% Douglas and Nancy Lane Hon. Thomas W. Wexler of households In Honor of Janine Laird In Honor of Raina Borrelli 1 in 3 served by MMLA Tom and Vickie Wicks L. Rosenberg Joshua Rissman legal cases are had income at or Gary Widell In Honor of Jeremy Lane related to housing below 125% of the In Honor of Daniel Brookes poverty level Virgil Wiebe Pam and Rick Cunningham each year The Brookes Family Katie and Norm Barrett In Honor of Anne Lockner Wiik In Honor of Ann Cofell Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Jan and Tom Keaveny 24 96% Charles Wikelius Ciresi L.L.P. In Honor of Tamia R. of households James E. Wilkinson In Honor of Ronald I. Number of There is Cramer served by MMLA Jodi Williams Meshbesher languages spoken Ann Cofell had income at or Lynn and Ron Zamansky by clients served ONE below 200% of the Wilson & Associates, legal services In Honor of Bethany Culp poverty level Architects In Honor of Mabel and Kofi attorney for every Rich Wilson and Kolean Eric and Kathy Larson T. Momoh 4,022 Pitner In Honor of Colleen Daly Adine S. Momoh Mark and Katie Vyvyan eligible clients in Andrea Caron Wiltrout Kathleen Daly and Joseph In Honor of John W. Mooty Terry L. Wade Daly Minnesota. Colleen A. Windler Anonymous Mark D. Wagner In Honor of Deborah Ellis Anthony S. Winer In Honor of William E. There is Jeffrey Wald William and Ann Hart David Winkler Mullin Wernz Sam and Nicole Walling Joseph Alexander and ONE Eric and Randi Winter Bridget Manahan private attorney Maureen Kucera Walsh In Honor of Hon. Thomas 143 Todd M. Winter Fraser Dennis R. Hower Volunteer for every Justin Wampach 365 David Wippman Donald and Arvonne Fraser attorneys Rich Wilson and Kolean potential clients in Joseph J. Wang Pitner Minnesota. Dan Wolgamott In Honor of Charles G. Shan C. Wang Frohman Trevor Woodage In Honor of Kathleen M. Stephen Warch Joe Ceronsky Newman Linda K. Wray Mollie R. Warren In Honor of Luther Judith Rush Hon. Wilhelmina Wright Granquist Fathia Warsame In Honor of Theo and Greg Yaeger Martin and Peggy Carlson Amelia Page Mary and George Watson Christopher Yard In Honor of Cathy Hon. Alan C. Page James P. Watts Haukedahl Sam Young In Honor of Justin Perl Jordan Weber Brett Haukedahl and Amber YourCause Paying agent for Marshall and Paula Lehman Kleiman Matthew Webster Corporate Giving Program Maslon LLP Robert R. Weinstine Lynn and Ron Zamansky In Honor of Karl Heinzerling In Honor of George E. Rory Zamansky David Weissbrodt Brian Melendez Plowman Aaron Welch SanJuana Zavala Matthew Plowman In Honor of Melinda Steven A. Wellvang Paul Zerby Hugdahl In Honor of Priya Premo Patricia Welter Kevin Zhao Sommerfeld Law Office Deborah and Michael Premo Phyllis J. Welter Li Zhu

Legal Aid Annual Report 2014 | 33 372 10,788 clients served cases closed through pro bono in 2014 assistance

That’s 899 cases per month 85% of households 1 in 3 served by MMLA legal cases are had income at or related to housing below 125% of the poverty level each year 24 96% Number of of households OFFICESBY THE NUMBERS CASES CLOSED | OFFICES In Memory of Marilyn and In Memory of David There is served by MMLA Robert Gorlin languagesSiemers spoken had income at or by clients served ONE Minneapolis 47.9% Cathy E. Gorlin Andrea Kaufman and Jim legal services below 200% of the Jacobson poverty level In Memory of Gabriel attorney for every Dominic Johnson Ortiz In Memory of Janice R.

St. Cloud 31.7% Phil Steger Tarvestad 4,022 Taylor D. Tarvestad-Sztainer eligible clients in In Memory of O. Walter Minnesota. Johnson Robert Brown There is In Memory of Larry King David P. McKinney ONE private attorney Paula Duggan Vraa 143 DLC 9.5% Volunteer for every 365 In Memory of Rosslyn attorneys Shore Kleeman potential clients in Willmar 9.4% Minnesota. Andrea Kaufman and Jim Jacobson

In Honor of David Rephan In Honor of DePaul Willette In Memory of Bricker Lavik MATCHED GIFTS Anonymous John and Mary Lindstrom Steven Wells Bank of America Charitable Foundation In Honor of Jerry Rotman In Honor of Pat Zomer In Memory of Melvin R. Mooty Dorsey & Whitney L.J. and Carly Rotman Jeffrey Waldron Anonymous Foundation In Honor of Susan Segal Gray Plant Mooty In Memory of Rick Nelson Andrea Kaufman and Jim MEMORIAL GIFTS Foundation Jacobson Jim and Cheryl Samples In Memory of Laurie N. Greene Espel PLLP In Memory of Hon. Roger In Honor of Tim and Beth Davison Medtronic, Inc. Nierengarten Sullivan Andrea and Jim Rubenstein Carl and Eloise Pohlad PhillipGENDER C. Carruthers Ann Cofell In Memory of John Family Foundation In Memory of Gerry Nolting In Honor of Nan Swift Dennison Thomson Reuters Lisa Knazan and Dennis Jim and Cheryl Samples David Snieg Levendowski Thrivent Financial for In Memory of Wayne P. In Memory of Baba Lutherans Odukale In Honor of Anna Lee Dordell Travelers Ulsrud and Laura Calhoun Timothy P. Dordell Nancy Blomgren RogerFemale V. Stageberg 59.9% UnitedHealthcare InUnknown Memory of 5.0% Joseph In Memory of Charles YourCause Paying agent for “Joey” Eschweiler Parsons, Sr. In Honor of William Van Corporate Giving Program Brunt Tim Eschweiler Charles and JoAnne Emily Cowing Parsons Zelle Hofmann Voelbel & In Memory of Jim Farrell Mason LLP In Memory of Helene Rahne In Honor of William MaleBarb 35.1% Farrell Weldon Denise S. Rahne Amy Erickson In Memory of Sidney S. Feinberg In Memory of John C. and Marlyss L. Schaefer Thomas D. Feinberg Anonymous

Legal Aid is the recipient of the Charities Review Seal, awarded to nonprofits exemplifying quality, ethics, accountability and transparency.

Thank you to Ken Friberg Photography & Studio and Red Lime for donating their talent and time.

34 | Legal Aid Annual Report 2014 2014 Community Awards

2014 BERNARD P. litigation teams that that stabilizing the lives 2014 SULLIVAN BECKER AWARD challenged various programs of at-risk and abandoned BALLOU AWARD The Minnesota State Bar critical to low-income teens gives them not only Lila Talvitie-Zamora, Intake Association (MSBA) chose Minnesotans. short-term benefits, but also Specialist with MMLA’s Ralonda Mason, supervising the best hope of becoming Senior Law Project, was attorney for MMLA-St. Cloud Ralonda was selected by contributing members honored with the Sullivan to receive its 2014 Bernard Governor Dayton to serve of society. He pursued Ballou Award for giving P. Becker Legal Services on the Health Reform that vision, securing the her whole heart to her job. Staff Award. The award pays Minnesota Task Force, financial and programmatic The Sullivan Ballou Fund tribute to “dedicated service, advising the governor and commitment to create and celebrates and affirms people outstanding achievements legislature on healthcare sustain Legal Aid’s Youth acting from the heart. Lila, and a demonstrated reform issues. She recently Law Project. who celebrated 25 years commitment to provision obtained a significant grant with Legal Aid in 2014, was of zealous and skilled legal — and then an expansion nominated by Senior Law representation to low- of that grant — from the Project Supervising Attorney income and disadvantaged Blue Cross/Blue Shield Genevieve Gaboriault. Minnesotans.” Foundation for MMLA-St. Cloud’s highly successful Project Care, a health care outreach project that began in 1999 and now helps clients throughout central Minnesota understand and benefit from the ACA, MNCare and Jay is currently the Medical Assistance. supervising attorney for Legal Aid’s Consumer and Tax The Becker Award Units, and he continues to recognizes Ralonda’s advocate fiercely for clients. “The quality that makes Ralonda joined MMLA’s St. unswerving dedication to Recently, he handled a case Lila stand out is the deep Cloud office in 1988 as a staff access to justice for the for an immigrant gentleman empathy that she expresses attorney. Over the years, she most vulnerable people in whose housing he had saved for our clients,” says has helped clients in almost our state. and whose human rights he Genevieve. “She treats them every area of law practiced had vindicated. In the closing with the respect that she by Legal Aid. She’s a skilled 2014 PRO BONO phone call, the gentleman would hope to receive. Lila trial and appellate advocate, PUBLICO AWARD said, “You know, I don’t say never fails to give even the and has handled cases in The Hennepin County Bar this to many people, but I most difficult clients her full federal and state courts. In Association (HCBA), in love you, Jay Wilkinson.” attention. She then advocates addition to providing legal keeping with its declared for their cases to be selected representation to thousands values and mission, gives Deputy Director Greg Marita by a lawyer and champions of families and individuals, annual pro bono awards is sure that client loves Jay their causes to the end of Ralonda has been a leader to recognize individuals for the same reasons his the matter. She truly is the in achieving systems change for their commitment to colleagues do: “His excellent heart and soul of the Senior for Minnesotans with low legal services. The 2014 lawyering, his innovative Law Project and a big part incomes statewide, serving Distinguished Service leadership, his insistence that of our 30+ years of success. as lead or co-counsel on Award was presented to we as a society can do better She puts her whole heart into multiple Legal Aid impact Jay Wilkinson. Jay joined and his lived example over every case.” Legal Aid in 1978. Early in 34 years showing us all how his career, he recognized that can be done.”

Legal Aid Annual Report 2014 | 35 MID-MINNESTOA LEGAL AID OFFICES

>Minneapolis 430 1st Avenue N, Suite 300 Minneapolis, MN 55401-1780 Telephone: (612) 332-1441

>St Cloud 110 Sixth Avenue South Suite 200 St. Cloud, MN 56301 Telephone: (320) 253-0121

>Willmar Minnesota Disability Law Center 415 S. W. 7th Street >Minneapolis P.O. Box 1866 430 1st Avenue N, Suite 300 Willmar, MN 56201 Minneapolis, MN 55401-1780 Telephone: (320) 235-9600 Telephone: (612) 332-1441

Legal Services Advocacy Project >Duluth 2324 University Avenue West, 301 West First Street, Suite 528 Suite 101 Board of Trade Building Midtown Commons Duluth, MN 55802 St. Paul, MN 55114 Telephone: (218) 722-5625 Telephone: (651) 222-3749 >Grand Rapids Legal Services State Support 204 First Avenue N.W., Suite 4 2324 University Avenue West, Grand Rapids, MN 55744 Suite 101B Telephone: (218) 326-7044 Midtown Commons St. Paul, MN 55114 >Mankato Telephone: (651) 228-9105 12 Civic Center Plaza. Suite 3000A Mankato, MN 56001 Telephone: (507) 389-9826

>Fertile P.O. Box 572 Fertile, MN 56540 Telephone: (218) 945-3154

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