May-June 2024 Newsletter

May & June

2024

ADVOCACY IN ACTION

SNAP DECISION CAPS HARD-FOUGHT LITIGATION BY LEGAL SERVICES AND PARTNERS

In a decision that could spell relief for thousands of Missourians suffering food insecurity, a federal judge ruled in early May that Missouri had systematically deprived eligible applicants of benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps.

The decision capped two years of litigation by Legal Services of Eastern Missouri and its legal partners, who alleged that the state’s dysfunctional call center and failure to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act had left hundreds of families and individuals without access to much-needed nutritional assistance, including during the COVID-19 crisis when unemployment rates soared.

The lawsuit was filed in February 2022 by Legal Services, the National Center for Law and Economic Justice, and Stinson LLP, on behalf of individual plaintiffs and the advocacy organization Empower Missouri.

Litigation exposed a litany of problems in the Department of Social Services’ process for administering the food program. While the state requires an interview to apply for or recertify food benefits, many applicants who sought interviews endured hold times that averaged one hour or were automatically dropped from calls. Plaintiffs with disabilities described being unable to read application forms or reach the call center for help.

“The high percentage of errors based on failure to interview is a direct consequence of the failed administration of the defendant’s SNAP program,” wrote U.S. District Court Judge M. Douglas Harpool. His decision orders the state to take steps to comply with federal SNAP law and the ADA.

“Our clients will no longer have to face insurmountable barriers to maintain essential safety net benefits,” said Katherine Holley, Staff Attorney with Legal Services of Eastern Missouri. “We applaud the Court for this ruling, and we will continue to hold DSS accountable for coming into compliance with SNAP law and the ADA.”

SERVING OUR COMMUNITY

CELEBRATING INSPIRING YOUNG ENTREPRENEURSHIP WITH MR. FRESH

Since childhood, Joshua Danrich has had big dreams of owning and operating his own business. In 2019, he became Legal Services’ youngest ever Microenterprise client, when he and his mom, Shay, came to us looking for legal help to launch his business enterprise.

Our Microenterprise program provides free civil legal assistance to eligible entrepreneurs, small businesses and non-profits.

For our nonprofit clients, we represent those who serve and support low-income communities.

Referred from Shalom Church in Berkeley, Joshua and Shay approached Microenterprise staff for help with entity formation, contracts, intellectual property/trademarks, and other general business liability guidance. From that first meeting, “Mr. Fresh” was born, and today the brand boasts an impressive range of natural oil-based air fresheners which are stocked at several local retail outlets, including Schnucks stores and “On the Run” gas stations.

Joshua, who aspires to be an engineer, is the “Kid Inventor” behind all Mr. Fresh products and is also the face of the business. Known as “Mr. Fresh,” Joshua has become a local role model for other kids to pursue their dreams, and along with Shay – “Mama Fresh” – he not only runs a successful business but also continues on his path towards a career in engineering, with consistently good grades in school.

Over the past five years, Legal Services' Microenterprise staff, led by Managing Attorney Marlene Elliott, have assisted Joshua and Shay, and watched as this bright young entrepreneur has developed and expanded his business.

Marlene Elliott says, “Mr. Fresh and Mama Fresh have always been a joy to work with. Their excitement and drive are inspiring, and it’s wonderful to witness their incredible bond throughout this journey!"

Joshua and Shay say: "Legal Services and Marlene Elliott have been an incredible and critical asset, providing strategic legal counsel that has been pivotal in navigating our business through legal challenges."

"Marlene's dedication and advice have been crucial to Mr. Fresh's growth and our business success," they added.

Mr. Fresh Products can be found in the stores listed above,

or online at www.befreshnow.com

EXPANDING PARTNERSHIPS

LEGAL SERVICES FEATURED ON THE LSC PODCAST

Check out the latest edition of the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) Podcast – Talk Justice – which features Legal Services of Eastern Missouri's Executive Director Dan Glazier along with Neighborhood Advocacy Managing Attorney Peter Hoffman and Tonnie Glispie-Smith, St. Louis City West End Neighborhood Leader and Neighborhood Advisory AmeriCorps Vista member.

This podcast, hosted by LSC President Ron Flagg, looks at how Legal Services’ Neighborhood Advocacy program has made a big impact in several St. Louis neighborhoods through providing grass roots legal help in partnerships with law firms and neighborhood associations. several St. Louis neighborhoods through providing grass roots legal help in partnerships with law firms and neighborhood associations.

To support this work, Neighborhood Advocacy has received two LSC Pro Bono Innovation Fund grants, and we thank the LSC for its outstanding support and leadership.

LISTEN TO "TALK JUSTICE" NOW

OTHER NEWS

New Young Friends of Legal Services Board Members

At the May board meeting of the Young Friends of Legal Services, we approved new by-laws to increase board membership, and welcomed five new board members: Taylor Burrows, Katie Krispin, Melissa Powers, Ebony Sheckles and Iulia Tothezan.

In addition, Board Member and former Nominating Chair Liz Lenivy was unanimously elected as vice-president of the board, to work alongside Board President Ryan Turnage.

Please join us in welcoming our new board members and our new vice president!

LIZ LENIVY

Attorney / The Simon Law Firm, P.C.

TAYLOR BURROWS

Attorney / Legal Services of Eastern Missouri

KATIE KRISPIN

Attorney / The Gunn Law Firm

MELISSA POWERS

Attorney / Lewis Rice

EBONY SHECKLES

Attorney / Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District

IULIA TOTHEZAN

Social Worker / Legal Services of Eastern Missouri

Spring Celebration of Giving

On April 25th, we were happy to welcome donors and volunteers for a spring Celebration of Giving at Windows on Kiener Plaza. This event featured a special Microenterprise Showcase, with six clients served by Legal Services' Community Economic Development-Microenterprise Program.

Along with Microenterprise Managing Attorney Marlene Elliott, our entrepreneur clients shared the stories of their new and expanded businesses and the role Legal Services played in their business success.

Thank you to all who joined us!

UPCOMING EVENTS & SAVE THE DATES:

Hon. Richard B. Teitelman Memorial CLE Seminar

This annual CLE Seminar, hosted by The Simon Law Firm, P.C., will be held as an online webinar on:

Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Estate Planning CLE

This annual Legal Services CLE Session, co-hosted by Burger Law, will be held as an online webinar on:

Thursday, June 27, 2024. Click on the button below for more details of this session, including registration.

For The Common Good Awards Luncheon

Save the date for Legal Services' annual recognitions of our volunteers and community partners on:

Thursday, August 22, 2024 at the Ritz Carlton.

Registration and details to be updated soon HERE.

Celebrating 50 Years of the LSC: The State of Legal Aid Today

SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, November 21, 2024

Legal Services will be hosting a special Breakfast Forum and panel discussion, featuring LSC President Ronald Flagg, ABA President-elect Bill Bay and others.

More details to follow soon, but save the date now!

CLICK HERE to email us if you are interested in sponsorship opportunities for this event.