Newsletter: The Power of a Paralegal

MLP In Action: The Power of a Paralegal

Janine is a Grandmother caring for her grandson, David, who has developmental disabilities and an incarcerated mother. They were reliant on David’s social security income (SSI) to cover his rent, utilities and food, so when there was an unexpected hold placed on this income she panicked. David’s mother was the only person authorized to remove the hold. Janine found herself in a challenging position as she struggled to contact David’s mother and worried about how she would pay for David’s basic needs.

This is where MLP paralegal, Mahlet Zelleke, stepped in at the referral of a social worker. She was able to navigate the complex system to reach David’s mother and help obtain authorization for David’s aunt to make decisions regarding David’s SSI, allowing his income to be reinstated.

Mahlet was able to support David and his family under stressful circumstances to stabilize a key component of his health and well-being.

MLP Metric Moment

MLP is fortunate to have the support of our pro bono attorneys to provide legal care to patients and families.

In 2017, our volunteers served:

MLP loves our social workers, too.

Without them and our healthcare collaborators, we would not have as great an impact on systemic policy as we do today.

One of our social workers from Harborview Medical Center shares her thoughts:

I cannot function in my job without MLP. They always give me an answer and a direction to go. With the people we work with, there is a lack of trust in systems, so it just means that much more when the attorneys reach out to assist our patients. It is really life-saving and life-changing for them.

Thank you to our social workers for your compassion, dedication, and partnership!

MLP Spotlight: MLP Program Begins in Everett

With the support of the Providence General Foundation, Northwest Justice Project (NJP) in Everett is collaborating with Providence Regional Medical Center to implement a 1-year pilot MLP program. The Everett-based MLP is thrilled to embark on this journey to assist local patients and families to address their health-harming social needs. Congratulations to our partners!

Pictured L to R: Yvette War Bonnet, Senior Staff Attorney, NW Justice Project-Everett; Kat McFarland, Director of Case Management, Providence Regional Medical Center; Cesar Torres, Executive Director, NW Justice Project