Image is a stock photo and not of the actual clients.
“Emelina”* and her daughter “Kristiana”* live in Newark’s South Ward. At age five, Kristiana was diagnosed with diabetes, yet was determined to not let that hold her back. Like many her age, Kristiana enrolled in kindergarten to begin her journey from K to 12.
Of course, to succeed in school, Kristiana would need medical support. Through advocating for Kristiana, Emelina had the school district agree to some of the medical recommendations from Kristiana’s doctor, but the school district would not comply with all the recommendations. After seeking assistance from VLJ’s Children’s Representation Program, a volunteer attorney answered the pro bono call and agreed to help Emelina and Kristiana. After extended representation and mediation with the school district, Kristiana started kindergarten as scheduled, with an Individualized Education Program and the medical care required for her to attend school safely, including dedicated medically-trained staff.
That’s the power of pro bono.
*Names have been changed to protect and ensure client privacy.