2024 MAP Annual Report

MICHIGAN ADVOCACY PROGRAM

Access to justice for those who need it most

Dear supporters,

It was with great excitement and pride that I officially took over as Executive Director in July of this year after nearly 25 years at MAP. In just the first six months as the organization’s leader, I have seen extraordinary work from our staff and volunteers, from assisting individual clients with issues related to benefits, domestic violence, healthcare, and expungement to taking on the systemic issues impacting living conditions in large housing complexes across our service area. We continue to meet the expanding needs of our clients, adding special education work and launching a project that focuses on the legal needs of veterans.

We know that the populations we serve will be facing myriad challenges in the coming years. We are facing serious threats to the funding that sustains MAP’s legal services, as well as cuts to key housing, benefits, and other programs that keep low-income families afloat. We are deeply committed to navigating these challenges to ensure that we are able to continue doing this critically important work for years to come.

I am proud to be part of an incredible organization of fierce advocates. We could not do this work without supporters like you. Together, we will continue to fight to protect the rights of low-income Michiganders across our service area.

Shannon Lucas

Shannon Lucas Executive Director, MAP

MAP BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Delphia Simpson

President

Jazmin Moron

Kurt Krause

Kate Sharkey

Kellie Podolsky

Gloria Trevino

Charo Ledon

Vice President

Kent Bieberich

Linda Rexer

Mary Kay Scullion

Reshma Sambare

Rob Mossel

Treasurer

Sharda Taylor

Vanina Gilmore

William Godfroy

B. Daniel Inquilla

JacquelynA Dupler

Secretary

Brad Brelinksi

Carol Recher

Charles Borgsdorf

Donna Green

ABOUT MAP

Michigan Advocacy Program (MAP) provides direct legal help and statewide advocacy through a number of specialized programs. MAP includes the Legal Services Corportationfunded Legal Services of South Central Michigan, Legal Services National Technology Assistance Project, and Farmworker Legal Services.

MAP provides administrative services to five statewide programs known as Michigan Statewide Advocacy Services (MSAS), including Michigan Elder Justice Initiative, Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, Michigan Legal Help, Crime Victims Legal Assistance Project, and Michigan Poverty Law Program.

Advancing the safety, independence, and economic stability of those most affected by poverty, racism, and other structurally oppressive systems by increasing access to justice and working for systemic solutions.

In 2024, MAP programs closed 7,954 cases, promoting safety, security, and independence for thousands of clients and their families.

In 2024, we provided legal services across 10 different practice areas:

Consumer

7,954 total cases closed across our programs Top Areas

Special Populations Served:

Cases

Veterans

Cases

1,541 253 1,196 involving clients ages 60+ households with veterans served cases closed in which domestic violence was a factor

20,854 individuals served in presentations focused on legal information Counties served 13

Promoting Stable Housing

James, a man with a disability who had lived in the same apartment for ten years using a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher, was at risk of losing his home when the Jackson Housing Commission denied his request for reasonable accommodation. Without the accommodation, James could no longer afford rent and faced the threat of homelessness

Our attorneys investigated his case, advised him on his rights, and negotiated with the Housing Commission’s legal team. After preparing for litigation, we secured a settlement that granted James the requested accommodation - ensuring his voucher continued to cover his rent and allowing him to remain safely housed.

Securing Safety and Stability After Crisis

In July 2022, Riverview Terrace Apartments - home to nearly 175 elderly and disabled tenants - was condemned, forcing immediate evacuation. In response, the city of Adrian purchased the Adrian Inn to serve as temporary housing for Riverview’s residents. Unfortunately, new challenges quickly emerged. At the Adrian Inn, residents discovered that Housing Help, the agency managing the property, had hired a convicted sex offender to maintain the premises. Concerned for their safety, Lena and Marcus obtained a Personal Protection Order against the employee. In retaliation, Housing Help attempted to evict the couple. With legal representation from LSSCM, Lena and Marcus took the case to trial and secured a judgement preventing the eviction, which also helped expose the unsafe and deteriorating conditions at the Adrian Inn. Ultimately, the couple was able to maintain stable housing at the Adrian Inn until Riverview Terrace reopened.

Standing Up for Tenants’ Rights and Safer Homes

ArborOne

Dozens of families at the Arbor One apartment complex in Ypsilanti faced eviction after the city condemned multiple buildings for lack of heat and severe safety issues At the same time, the property owners moved to evict residents for nonpayment of rent, despite the unlivable conditions. Our attorneys stepped in to defend tenants against eviction, and are currently working alongside government agencies and community partners to hold the landlords accountable and push for critical repairs Through this coordinated effort, residents are gaining time, legal support, and a stronger voice in the fight for safe, stable housing.

SycamoreMeadowsandDanburyPark

Not far from Arbor One is Sycamore Meadows and Danbury Park, two large subsidized housing complexes. Similar to Arbor One, residents of this complex were faced with unsafe and unlivable conditions. However, our attorneys were able to handle 39 cases between the two complexes, impacting 111 individuals, including 70 children.

ForrestKnoll

Several tenants living in subsidized housing at Forrest Knoll Apartments in Ypsilanti faced eviction after their landlord failed to properly notify them about income rectifications, falsified documents in their files, and began charging them full market rent. Our attorneys represented the tenants in court, uncovering the landlord’s misconduct during trial. As a result of our advocacy, the landlord removed the improper rent charges and fees, compensated the tenants for missed work, and terminated the local and regional staff involved. The landlord also agreed to revise their notice procedures, helping to prevent similar issues in the future.

SECURING SAFETY AND INDEPENDENCE:

Survivors & families

After overcoming addiction and completing all the steps required to reunite with her daughter, Alicia faced one final obstacle: the court would not terminate her daughter’s guardianship with the paternal grandmother until Alicia divorced her estranged husband who had not met any of the court’s requirements. Our attorneys filed for divorce on Alicia’s behalf and guided her through the legal process. Once the divorce was finalized, the guardianship was terminated and Alicia was reunited with her daughter who is now thriving in her care.

Protecting Custody and Parenting Rights

Isabela, a Spanish-speaking mother of three, was navigating a difficult divorce complicated by language barriers, domestic violence, and a new baby that was born after separation Although she had primary care of the children, her ex-partner (who had previously refused to help) sought 50/50 custody. We provided Isabela with full legal representation, countering a temporary motion that initially granted the father parenting time he ultimately failed to use. In the final judgment, Isabela was awarded physical custody, with the father receiving only alternating holidays. We also helped establish legal parentage for her youngest child and obtained a birth certificate.

1,432 cases handled for survivors of domestic violence

96.1% of all case outcomes were successful (non-advice representation)

Protecting a Survivor from Violence and Neglect

Paul is a survivor of elder abuse, domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault. For many years, he endured severe physical and emotional abuse from his live-in girlfriend, Paige. She frequently struck him, bit his chest so hard that she tore away flesh, and threw objects at his face - including a rock and a glass jar

After suffering a serious fall that required spine surgery, Paul was released from rehabilitation paralyzed from the neck down, with the expectation that Paige would serve as his paid caregiver. Instead, she neglected him to a dangerous degree. Over several months, she left him sitting in his chair for extended periods, causing gaping wounds on his legs and infected bedsores from prolonged exposure to feces. She also failed to feed him properly, leading to significant weight loss. Paul was eventually hospitalized with sepsis and later transferred to a nursing facility to recover. When he was ready to return home, he discovered that Paige refused to leave his house. LSSCM represented Paul in securing a Personal Protection Order against her and worked with local law enforcement to have her removed With her gone, Paul was finally able to begin working with his transition navigator and take steps toward safely returning home.

SECURING SAFETY AND INDEPENDENCE:

Older adults & people with disabilities

Frank, a senior veteran who relies on dialysis and a breathing machine, went two weeks without electricity after his service was shut off. Frank reached out to our office for help. Our attorneys quickly gathered medical and financial verifications and worked with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to expedite emergency assistance. Thanks to this advocacy, MDHHS approved full payment of Frank’s electric bill through the State Emergency Relief program, and his power was promptly restored, protecting both his health and his housing stability.

Reclaiming Safety and Control

Oscar, an older adult, became concerned when his daughter - who held his Durable Power of Attorney for both finances and healthcare - began using that authority to isolate and financially exploit him. Our attorneys stepped in to help Oscar revoke the powers of attorney and guided him through the process of investigating his finances. With support from his bank, Oscar discovered the extent of the exploitation, regained control of his accounts, and was able to secure his financial independence moving forward.

Protecting Rights in Divorce

2,094 cases handled for older adults (age 60+)

97.7% of all case outcomes were successful (non-advice representation)

Eleanor, an elderly woman with a disability, turned to us for help when she filed for divorce from her financially and verbally abusive husband. Throughout the proceedings, our attorneys advocated for her rights, seeking spousal support and a fair division of assets. We prepared for trial, but ultimately reached a settlement through a Consent Judgment. Eleanor was awarded spousal support, the majority of the equity in both the marital home and an asset owned by her husband, and her husband was held responsible for most of the credit card debt and home-related fees. When he failed to sell the home as required, we filed a motion to enforce the judgement, ensuring the court compelled him to comply and protecting Eleanor’s financial future.

Protecting Housing for Older Adults

Walter, an elderly man with disabilities, faced foreclosure on his longtime home after falling behind on his mortgage due to financial exploitation A sheriff’s sale had been scheduled, putting his housing stability at immediate risk. Our attorneys stepped in to investigate, advised Walter on his options, and negotiated directly with the mortgage lender. Through this advocacy, we secured a settlement that restructured Walter’s mortgage loan, canceled the foreclosure, and allowed him to keep his home.

ADVANCING ECONOMIC SECURITY:

Public Benefits

A disabled single mother of two young children came to our Medical Legal Partnership (MLP) Program after her family’s Food Assistance Program (FAP) benefits were unexpectedly reduced. Upon reviewing her case, an MLP paralegal discovered that the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) had not only miscalculated the family’s income, resulting in the reduction, but had also been underpaying their FAP benefits for more than a year. Through the MLP’s advocacy, DHHS corrected the error, providing the family with over a thousand dollars in back-owed benefits and increasing their ongoing assistance - significantly improving their long-term food security.

Ensuring Stability for a Young Adult with Disabilities

We represented a young adult with significant disabilities in an SSI termination case. Elias was born with cerebral palsy and microcephaly as a result of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and congenital CMV infection at birth. He experiences seizures, cognitive challenges, and physical disabilities.

Elias was approved for SSI income as a child, and with the help of his guardian he completed school and remained enrolled in various therapies and educational programs. When he finished school and turned 18, he was medically reevaluated by the Social Security Administration, who determined that he was not sufficiently disabled to qualify for adult SSI income, despite his numerous permanent disabilities. We represented Elias, filed an appeal, submitted medical evidence, and convinced the SSA to overturn its decision and award him with SSI income.

Advocating for Disability Rights

We have provided extensive support to clients with disabilities who are navigating both Social Security and State Disability Assistance applications. Our team works closely with their medical providers to gather the documentation and verifications needed to demonstrate the extent of each client’s disability. By coordinating this information and building strong, evidence-based cases, we help ensure that clients have the best possible chance of securing the benefits they need to maintain stability and improve their quality of life.

Finding Independence Through SSI Support

Beth, a 41-year-old Clinton County resident with a disability, came to LSSCM seeking help with her applications for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Beth had several strokes that led her to become wheelchair bound and impacted her communication. Unfortunately, she did not like the nursing home she lived in, noting the behavior by residents and the distance from her family.

LSSCM found Beth was denied SSDI for lack of work credits, with no option to appeal, but had an upcoming SSI interview. LSSCM represented her at the hearing, and Beth was awarded full SSI benefits. This allowed her to apply for an assisted living facility closer to family and garner her more freedom in where she lives.

ADVANCING ECONOMIC SECURITY:

Employability & expungement

Bill came to us for help correcting errors on his state criminal record and pursuing expungements. His record wrongly indicated several felony convictions from nearly 20 years ago, when in fact he had only one misdemeanor. As a result, he had been denied numerous jobs, housing opportunities, and more over the years because of the false felony record In addition, incomplete judicial disposition information prevented his misdemeanor from being automatically set aside. After reviewing his case, our attorneys contacted the Michigan State Police and successfully had the errors corrected. This resulted in the removal of the false felony conviction and the automatic set-aside of his remaining misdemeanor.

Restoring Hope & Opportunity

One of our attorneys that was a new volunteer to our program accepted an expungement client's case for representation. The client reported she had graduated from a Certified Nursing Assistant program, but that her 2012 felony was stopping her from getting a job in the field. The felony also prevented her from further pursuing a nursing program. The pro bono attorney used our training and support from MAP’s expungement attorney on the pro bono team to familiarize herself with the hearing process, which resulted in successfully obtaining the set aside of the client's single felony conviction.

A Fresh Start for a Dedicated Father

LSSCM filed five applications on a client’s behalf in three different courts, resulting in nine convictions being set aside. An additional four convictions were cleared through the automatic set-aside process. The client, a single disabled father and sole caretaker of his minor children, had long faced barriers to employment and participation in his children’s schooling due to his criminal record. With these convictions now set aside, he has been able to improve his health, return to school, and is also preparing to reenter the workforce.

“Iwouldliketothankyoufor yourtimeandfordoingthe workyoudo.Icouldneverhave donethiswithoutyou!Iamso excitedandproudtosaythat myrecordisclean.Allthehard workI’veputintomyselfthe lasteightyearsiswellworthit.

Forallthehardworkthat you’veputin,Ithankyou.I neverrealizedallthegood thingsthatwouldcomeintime!

Thanksagain-yourock!”

ADVANCING ECONOMIC SECURITY:

Farmworkers

Ana came to us after being fired from her job on an H-2A visa when her employer learned she was pregnant, and forced her to return to Mexico. We filed a discrimination claim with the EEOC on her behalf, guiding her through a lengthy investigation, mediation, and interviews. The EEOC ultimately found her employer had discriminated against her, and we secured a settlement of over $120,000 along with important non-monetary relief, including worker training and notices. We also obtained DALE immigration relief and work authorization for Ana, protecting both her rights and her future.

Preventing Immigration Fraud

Last year, an H-2A farmworker reached out to us after being targeted by someone posing as an immigration attorney in Florida. He had paid the individual to apply for a work visa, not realizing at first that it was a scam Our team had previously met him during 2023 outreach in Michigan, when his employer offered him an H-2A extension. At that time, we explained the extension process and provided fraud-prevention materials. Thanks to that information, he recognized the fraud and contacted us for help. We then connected him with Justice in Motion and the Farmworker and Immigration Rights Clinic at Florida State University College of Law to ensure he received proper support and guidance.

Protecting a Worker’s Rights and Safety

Emilio came to us for help after experiencing labor trafficking and unlawful employment practices while working in the U.S. on a time-limited H2A visa. He was unable to return to his home country due to threats from his employer and could not safely leave his job until he secured protection for his family. Our attorneys worked with Emilio on three immigration and two civil cases, helping him develop safety plans for himself and his family, refer his employer to the U.S. Department of Labor, and apply for deferred action while his T visa was being processed. We also assisted him in applying for crime victim compensation so he could access mental health care and other support services. As a result of our advocacy, the Department of Labor issued fines and collected back wages from his employer, and Emilio obtained deferred action, allowing him to remain in the U.S. lawfully, continue working, and pursue justice in his case.

2024 Highlights

FLS receives funding from the National Center for Farmworker Health to reach dairy and animal production workers, who are often more difficult to find and access than other migrant workers

FLS and partners distributed approximately 25,000 calendar to farmworkers throughout Michigan, partnering with nearly 50 community agencies and nongovernmental organizations that work with farmworkers.

EXPANDING ACCESS:

Broadening our scope with pro bono

Kathryn, a 61-year-old client, came to us for help after three nearly ten-year-old drugrelated felonies prevented her from volunteering at her grandchildren’s school and made finding work difficult. One of our pro bono attorneys successfully had all three felonies set aside. The client has reported that the expungement has been life-changing, allowing her to participate in her grandchildren’s lives and giving her hope for employment opportunities that were previously closed to her.

Clearing the Path to a New Career

Last year, we assisted a 37-year-old client who is in recovery from a significant drug addiction. Almost ten years ago, she was convicted of a number of crimes related to her addiction Despite holding a bachelor's degree, these convictions prevented her from securing employment barely above minimum wage. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in social work and is on track to complete her certification as a drug and alcohol counselor in Michigan by May 2026. However, she was deeply concerned that her criminal record would impede her certification and limit her earning potential in her chosen profession. Through the dedicated representation of one of our pro bono attorneys, all five of her felony convictions were successfully set aside. The client has expressed that this expungement has been incredibly significant to her as she is now able to pursue her professional goals without her past overshadowing her future work, demonstrating the profound positive change expungement can bring to individuals striving to rebuild their lives.

450+

participants that we assisted at expungement fairs

Family Law Assistance Clinics

699

expungement cases opened

In 2024, we continued our Family Law Assistance clinics in Washtenaw and Ingham counties. Our clinics provide attendees with the opportunity to receive advice and assistance from pro bono family law attorneys, and volunteers might assist attendees with preparing pleadings and explaining the process of a divorce and/or custody case.

8 expungement fairs attended

In 2024, we saw 133 total clients at our family law assistance clinics, including 69 in Washtenaw county and 64 in Ingham county.

MAP Budget

3,632,214

7,916,945

2,842,721

$ 11,649,890

Thank you to our funders!

AgeWays

Area Agency on Aging Branch - St Joseph Region

3-C (AAA3C)

Branch County United Way

Calhoun County (Senior Millage

Care Well Services

City of Battle Creek

City of Lansing

City of Lansing Office of Human Relations and Community Service (HRCS)

City of Monroe

Community Action Agency

Equal Justice America

Ingham County Millage

Ingham County Controller

Ingham County Treasurer

Jackson Community Foundation

Jackson County Treasurer

Legal Services Corporation

Lenawee Community Foundation

Livingston County United Way

Marshall United Way

Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS)

Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity

Michigan Medicine - Community Health Services

Michigan State Bar Foundation (MSBF)

Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA)

Miller Foundation

NAACP

National Center for Farmworker Health

Safe + Just Michigan

Simon Foundation

Stanford Foundation

Towsley Foundation

Tri-County Office on Aging

United States Department of Housing & Urban Development

United Way of Monroe/Lenawee Counties

United Way of South Central Michigan (formerly Capital Area United Way)

United Way of South Central Michigan (formerly United Way of Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region)

United Way of South Central Michigan (formerly United Way of Jackson County)

United Way of Southeastern Michigan (formerly United Way of Washtenaw County)

University of Michigan Law School

Veteran’s Administration

W K Kellogg Foundation

Washtenaw County

Washtenaw County Office of Community & Economic Development

Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office

Washtenaw County Trial Court

Wellwise

Thank you to our donors!

Adadevoh, Eyram

Adamson, Christopher Apple

Bach, Loren

Blakney, Sheila

Bourgeoise, Mary

Brabaw, Justine

Brodt, Alice

Burkeen, Roger

Catalan, David

Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan

Cook, Charles

Corbett, Carol

Crouse, Vikki

Edward Jones Charitable Fund

Fidelity Charity

Goldman, Philip B

Gross, Kenneth

Gross, Samuel

Hansen, Will

Haylock, Cathrine

Herrick, Thomas

Ingall, Lisa

Inosencio & Fisk PLLC

KLA

Kozak, Emily

Litman, Jessica

Lopez, Brandi

Lujan, Andy

Mermin, Ted

Michigan State University Student Bar Association

Montgomery, Susan

Norton, Nicholas

Paul, Weiss

PayPal Giving Fund

Pledgeling Foundation

Rangel, Charlie

Reingold, Paul

Renaissance Charitable Foundation

Rick Jackson Insurance Agency Inc

Rogers, Lore

Sankaran, Amy

Schwarzchild, Michael

Schaffer, Ruth

Smith, Eleanor

Stark, Sheldon and Rita

Stringer, Steven

Stryker

Suprapto, Wilson

Swedberg, Karl

Taylor, Christopher

Torres, Vanessa

Turner, Evelyn

United Way Worldwide

Vanderlaan, Robert

Weston, Adell

Zhuang, Li

Support our work

We are incredibly grateful to our donors whose generous gifts help us continue to provide access to justice to those who need it most. If you are not a member of the state bar of Michigan and are interested in supporting our work, visit: https://tinyurl.com/yr46rm4m or scan the QR code below.

MAP participates in the Access to Justice (ATJ) Campaign, a collaborative centralized campaign, administered by the Michigan State Bar Foundation in partnership with the State Bar of Michigan. If you are a Michigan attorney and wish to make a charitable contribution, please donate at: e.michbar.org/Donations/ATJ?ID=ATJ. Or scan the QR code below. 100% of your donation will be distributed to support civil legal aid to the poor throughout Michigan. Attorney donations

Non-attorney donations