Employee Spotlight: Mariel Block

Congratulations are in order for our own Mariel Block who was selected as the Santa Clara County Bar Association's Barrister of the Year for her contributions to the legal profession in both a professional capacity and in pro bono and community activities.

In many parts of Santa Clara County, landlords can legally evict tenants for almost any reason as long as it is not discriminatory; providing legal help in eviction cases is a critical service to our community. Through Mariel's leadership, the Law Foundation's Pro Bono Housing Justice Program, which serves low-income families facing homelessness due to an eviction, has grown extensively--- meaning more families have been able to stay in their homes or have been given adequate time to move with dignity. 

Every Friday, Mariel manages the Law Foundation's eviction clinic and trains pro bono attorneys and volunteers who take on eviction cases for on-going representation. In 2015, the clinic provided representation to 373 tenants and their families, a significant increase over previous years. Your ongoing support enables us to have incredible advocates like Mariel on our team. We're proud that her accomplishments were formally recognized by the Santa Clara County Bar Association. Way to go, Mariel!

Your Generosity Broke Another Record!

You really did it this time! A heartfelt thank you goes out to our annual partners and individual donors who gave over $2 million dollars to help us continue to use the law as a tool for change in Silicon Valley. Your investment in the Law Foundation gives us the power to change the lives of families and individuals in dire need of legal help.

Together, we can do so much more for the people in our region who are desperate for a voice in their fight for social justice - families like Sabrina and Margie's, who we introduced to you at the dinner. 

Thank you for an unforgettable night! 

Preying on the Elderly? Not on Our Watch

When a loved one has fallen ill and needs care at home, you might place your trust in the hands of strangers, care-givers, to provide assistance for them as you would. But what happens when that trust is shattered? 

Ninety-year-old Iris spent her life serving others as a nun. When dementia set in, Iris became the one to rely on others for the help she needed to get through the day. Sadly, when Iris had to spend an extended period of time hospitalized, the care-giving facility where she was staying took advantage of her vulnerability and had her sign over her monthly Social Security income. 

Iris' family was shocked and confused when Iris received an eviction notice from her landlord. The care-giving facility had failed to pay the rent on her apartment and Iris was on the verge of losing her home. Our attorney, Denise Miller, fought for Iris and her family by negotiating with the landlord to keep Iris in her apartment and got the care-giving facility to return Iris' funds and place her finances with a trusted family member. Thanks to you, we were able to get justice for Iris and she can now rest easy in her home, where she belongs.