Stepping up: Walk for Justice event tops annual fund-raising goal

Recently retired Oakland County Circuit Judge Denise Langford Morris, pictured third from left, was the recipient of the inaugural Robert Dickman Award for her career-long commitment to social justice causes. Pictured, l-r, are retired Oakland Circuit Judge Fred Mester, Clinic Director Amy Roemer, Judge Langford Morris, Ellen Dickman, retired Wayne County Circuit Judge Robert Colombo, Chief Judge Timothy Kenny of the Wayne County Circuit Court, and Salvation Army Major Timothy Meyer.

The Salvation Army William Booth Legal Aid Clinic raised more than $100,000 at its 10th annual Walk for Justice fund-raiser earlier this month.

“The Salvation Army William Booth Legal Aid Clinic is incredibly thankful for the outpouring of support we saw from the community this year,” said Amy Roemer, director of the William Booth Legal Aid Clinic. “The Clinic is committed to the belief that access to exceptional advocacy for all is a crucial component of a free society, and that positive experiences with the legal system can be life changing. Thanks to the generosity of our partners and supporters, we will continue to serve metro Detroit with the ultimate goal of empowering responsible citizens to break the cycle of poverty and dependency.”

The event was held on Saturday, May 14 at the Detroit Zoo, the first in-person fund-raiser since 2019. In addition to exploring a world class zoo while supporting a worthwhile cause, Walk for Justice participants enjoyed family-friendly activities and placed bids on more than 150 exciting auction items, all from generous donors within the community.

This year’s fund-raiser also recognized Clinic board member Judge Denise Langford Morris, who retired in April 2022 after decades of service to the Oakland County Circuit Court bench. Judge Langford Morris received the first annual Robert Dickman Award for her commitment to justice.

“This year’s Walk for Justice was one of the best ever,” said Langford Morris. “I am humbled and honored to receive the first-ever Robert Dickman Award. His vision for better legal services for the many veterans, elderly, children and underprivileged in our community is a reality thanks to the leadership and tremendous support of The Salvation Army.”

More than 500 individuals came out to show their support for the Legal Aid Clinic, helping organizers surpass their $100,000 fund-raising goal.

“It was heartening to see such a great turnout for the William Booth Legal Aid Clinic’s Walk for Justice,” said Chief Judge Timothy Kenny of the Wayne County Circuit Court and a strong supporter of The William Booth Legal Aid Clinic. “The Clinic provides outstanding, needed legal services for the underserved community. The Clinic staff is a blessing to their clients and provide valuable service to the operation of the Third Circuit Court.”

The Walk for Justice event has raised more than $560,000 in 10 years, according to Clinic Director Roemer. All proceeds raised from registration, donations and the silent auction help the Clinic to continue providing quality guidance and advocacy in a wide variety of areas involving homelessness, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, and consumer advocacy.

The Salvation Army’s William Booth Legal Aid Clinic, the only Salvation Army free legal aid clinic in the world, has provided free legal services to those in need throughout metro Detroit for 28 years. It all started in 1994, when a local attorney had an idea to help people recovering from addiction that were struggling with various legal issues. Since then, The William Booth Legal Aid Clinic has been providing counsel to participants of The Salvation Army treatment programs, as well as individuals within the community at or below the poverty level.

For more information about the William Booth Legal Aid Clinic, visit centralusa.salvationarmy.org/emi/wblac.

 

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