Last month the Salvation Army Southfield offices hosted a celebration in honor of the Dickmans’ service to the William Booth Legal Aid Clinic which included (left to right) Col. Sharon Strissel, Col. Dennis Strissel, Roger Smith, retired Judge Fred Mester, Ellen Dickman, Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Denise Langford Morris, Robert Dickman, Amy Roemer, Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Maria Oxholm, Lt. Col. Norman Marshal, and Lt. Col. Diane Marshall.
– Photo by John Meiu
In January 2013, after nearly two decades of service to the William Booth Legal Aid Clinic, Robert and Ellen Dickman announced their retirement. Founded in 1994 by Robert and Ellen Dickman, The William Booth Legal Aid Clinic was opened as an independent 501(c)3 with the goal of paving the way to fresh starts and new opportunities by providing quality legal services for low income individuals and families. After many years in private practice and in the business world, the Dickmans recognized that indigency had become an impediment to adequately accessing and navigating the legal system and they decided to dedicate their careers to help balance the scales.
Since 2000, when the WBLAC was absorbed by The Salvation Army, the clinic has collaborated with the Salvation Army’s Harbor Light Program, it’s shelters and other similar projects while representing indigent clients throughout the community – Monroe, Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Counties. With the assistance of student interns, the clinic has now resolved more than 19,380
cases involving landlord-tenant issues, support, custody, consumer advocacy, tickets, probation, parenting time and credit issues.
To assist WBLAC with short and long term planning, an Advisory Board was formed and currently boasts many esteemed members of the legal community including Retired Oakland Circuit Judge Fred Mester, Oakland Circuit Judge Denise Langford Morris, Wayne Circuit Judge Maria Oxholm and Board President Roger Smith of Garan Lucow.
As to the announcement of the Dickman’s retirement, Judge Fred Mester said “As the first Chairman of the Board, I was there from the beginning. We saw the total commitment of Bob and Ellen to not only ensure equal justice for the indigent, but also their commitment to re-engage him/her with their families and have a successful return to the community.”
As needs arise in our communities, the WBLAC responds. It has recently incorporated its services with the Salvation Army’s recently announced program involving veterans and their families. In this recent program it will partner with other veterans organizations to ensure there are complete services for the veteran and his/her family.
Attorney Amy M. Roemer, who now serves as Clinic Director was appointed by the board as WBLAC’s Assistant Director. As to the appointment, Judge Langford Morris stated, “The community has been privileged to have citizen soldiers like Robert and Ellen Dickman in a leadership position within the Salvation Army. They were tested repeatedly and withstood immense challenges with grace and fortitude resulting in a legal clinic that all can be proud of. Now the baton has been passed to a capable, intelligent hard working lawyer, Attorney Amy Roemer and everyone can rest assured that the clinic will continue to grow and succeed for years into the future.”
Board President, Roger Smith of Garan Lucow said “While the Clinic will forever be indebted to Robert and Ellen Dickman for their vision, dedication and sacrifices on behalf of thousands of clients these past nineteen years, we look forward to continued service to the community under the auspices of Ms. Amy Roemer, our new Clinic Director.
The WBLAC relies on private contributions — from law firms, corporations, foundations, and individuals and it is this generous private support that allows the clinic to be a powerful and positive force in the lives of low-income tri-county residents by providing counsel on several thousand legal matters each year. But for each client it helps, the clinic turns away many others because it simply lacks the necessary resources.
The WBLAC is looking for contributions and support in its mission to make the legal system accessible for all. To help the Clinic achieve its goals, it will be hosting its first Walk for Justice Fundraiser on April 6, 2013 at the Detroit Zoo. For a modest donation, participants will receive free admission to the zoo, a t-shirt and refreshments. Discounted group rates will also be available.
To make a tax deductible contribution to The William Booth Legal Aid Clinic, visit donate.salvationarmyusa.org/easternmichigan/WBLAC.
About The Salvation Army - Founded by William and Catherine Booth in London, England in 1865, The Salvation Army is a faith-based, non-profit organization dedicated to serving people in need without discrimination. At work in Michigan since 1887, The Salvation Army operates 180 facilities throughout the state. Annually, these facilities provide more than 4 million meals and 950,825 nights of shelter for the homeless. The Salvation Army uses $.85 of every dollar raised to provide direct services to people in need each and every day of the year. For more information about The Salvation Army, please call 877-SAL-MICH, or visit us at www.salmich.org.
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