Working together to plan a successful Free Resource Fair are (l-r) attorney Samantha Ball, Warren campus Pastor Dan Stewart, attorney Erika Riggs, and Disability Attorneys of Michigan office manager Kelly Sear.
Photo by Christine L. Mobley
By Christine L. Mobley
Legal News
Looking to bring much needed information to the public at large, Disability Attorneys of Michigan (DAM) is partnering with the Warren campus of Woodside Bible Church to present its Free Resource Fair on Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 27300 Hoover Road.
The Disability Attorneys of Michigan is a law firm dedicated to helping disabled individuals obtain the benefits they’re entitled to receive. DAM attorneys Samantha Ball and Erika Riggs see the May 3 fair as an opportunity to reach out and serve the community.
“We’ve been so interested in this office in doing as much as we can in the community,” Ball said. “It’s fun, energizing, and keeps us in touch with these programs that help our clients and it’s kind of circular that if we can provide advice and give information, it makes its way around and it’s a great thing to be a part of.”
Ball, who has attended Woodside’s Warren church – one of nine campuses the church has in Southeast Michigan, was delighted when Warren campus Pastor Dan Stewart responded to an e-mail inquiry about using Woodside as a clinic site.
“We’ve had some wonderful experiences with some other organizations, but not with the same energy,” Ball said. “Woodside’s excited about bringing things to people. We need the people to be excited to receive it.”
The Free Resource Fair offers more than just legal advice – it’s a one-stop shop that will assist attendees with other needs as well, according to organizers. Partnering with several community resources such as DTE Energy, SMART bus, Pathways Counseling, and many more, the Resource Fair is designed to fulfill as many needs and to answer as many questions as possible.
“What we’ve done is compiled a list of resources that have helped our clients out for free or low cost,” said Riggs, who is also one of the founding directors of The 313 Project, which aims to connect the legal community to Detroit’s underserved areas through pro bono, educational, and charitable efforts.
The event, which is free and open to the public, will provide services including legal consultations in Social Security disability; VA disability; estate planning; bankruptcy; landlord/tenant; and more. Health screenings, medical treatment and insurance information, housing information, along with other community resources also will be available. There will be opportunities for law students to shadow attorneys as they offer assistance.
Child care will be provided while parents are having their consultations. Attendees also will be able to enjoy a barbecue buffet.
“It’s a great opportunity for people to learn about the resources in the community, but also community resources get an opportunity to be in the same room with one another and network and meet each other and figure out what to do to help their clients fulfill whatever their variety of needs are,” Ball said. “When you look across the board and look at what each of them offers, you can accomplish a lot.”
Riggs echoed the statement.
“This is an opportunity to link up with other like-minded attorneys in the profession to come and volunteer,” Riggs said. “Most of us went to law school with this idea that we can really truly make a difference and we have the knowledge and expertise to be able to do this.”
For more information, visit www.damichigan.com or follow Disability Attorneys of Michigan on Facebook or visit www.woodsidebible.org/warren-campus. Those wishing to volunteer can contact Samantha Ball or Erika Riggs at (586) 573-8800.
“It’s an opportunity to be the good guy,” Ball added. “Get away from that hustle and bustle and be part of solutions.”
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