Legal Aid Society Announces New Chair

The Legal Aid Bureau welcomes Leslie Smith, Partner with Kirkland and Ellis LLP, who will become LAB’s new Chair starting September 2010. Leslie’s practice areas include antitrust, contract, securities fraud and toxic tort. She was identified as a “rising star” in 2010 by Chambers USA, America's Leading Lawyers for Business. She also was listed in April 2004 as one of 21 women litigators on the rise in the article “A Woman's Place is in the Courtroom,” an article published in “Diversity & the Bar” magazine.

Vets Get Mental Health Help

Vets facing mental health challenges can now get help at Metropolitan. Vets dealing with challenges such as post traumatic stress syndrome, depression or other mental health issues can now get help at Metropolitan, as we’re now able to accept Tricare military insurance. Our goal is to be a valuable resource for vets who often find it difficult to access quality mental health care that’s affordable. Services are being provided at our Southeast Chicago, Southwest and Blue Island locations. For more information call 773-371-2900.

Project STRIVE Wins Grant

Thanks to the WGN Radio 720 Neediest Kids Fund, which awarded a $15K grant to our Project STRIVE program. Project Strive helps at-risk students who are state wards and attend Chicago Public Schools. It focuses on reducing truancy, suspensions and expulsions; improving school performance; addressing emotional and behavioral problems; and increasing involvement of parents and social services staff. Project STRIVE is a collaboration between Metropolitan, DCFS and Chicago Public Schools.

Matching Grants = Double Impact!

Metropolitan’s Annual Fund and LAB benefited from the double impact of matching grants! Our Annual Fund got a boost this spring thanks to a $10K matching challenge grant from an anonymous benefactor. The grant was secured after Metropolitan raised $10K for the Annual Fund in FY10’s 4th Quarter, nearly doubling our spring fundraising effort. The Legal Aid Bureau also received a $50K matching challenge from an anonymous donor due to new and increased giving to Metropolitan’s legal aid services.

We invite you to partner with us to make the most of these fundraising opportunities. Your help benefits the lives of thousands of families throughout Chicagoland! Consider increasing or automating your giving by setting up monthly or quarterly donations from your credit card CLICK HERE or call 312-986-4174 to see how easy it can be to rise to the challenge!
 

Save the Date for Day with Dad! Day with Dad is a great way to say good-bye to the Chicago summer and support Metropolitan’s young parent development services, including the Young Fathers Program. Click here for ticket and sponsorship information!

Make a Child Smile raises $80,000 net! Generous sponsors and guests helped Make a Child Smile raise than $80,000 in net proceeds! More than 450 children, parents, sponsors and volunteers gathered on June 21, 2010 at John’s Place Restaurant in Lincoln Park to enjoy teen and adult bands, the Jesse White Tumblers, fantastic food and wonderful activities for kids of all ages. Click here to see the photos!

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