Summit Mpowers Metro’s DV Services

Two working together is more powerful than one, and linking our legal and social services to provide “wraparound” support is empowering our clients even better than before. Almost 40 staff from our clinical, court advocate and legal teams gathered in Chicago on Monday, March 7, 2016 for a “DV Summit” to share and learn ways to better empower domestic violence survivors.

Presentations and a panel featuring domestic violence (DV) survivors – including several who have formed their own group to support other survivors – launched the event. Highlights included Professor and Lawyer Helene M. Snyder, who provided insights on client confidentiality. Leaders from Metropolitan also shared knowledge, including Elena Calafell, Clinical Program Manager; Vikki Rompala, Director of Quality & Outcomes; and Karina Ayala-Bermejo, EVP & General Counsel, who is also Executive Director of Metropolitan’s Legal Aid Society. Staff also gained information on DV-related resources throughout Chicago.

Thanks to Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP for its generosity in providing meeting space for this event.

About Metropolitan Family Services
Metropolitan Family Services empowers families to learn, to earn, to heal, to thrive. Part mentor, part motivator, part advocate, since 1857 Metropolitan Family Services has been the engine of change that empowers Chicago-area families to reach their greatest potential and positively impact their communities.

About the Legal Aid Society of Metropolitan Family Services
The Legal Aid Society of Metropolitan Family Services (LAS) pioneered the concept of equal access to justice more than 125 years ago. LAS provides critical legal services to low-income families in the Chicago area, protecting them in cases of domestic violence, elder abuse, housing and consumer issues, and human trafficking. Today LAS serves more than 8,000 families and individuals each year.