by Char Brooks, Project Healthy Living Coach and Attorney

Alexis has been a part of Elder Law of Michigan (ELM) for over two years and every time I talk to her, I learn how integral she is to our team. Of all her talents, what impresses me most is how much drive she has for helping others by giving them the resources they need to make informed choices.

When I asked her what she is most passionate about, her unequivocal answer was, “Empowering others!”. She then told me the story of how her mother, Nana, and grandmother raised her to value community service. She said, “I have been compelled to empower others from a very young age.” And that is exactly what she does. She empowers others by sharing her skills and resources generously; she teaches others “how to fish”.

At ELM, she serves as the Project Administrator for the Model Approaches to Statewide Legal Assistance Systems Grant. The purpose of this grant is to look at all of the potential needs of low income seniors, including their legal needs, and find new, creative ways to give seniors the resources they need to make the choices that are right for them. A senior who lives is on a limited income could need many different services including: the Area Agency on Aging, the Aging and Disability Resource Center, Adult Protective Services, state long term care ombudsmen, and a Legal Hotline or legal aid organization, among others.

Alexis prides herself on being a “systems person,” while also valuing being resourceful. Through her work as Project Administrator of the Model Approaches Grant, she is learning ways to create links between all the services available to seniors so that they can make the choices that are right for them. She is also learning ways to share this knowledge so that communities can develop and implement similar systems which, in turn, will help more seniors in need.

Alexis also coordinates ELM’s estate planning clinics for low income seniors. Working directly with the senior coordinators in the community, as well as local attorneys, she organizes estate planning clinics so that low income seniors can receive no-cost legal help to draft a will, durable power of attorney for finances, and a medical power of attorney.

When I think of how Alexis’ work can directly help seniors make informed choices, I get the chills. Empowering others captures the essence of Alexis. She takes her tenacious, professional, patient attitude into all her responsibilities at ELM.

On a small scale, Alexis has worked tirelessly with me as part of the technology team to help me do my job better. Time after time, she has calmed the storms of my technology issues by showing me how to “fish”. She has undeniably empowered me and many others in countless ways.

When I asked Alexis what makes her day, she smiled and said: “I love accomplishing a set goal.”

Indeed, Alexis has accomplished so much for our clients as well as the staff at ELM.  We are grateful for her drive, passion, and resourcefulness.

Thanks Alexis for doing a great job for us every day!

Char is a Project Healthy Living Coach and Attorney with Elder Law of Michigan. In January 2013, Char became employed at ELM as an attorney focusing her efforts on writing articles for the blog as well as working on internal communications. Char holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Michigan State University, and graduated with her Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School over 30 years ago. Prior to joining ELM, Char worked for Michigan Health and Hospital Association as an attorney representing 140 hospitals throughout the state of Michigan in unemployment compensation cases.  Char has also received her certification as a Life Coach in 2004. Char is now teaching Project Healthy Living Classes in mid-Michigan and continues writing in various capacities for Elder Law of Michigan.