by Char Brooks, J.D., Project Healthy Living Coach
Our legal hotline provides free legal assistance to older adults on matters including medicare, medicaid, estate planning, wills and probate, debt collection, and housing issues. Elder Law of Michigan (ELM) is very appreciative of Dave Jones for volunteering his services as an attorney. Without attorneys like Dave, our hotline would not be able to operate as efficiently as we do.
Dave has been volunteering for ELM at least once a week for about a year and a half. He brings over 35 years of legal experience from a tenure as an administrative law judge. When asked what he liked most about working at ELM, Dave shared how much he enjoys staying current with changes in the law as well as giving legal advice to those in need.
“I am passionate about helping seniors,” said Dave. “I am a senior myself, and understand the obstacles and other problems they face. I also feel we have a duty to give back to our community. I did not do much volunteer work during my working years, and I am trying to make up for it in my retirement.”
Several employees described Dave as kind and intelligent. Sandra Wisnewski, Director of Legal Services, added, “Dave is very knowledgable about the law and very dedicated to being an Elder Law of Michigan volunteer.”
When I asked Dave what makes his day, he shared a story of helping one of our clients who was about to be evicted from a nursing home the day she called us. He was able to provide her with the number to an agency which was able to stay the eviction pending an administrative hearing. His ability to understand the client’s needs and quickly give the client the resources she needed to handle their situation effectively is part of what makes our hotline team so successful.
In addition to volunteering at ELM, Dave also volunteers at the Greater Lansing Food Bank as well as participates in other short term volunteer projects. He enjoys travelling and has two trips planned for 2015.
Thank you Dave for assisting our clients in such a professional and effective way. The way that you listen to and help our clients is a priceless contribution to our team as well as seniors in need. We are very grateful for your dedicated service!
The Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors, a program of Elder Law of Michigan, Inc., is available to assist individuals age 60 or older (or family caregivers) regardless of income, statewide. Hotline advocates advise on a wide range of topics including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Consumer Law, Wills/Probate, Long Term Care, and many more. The Legal Hotline is available Monday through Thursday, 9 AM to 3 PM, at 866.400.9164.
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.