Category Archives: Front Page-Updates

WTTW- Rebecca Weininger On Recent Ruling By The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals

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Thanks to WTTW Chicago for shining a light on domestic violence. NSLAC Executive Director Rebecca Weininger joins advocates to discuss a recent ruling by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals saying that the Second Amendment allows people accused of domestic abuse to have guns. While the ruling only applies in the 5th District, which encompasses Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, advocates for survivors of domestic violence said the ruling could have reverberations nationwide.

WGN TV Chicago- TDVAM

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February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, and it’s important to educate teens and parents about what is and is not a healthy relationship, what signs to look out for, how to talk to your teen, and how to get help.
 
Thank you to WGN TV Chicago for featuring NSLAC and Director of Domestic Violence Law Practice Rebecca Weininger on Daytime Chicago.

Apple Safety Check Features For All

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Working towards our mission to provide access to justice for those most in need, NSLAC believes it is important for all individuals to know the safety measures they can take using their phones. We are so thankful to Apple for providing us with further education on their Apple Safety Check features to share with the public. 

 

If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911 immediately.

To set up an appointment, please call (847) 737-4042 or click here to schedule a consultation.

A Special Message- Thank you, Gracias, Dziękuję Ci, 감사합니다

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Dear Friends,

We know that life has been uniquely challenging, especially for the individuals and families we serve. When unsettling news knocks us down, gratitude gives us back our hope. We have so much to be thankful for this year, including for people like you who continue to motivate and inspire us and provide us with a constant source of positivity and support. 

From all of us at NSLAC, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. During this special time of the year and always, may you and those you care about experience peace, health, happiness, and security. 

Local Banker Cheryl Braude Joins The North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic Board Of Directors

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North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic (NSLAC) Board of Directors is announcing the unanimous election of Cheryl Braude to the NSLAC Board of Directors. Board members bring diverse experiences and skills together with a shared commitment to forwarding the mission of the organization. Members set policy and serve as ambassadors, educating and building relationships to further the success of NSLAC. 

Cheryl Braude has worked in commercial banking for her entire 37-year professional career. For the past 14 years, she has worked at First Bank Chicago (f/k/a First Bank of Highland Park), where she is Chief Credit Officer.  Cheryl is responsible for overseeing the quality of the Bank’s $1.3 billion loan portfolio. Her leadership, experience, and steadfast standards set the tone for the Bank’s credit culture. Her prior 23 years were spent at LaSalle Bank.   

Cheryl attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. She is active in her synagogue, sitting on both the Finance and Endowment Committees. Cheryl and her husband live in Northbrook and have two adult children. 

“I welcome the opportunity to support NSLAC’s mission and assist in furthering its goals. First Bank Chicago has developed a bank-wide culture of caring for the community and encourages leadership and staff to give time, talent, and resources as well as financial education and charitable contributions. I look forward to putting my professional background and experience and dedicate my time into serving such a worthwhile organization,” said Braude. 

“Cheryl is a highly regarded leader in the financial services industry, and her financial background will make her an invaluable asset as NSLAC continues to grow. She brings leadership and community spirit with a strong desire to fight for the basic dignity that all people deserve,” said Board Chair Robin Powers. 

DACA 10th Anniversary- NSLAC Media Appearance

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Dreamers, their families, and the advocates concerned for their protection are grateful for DACA, but they are concerned for their future in the US. NSLAC Staff Attorney Irma Wilson joined WTTW – Chicago PBS for an important conversation about DACA. Read more about this update here.

The North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic continues to strongly urge DACA recipients and DACA-eligible individuals to contact us immediately for a full legal screening. We provide free legal assistance to any and all individuals, regardless of where they live or work, who need assistance in renewing their DACA application.
For questions about DACA, please contact info@NSLegalAid.org or 847-737-4042

Health Care Power of Attorney Clinic for Students – August 3, 2022

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North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic and New Trier Township are pleased to partner with attorney Adam Garber from Levenfeld Pearlstein to offer a free Power of Attorney for students. Watch this recorded information session, where Adam shares why a Power of Attorney health care form is crucial when an emergency renders a student unable to make medical decisions for themselves.

 

Students and their parents with a permanent address in suburban Cook County, IL and throughout Lake County, IL can sign up to meet with an attorney on August 3, 2022, from 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM at New Trier Township, 739 Elm Street, Winnetka. Attorneys will assist students and their parents in preparing a Health Care Power of Attorney form, which will permit parents to have access to their child’s medical team in an emergency. Click here to sign up.

 

Suggested donation: $25

North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic Launches Financial Literacy Initiatives for Domestic Violence Survivors

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North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic (NSLAC) announces a partnership with Heartland Alliance, a fellow grantee of the Chicago Foundation for Women, to help domestic violence survivors secure financial stability. Domestic violence survivors experience legal and financial obstacles to independence. Resources focused in these areas help domestic violence survivors eliminate such barriers to achieve safety, and live productive and secure lives.

The organizations created a series of short, informational videos to educate survivors on the basics of finances and building credit. They are also collaborating to refer survivors to Heartland Alliance’s financial coaching program and training NSLAC’s staff in financial coaching.

Director of Domestic Violence Law Practice Rebecca Weininger said, “We are always concerned about creating more issues for survivors by taking legal action without securing financial stability at the same time. The three initiatives that we have developed with Heartland Alliance will equip our staff to contribute to our clients’ financial security. We hope to expand this referral system to include our immigration and housing clients.”

Barbara L. Martinez, Manager in the Asset Building Programs at Heartland Alliance stated, “We are pleased to partner with NSLAC. Their mission and goals are closely aligned with ours. Reaching domestic survivors at the beginning of their journey means that we can help them achieve financial independence faster. Together, we are saving lives.”

Heartland Alliance has recorded a series of short, trauma-informed educational videos on the basics of financial literacy. These videos will be hosted on NSLAC’s successful Banana Bread website (www.bananabreadhelp.com)- a website that is disguised as a recipe blog- to provide a way for people to learn about domestic violence and resources for help without leaving an obvious digital trace. Topics include logistics for opening your own bank account, credit importance, and Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

NSLAC now refers eligible clients (employed, safe, and ready to work toward a financial goal) to Heartland Alliance’s financial coaching program which includes monthly one-on-one financial coaching, online classes, and a stipend for completing the program. This coaching is designed for survivors who have already established some independence from their abuser.

Heartland Alliance is training the staff at NSLAC to educate our clients on financial information including credit building, why credit is important, how to obtain an ITIN, opening bank accounts, and what landlords look for in tenants.

NSLAC is staffed with domestic violence attorneys, a social worker, and advocates who provide confidential assistance. NSLAC works in conjunction with social service agencies and public safety officials who can help provide safety and resources. For more information, call 847-737-4042 or visit www.NSLegalaid.org.
Heartland Alliance, one of the world’s leading anti-poverty and human rights organizations, works in communities in the U.S. and abroad to serve people experiencing homelessness, living in poverty, or seeking safety. The organization provides a comprehensive array of services and advocates for policy change in the areas of safety and justice, health and healing, and economic opportunity.

Volunteer Spotlight: David Mason

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Dave has worked as a commercial finance lawyer in Chicago for 37 years, almost entirely at the law firm Goldberg Kohn Ltd.  Pro bono work, focusing on immigration matters, was a part of Dave’s practice for the last 10 years (albeit a small part).  Most of Dave’s pro bono projects involved assisting “Dreamers” who came to this country as children.  “I got great pleasure helping these hard-working young adults achieve their dream of remaining and creating lives for themselves in the United States.”  Dave always regretted that he did not find more time for more pro bono matters.  Having recently retired from practicing finance law, Dave promised himself that he would find a way to  do more pro bono work.    Dave was introduced to NSLAC by board member Laura Ulrich, a friend and spouse of one of Dave’s law partners.    “While I have been involved with the Clinic for only a short time, I have been impressed by the professionalism, passion and efficiency with which the Clinic represents its clients.  Residents of Chicago’s Northern suburbs (of which I have been one for almost all of my life) should be very proud of the work done by NSLAC.”  In retirement, Dave plans on spending more time with family (all of whom live in the Chicago area), traveling,  a handful of hobbies and pro bono legal projects.