The stories and testimonies of those proud Iowans looking to create a better life for their families
An at-work injury had left Emily* unable to perform her normal job at a nearby meatpacking plant where she worked on an ‘assembly line’. Emily is the primary caregiver for her two young grandchildren and she returned to work, needing the paycheck to assure her families economic stability, and hoping to be assigned ‘light duty’ consistent with her doctor’s orders.
Unfortunately her employer insisted upon her returning to her normal duties, which she did to provide for her family. Over the next several months she was absent three times for a doctor’s appointment or due to the continuing pain. On an unscheduled Saturday, when she was told she would have to work, she could not find childcare for her grandchildren and was absent also. This made four absences in five months and Emily was fired by her employer who subsequently contested her unemployment claim.
Iowa Legal Aid represented this working grandmother in an attempt to stabilize her home and protect her grandchildren on the path to their true potential. The Judge concurred with Emily and Iowa Legal Aid and her unemployment benefits were allowed while she sought another means to support her family.
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While receiving job training as a means to improve her life and the lives of her children, JB* was living in an apartment with the assistance of a federal subsidy. Her concerns about the nearly uninhabitable apartment were ignored until the landlord attempted an illegal eviction. This would also have meant a termination of her subsidy which would have made paying rent impossible on her income and would have been the end of her efforts to improve herself. An Iowa Legal Aid attorney successfully prevented their homelessness by getting the unfair eviction action dismissed. JB and her children were able to transition into safer and more habitable conditions shortly thereafter.
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Jill’s sister, who held Jill’s power of attorney, approached Iowa Legal Aid. Jill* was terminally ill with cancer and gravely concerned for the future of her four children. Jill feared that after her passing their drug-dealing biological father might attempt to claim custody. With the help of an Iowa Legal Aid attorney Jill, who could not have otherwise afforded an attorney, was able to execute a Will which specified her desire to have her children raised by her family at her death. Sadly, Jill is now gone, but she left knowing that she had done all that she could for her children to provide them an opportunity to achieve their true potential.
*Not our clients real names
I just wanted to take a minute to say “thank you!”
Thank you to the receptionist that took the intake information...
Thank you to the lawyer that took the case information...
Thank you to the attorney that went to court with me and kept me calm.
Thank you all for listening without judging me, for explaining everything that was happening and going to happen.
Above all else, for not letting me just give in and have someone take advantage of me. For giving me a voice. You fought for me and I will always remember and appreciate that most of all.
Again, thank you all!!
-An Iowa Legal Aid Client in 2007
Thank you for everything, it changed my life for good. – A central Iowa client 6/07
Now I’m divorced from an abuser! – Northeast Iowa Regional Office client 4/07
I was made to feel like a human being once again. When you reach my age of 77, I think you will find out that people and life pass you by. On a very limited Social Security income it is impossible to be able to pay for help. I am deeply grateful for your help and understanding – A Southwest Iowa Regional Client. 4/07
Now we can all begin to feel safe and heal, Your office in Mason City provides excellent service. – A Northcentral Iowa client 4/07
They made me feel it was not my fault and I did deserve respect. I know not to be afraid. That people like Legal Aid and the law do help and do care. The person harassing me has not bothered me or my children. We are Free! –Client from Southwest Iowa 1/07