October 2021 - Pro Bono Newsletter

Dear Volunteers,

On behalf of everyone at OSLSA, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Even in the best of years, I am inspired and humbled by the dedication of our amazing volunteers. But as we all know, 2021 has been anything but the “best of years.” As the pandemic has dragged on long past our expectations, our roster of volunteers have proven themselves equally steadfast in their pursuit of justice for their clients. The difficulty of representing clients during a global pandemic—coupled with the unprecedented need for legal aid services—has made me even more appreciative of the selflessness and compassion of those who step up and volunteer their time and expertise.

On this Celebrate Pro Bono Week, I am honored to congratulate three volunteers who deserve particular recognition for their outstanding efforts: our 2021 OSLSA Pro Bono Award winners, Ruby Brown, Sue Dostal, and Jessica Doogan. We are so thankful to Ruby, Sue, Jessica, and all our volunteers for their commitment to a justice system that works for all Ohioans, regardless of income.

Gratefully,

Dianna Parker

Director of Pro Bono & Community Engagement

Ohio State Legal Services Association

2021 Pro Bono Award Winners

Ruby Brown

Kayla Callahan, LASC Pro Bono Coordinator, on why she nominated Ruby for a 2021 Pro Bono Award:

“Ruby was one of the first ‘regular’ volunteers I got to work with, and I feel so lucky to be able to say that. Even though she was a new attorney, Ruby took numerous referrals from us in our more difficult to place practice areas. Ruby’s unwavering commitment to serving our clients and giving back, despite everything that she has to balance personally, and despite everything going on in the world is why Ruby’s work is so inspiring.”

Find out more about Ruby's pro bono work in this video, https://fb.watch/8XPCbACNAM/.

Sue Dostal

Patricia Vargas Vegas, SEOLS Pro Bono Coordinator, on why she nominated Sue for a 2021 Pro Bono Award:

“It amazes me how Sue is always willing to assist and how she goes above and beyond to make sure that every client receives the help they need. She is also personable, kind, and has a way to lift everyone up around her. To say that we appreciate her help and dedication is an understatement. We are so grateful to Sue for all her hard work with SEOLS and the difference she has made in our clients’ lives throughout the years.”

Find out more about Sue's pro bono work in this video,  https://fb.watch/8XPjtV6Ls2/.

Jessica Doogan

Tracy Virgin, SEOLS Pro Bono & Community Engagement Support, on why she nominated Jessica for a 2021 Pro Bono Award:

“Jessica was—and is—one of our best helping hands. Jessica started volunteering with legal aid in late 2019. She quickly became my go-to for legal aid’s unemployment advice cases, sometimes taking on 3 to 4 clients at a time. I’m so grateful to Jessica for her willingness to serve and assist the communities in need.”

Find out more about Jessica's pro bono work in this video,  https://fb.watch/8WxE6uxB4S/.