Page 2 - LANWT Annual Report 2018

A message from the
Chief Executive Officer of Program Focus:
Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas Tarrant County

I am pleased to report Medical-Legal
that Legal Aid of NorthWest
Texas continued its delivery Partnership
of impactful legal assistance
to low-income Texans
HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
throughout its 114-county FREQUENTLY look for ways to offer
service area in 2018. Legal integrated systems of care to improve
Aid responded to the need patients’ health. Referred to as a
for meaningful access to “holistic” approach to care, this
justice, and we increased combination of patient services often
the number of clients served includes attorneys who serve as
patient advocates through a model
with civil legal services, called a Medical-Legal Partnership
engaged in strategic (MLP). In 2018, Legal Aid entered into
advocacy, and launched such a partnership in Fort Worth.
new initiatives. The Tarrant County Medical-Legal
Legal Aid opened a pro se assistance office to provide Partnership (TCMLP) is a joint program
of Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas and
limited help to those navigating the legal system without My Health My Resources (MHMR)
an attorney. A new medical-legal partnership was launched of Tarrant County. The TCMLP was
focusing on the legal and medical needs of individuals launched in 2018 to help improve
and families challenged with mental health issues. Under health outcomes for MHMR clients
by simultaneously addressing their
this partnership, Legal Aid and its community partner underlying social and legal issues.
collaborate on a holistic approach in support of their clients. The TCMLP focuses on a broad
The Community Revitalization Program expanded its work spectrum of civil legal issues including
advocating for safe living environments within at-risk problems with landlords, housing
communities, ensuring adequate public transportation, conditions that affect health (e.g.,
mold or pests), foreclosure prevention,
and advocating for safe, fair and affordable housing appeal of food stamp benefit
within communities. Legal Aid continued assisting our denials, and assistance with securing
most vulnerable populations including veterans, survivors guardianships, advance medical
of domestic violence and sexual assault, the homeless and directives, and durable powers of
those at risk of homelessness, and the elderly. We also attorney.
The TCMLP is Legal Aid’s second
expanded our work on helping Texans to remove barriers to MLP. The Medical-Legal Partnership
employment, housing, and educational opportunities. for Children | Dallas, established in
Legal Aid expresses heartfelt thanks to its community 2010, is located onsite at Children’s
partners, donors, and many volunteers for their continued Medical Center Dallas, a not-for-profit
support. Our volunteers were truly amazing, donating pediatric hospital. This MLP’s team
of professionals works together to
thousands of hours of service and accepting hundreds of determine whether a child’s health
cases for representation in 2018. Legal Aid appreciates those is being impacted by external factors
financial supporters who generously gave to support our work that medical treatment alone cannot
in making access to justice a reality. address, such as living conditions
or learning disabilities that require
We look forward to a great 2019 when Legal Aid will roll special attention at school.
out its online intake system to improve the efficiencies of
and expand access to our services, continue strengthening
our partnerships, grow our community presence, and help
more Texans address their civil legal needs. I hope you
find this report informative and invite you to call for more
information about our exciting work or to connect with us
in other ways.

LEGAL AID ATTORNEYS NDIDI GBULIE (LEFT) AND JULIE SLADEK
Maria Thomas-Jones, Chief Executive Officer work onsite at MHMR facilities, working one-on-one
with staff to help improve the health outcomes of
MHMR clients by simultaneously addressing both social
and legal issues that can affect mental health.