changing livesone client at a time - prairie state legal services

ANNUAL REPORT 2008

Equa l A c c e s s t o Ju s t i c eChanging lives…one client at a time

Change starts with ONE.

A place we often take for granted as we go about our busy lives. But in 2008 thereality of homelessness, well, hit home for many Americans as our economy faltered…jobswere lost…and low-income homeowners and renters were swept up in the foreclosure crisis.

Prairie State Legal Services was ready to help. We made concerted efforts to ensure that ourlegal staff was well prepared to assist Illinois families in the struggle to save their homes.Some of their stories are presented here in our 2008 Annual Report.

As unemployment rates rose, Prairie State renewed emphasis on equipping our staff to helpdisplaced workers access public benefits. With our advocacy, many folks who needed to rely onsocial safety-net programs took action, such as applying for food stamps and medical coverage.

2008 saw our numbers escalate in the area of family law, as well. A poor economy createsstressed households which leads to increased instances of divorce and domestic violence.Unfortunately, there are simply too many requests for Prairie State to afford to handle. As Iwrite to you, I’ve learned that we will lose $600,000 in funding in fiscal year ’09.

In a perfect world, we could help them all. In reality, change starts with ONE. As you readthrough this report, I ask you to please consider making a difference in one person’s life…inyour community…by making a charitable contribution to Prairie State Legal Services. Ifyou are an attorney, please consider partnering with Prairie State by handling a pro bonocase.

In these difficult times, your willingness to support our services means more than ever. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Michael O’Connor, Executive Director

Home. It’s where the heart is.

Equa l A c c e s s t o Ju s t i c e Changing lives…one client at a time




One client. One attorney. One donor who makes it possible. It starts small andadds up to hundreds of struggling Illinois families whose lives changed for the better in2008…with help from you and Prairie State Legal Services.

The following stories highlight the dedication, innovation and perseverance typical of PrairieState staff and volunteer attorneys. Our attorneys look beyond the immediate needs of theirclients, thereby saving them from future hardship. They advocate for their clients whenever andwherever necessary, and often visit clients at their homes, in shelters or at the hospital.

Our attorneys make Prairie State a leading force in bringing equal access to justice to all.

One. It’s a bigger number than you realize.



Carla, a Peoria mother of four children, contacted Prairie State Legal Services in May2008. She had developed a thyroid problem that required extensive radiation. She was not ableto work as much and had fallen behind in her mortgage. Five months had elapsed since she lastpaid her mortgage and she was in foreclosure.

Prairie State contacted volunteer attorney Jennifer Connelly, who was able to negotiate themortgage with the bank. The foreclosure was dismissed and Carla was able to return to work.She is making her mortgage payments and has been able to remain in her home.

Without the help of a volunteer attorney, Carla and her children could have become homelessand Carla might not have been able to return to work. Attorney Connelly demonstrates thechange a volunteer attorney can make—one client at a time.

One more family still has a place to call home.



Paralegal Dori Michaels won a victory for a hard-working single mother and herbeautiful but severely disabled daughter. Amanda, a 7-year old, has had serious behavior problemssince she was a small child. She was expelled from a series of day care settings. Amanda’s problemsintensified when she started school, and she began to hurt herself, including banging her head into thewall at school. The school district moved her class setting repeatedly, putting her in more restrictiveenvironments, and finally into a therapeutic school.

Amanda’s mother held a good job which allowed her to support Amanda, but was forced to leave thatjob to care for Amanda, resulting in a substantial drop in income. Her mother found work deliveringnewspapers; Amanda sleeps in the car while her mother drives the route in the middle of the night.

Our client, Amanda’s mother, applied for disability benefits to help her care for the child. Frequently,the Social Security Administration will reject a claimant’s initial application for benefits, and this iswhat happened to Amanda’s mother. She turned to Prairie State Legal Services, where she was assistedby paralegal Dori Michaels.

The child’s impairments have been difficult to diagnose; most recently doctors state they believe shemay have a form of autism. Ms. Michaels gathered evidence and worked with Amanda’s therapist andteachers to develop opinion letters to support her mother’s claim. Ms. Michaels represented Amanda’smother at a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. The ALJ was convinced by the evidence andargument Ms. Michaels presented, and awarded Amanda benefits.

Today, Amanda is receiving regular SSI payments. She is doing better and has been in summer school.Amanda and her mom still do the paper route together in early morning to make ends meet.Ms. Michaels’ determination to find the needed information to support Amanda’s claim for disabilityenabled the family to win the case, and demonstrates the change Prairie State makes in individuallives—one client at a time.

One more single parent can supporther disabled child.



When Steve, a Waukegan man with multiple medical conditions, learned he had atumor growing on his face, he went to the local medical center to seek treatment. He was in needof urgent care, but the hospital refused to do surgery until he had a medical card. Steve came toPrairie State to seek assistance in getting public aid coverage so he could get the surgery he sodesperately needed.

Attorney Amy Weiss reviewed Steve’s information and determined that he was eligible to receiveMedicaid. Through strong professional relationships she had built at the medical center, AttorneyWeiss was able to expedite the Medicaid application process with Steve’s doctor. The doctorreferred Steve to an ENT Surgical Specialist, but his problem didn’t stop there.

While waiting for surgery to begin, Steve was becoming very upset and was in a lot of pain.He felt the hospital was giving him the runaround, so Attorney Weiss went up to see the doctorand worked with the medical center to get the surgery scheduled. The surgery was completed, butSteve lost his right eye in the procedure and was having a difficult time coping. Steve’s doctorsubmitted a letter to the Illinois Department of Human Services discussing the limitationsSteve would face due to the complications from surgery.

At first the Social Security Office would not process the forms and wanted Steve to come in to theiroffice. Attorney Weiss explained to them that Steve was hooked up to an IV of antibiotics and wentto the Social Security Office herself to get the paperwork completed.

Steve was approved for presumptive SSI benefits and received his first check. All of his medical billswere paid, including additional surgery he needed for an infection that developed. He is doing fineand is continuing with radiation and chemotherapy treatments.

Attorney Weiss showed great dedication to her client, and by anticipating future problems she wasable to Steve the medical care he would need after surgery. She demonstrates the positive changePrairie State attorneys make—one client at a time.

One more patient receives urgent medical benefits.



DuPage County resident Kim had lost her job, fell on hard times and found her home inforeclosure. She had been working with Prairie State Legal Services for help on her mortgageforeclosure defense.

One day, Kim told Attorney Laura Myers that her problems were solved. Kim had signed anagreement with a company that specialized in helping persons in foreclosure save their homes.Kim would make payments to the company at much lower interest rates, and would be able tokeep her home. Months passed and eventually the mortgage was paid off…but Kim’s paymentsdid not decrease; in fact, a monthly service fee was added to her mounting debts.

Meanwhile, with the growing number of mortgage fraud scams, Attorney Myers became concernedand took it upon herself to do further research. She discovered that Kim had unknowingly signed aquitclaim deed, transferring ownership of her property to the foreclosure company. The amount ofequity in Kim’s home, essentially stolen by the company, came to over $77,000.

After three years of litigation by Attorney Myers and Attorney David Wolowitz, this mortgagerescue fraud case was finally settled in 2008. Through Prairie State’s advocacy, Kim was able toremain in her home during the lengthy litigation process and eventually received a benefit of atleast $72,626. She also realized that she could not afford to keep the home and decided upon acash settlement instead of the title.

Attorney Meyers trusted her instincts and took it upon herself to check in on her client.Without her dedication to the case, Kim would not have only lost her house, but also theadditional funds stolen by the company. Attorney Myers shows us how determined advocacycan make a positive change in one client’s life.

One more homeowner rescued froma mortgage scam.



2008 was a challenging, rewarding and productive year for Prairie State LegalServices and the clients we serve. Supporters like you made it all possible. But others stillharbor the perception that we are a government agency with resources to help anyone andeveryone with a legal problem.

As an independent, not-for-profit agency, PSLS only wishes we could make our services availableto all. But in reality, we do not have enough staff, volunteers or financial funding to handle everyrequest for help.

Times are tough. Families are stressed. Calls to Prairie State are on the rise. As we face our ownfunding cutbacks in the upcoming fiscal year, your ongoing support will help us continue toserve those whose situations are most critical—those in danger of losing homes, income,personal safety.

Thank you for making a difference in one person’s life. A difference in your community.A financial donation—or a donation of time, legal talent and tenacity—to Prairie StateLegal Services.

One will be helped—yet another turned away.


Financial Statement 2008

Legal ServicesCorporation 27.6%

United Way 7.5%Lawyers Trust Fund 26.9%

Special Projects/Grants 20.9%

Older AmericansAct 5.0%

Contributions 4.4%Other 7.7% Total $9,718,165

REVENUETotal $8,246,866

EXPENDITURES

Personnel 76.2%

Occupancy 6.1%

Subgrants/Contract Services 6.3%

Supplies and Postage 2.1%Telephone/Internet 1.9%Law Library 1.5%

Other 4.8%Depreciation 1.1%


Partner OrganizationsEach year, dozens of partner organizations commit their resources in order to helpus provide legal services for populations and communities throughout our service area. In 2008,the following partners helped ensure access to justice for tens of thousands of clients in northernand central Illinois.

Aurora Mental Health & Mental Retardation ServicesBatavia United WayBureau County United WayCatholic CharitiesCentral Illinois Agency on AgingChicago Department of Public HealthCity of Aurora Police DepartmentCity of Aurora Division of Neighborhood

RedevelopmentCity of Bloomington TownshipCity of DeKalbCity of Peoria Neighborhood Development DivisionCity of Waukegan Community Development

Block GrantCounty of DuPage Human ServicesCounty of DuPage Senior ServicesCounty of McHenry Tax LevyDeKalb County Community Services DepartmentDoris and Victor Day Foundation, Inc.DuPage Community Development CommissionDwight Community ChestEast Central Illinois Care ConsortiumEast Central Illinois Area Agency on AgingFar Northwest Suburban United WayFox Valley United WayGeneva Community ChestHeart of Illinois United Way

Herbolsheimer FoundationIllinois Attorney General’s OfficeIllinois Bar FoundationIllinois Criminal Justice Information AuthorityIllinois Department of Children and Family ServicesIllinois Department of Commerce and

Economic OpportunityIllinois Department of Human ServicesIllinois Department of Public HealthIllinois Equal Justice FoundationIllinois Office of Rehabilitation ServicesKane County Bar FoundationKendall County Tax LevyKishwaukee United WayLake County Department of Planning and DevelopmentLawyers Trust Fund of IllinoisLegal Services CorporationMcDonough County United WayMcHenry County Dept. of Planning and DevelopmentNaperville United WayNortheastern Illinois Area Agency on AgingNorthwestern Illinois Area Agency on AgingPeoria City/County Health DepartmentRock Island 708 Mental Health BoardSt. Charles 708 Mental Health BoardSt. Charles TownshipThe Fairbury Community Fund

U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban DevelopmentU.S. Dept. of JusticeUnited Way of Boone CountyUnited Way of Central Kane CountyUnited Way of the DuPage AreaUnited Way of Eastern LaSalle CountyUnited Way of ElginUnited Way of Grundy CountyUnited Way of Illinois ValleyUnited Way of Kankakee CountyUnited Way of Knox CountyUnited Way of Lake CountyUnited Way of Lee CountyUnited Way of McHenry CountyUnited Way of McLean CountyUnited Way of Metro ChicagoUnited Way of the North ShoreUnited Way of Northwest IllinoisUnited Way of Ogle CountyUnited Way of PekinUnited Way of PontiacUnited Way of Rock River ValleyUnited Way of the Quad Cities AreaWarren County United WayWestern Illinois Area Agency on AgingWinnebago County Health Department



In 2008, Prairie State Legal Services received several cy près awards totaling morethan $750,000. This is the first time Prairie State has received cy près awards in such a largeamount. These funds have significantly added to Prairie State’s stability in a period of economicdisruption, and have allowed us to better serve the poor and elderly residents of Illinois.

Cy près is a French term which means “next best use.” When funds from class payments cannotbe distributed to all class members, the court must decide how to distribute funds unclaimed bythe class members. The court then designates a third party or agency to use those residual funds.In recent years, courts have awarded cy près funds to programs that provide free legal services tolow-income people. Cy près awards have proven to be one of the best means available to helpclose the justice gap, helping to expand the capacity of the pro bono and legal aid system.

A cy prèss award is made when a judge approves an agreement between plaintiff ’s and defenseattorneys. We are grateful to all parties who have made these awards possible. We would especiallylike to thank the following:

Phillip A. Bock, Bock & HatchBrian J. Wanca, Anderson & WancaEdelman, Combs, Latturner & Goodwin, LLCSteven J. Seidman

Prairie State receives four cy près awards in 2008


Thank you$10,000 or MoreCaterpillar Foundation in Honor of

Caterpillar Legal Services Division

John W. Condon

Howard & Howard

Illinois Bar Foundation

Lane & Waterman, LLP

Anthony C. Raccuglia

$5,000 to 9,999Anonymous

Matthew Kaplan and the A. & E. Kaplan Foundation

Dudley & Lake LLC

Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen

Hinshaw & Culbertson, LLP

Legal Aid 2008

McLean County Bar Association

Peoria County Bar Association includingThomson West/John Roach Golf ContestProceeds and Golf Outing Raffle Proceeds

Quinn, Johnston, Henderson & Pretorius

S. Edward Marder Family Foundation in honorof the Chris and Linda Marder Family

James Walker

Westervelt, Johnson, Nicoll & Keller, LLC

$2,500 to 4,999Arthur and Gesena Griffin Trust

Gayle Kenney Dompke

Herbolsheimer, Lannon, Henson,Duncan & Reagan, P.C.

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP

Husch Blackwell Sanders, LLP

Suzanne and William Lindsay

McHenry County Bar Association

Leonard W. Sachs

Vonachen, Lawless, Trager & Slevin

$1,000 to 2,499Anonymous (2)

Abbott Laboratories Fund

Ackman, Marek, Meyer & Boyd, Ltd.

Ameren CILCO

Hon. Barry R. Anderson

Association of Women Attorneys of Lake County

Robert S. Baizer

Frank Black

Jim and Trish Black

Bozeman, Neighbour, Patton & Noe, LLP

Law Offices of Brown & Brown

Campion, Curran, Dunlop & Lamb, P.C.

James R. Carter, P.C.

Mike and Kim Casey

Caterpillar Legal Services Division

CEFCU

Joseph A. and Diane Dailing includinggifts in memory of Jess Wilson

Bob and Laurie Dewey

Doris and Victor Day Foundation, Inc.

Daniel M. Falotico in memory of Arlene Falotico

Todd and Sonja Faulkner

First Midwest Bank

First Presbyterian Church

Gretchen Fisher

James P. Ginzkey

Deborah L. Goldberg and Dr. Neil Puller includinggifts in memory of Troi Lwaxana Cat and in honorof 50 years of Michelle Wiejaczka

Hon. Mary P. Gorman

Cheri N. Greenlee

Haskris Company in memory of Arlene M. Falotico

Hasselberg, Rock, Bell & Kuppler LLP

J. F. Heckinger

Stephen J. Heine

Heritage Bank of Central Illinois

Holmstrom & Kennedy, P.C.

We thank our individual and corporate supporters who gave so generously intime and money to Prairie State Legal Services in 2008.


Thank you$1,000 to 2,499 (continued)

Dr. James R. Hubler andHon. Katherine S. Gorman Hubler

Hynds, Rooks, Yohnka & Bzdill

Illinois Mutual

Bob and Sue Jennetten

Johnson, Bunce & Noble, P.C.

Kane County Bar Foundation

Karen L. Kendall

Justice Thomas and Mary Kilbridein memory of Joe Smith

Raymond J. Kloss

Knell & Kelly L.L.C.

William Kohlhase

Lake County Bar Association

Leshen & Sliwinski, P.C.

Lesser, Lutrey & McGlynn LLP

Linn & Campe, Ltd.

Michael Mack, Jr.

Mike and Shirley McElvain

Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial

J. Sue Myatt

Gary and Carol Nelson

Mike and Laura O’Connor

Vance C. Parkhurst

Hon. Carol M. Pentuic

Prairie Home Alliance

Paul and Carole Perona

Jack Porter

Charles J. Prorok and Marcia L. Mueller

Rauch Family Foundation 1, Inc.

Rockford Bank & Trust

Russell, English, Scoma & Beneke

Peter Schlax

Schweickert & Ganassin

Shaw, Jacobs, & Associates P.C.

Daniel J. and Jeanne F. Smithincluding gifts in memory of Jess Wilson

Larry W. Smith and Jane Smith

Snow, Hunter, Whiton & Fishburn, Ltd.

Dean L. Sutton

Jean Swee

THE National Bank

Vella & Lund, PC

Anonymous

Barbara Weiner in honor of Judge Jane Waller

John and Susan Whitcher

WilliamsMcCarthy LLP

Louis P. Milot and Lisa Y. Wilson

Craig and Gayle Young

Zanck, Coen & Wright, P.C.

$500 to 999Anonymous (6)

Roger Angel

Bank of America

Dennis Baron

Dick and Lynn Batcher

Mr. and Mrs. Irwin Been

Jon L. Beerman

A. Lou and Patricia C. Benassi

Black, Black & Brown

Thomas H. Boswell

Laurel D. Breitkopf

Angela Bresnahan

David J. Bressler

Beth and David Brush

Caldwell Berner & Caldwell

Sara M. Cannon

Dianne Casuto

Michael T. Cavanaughincluding gifts in memory of Bob Will

Judge Valerie Ceckowski

James Chancellor

Diana L. Charlton

Chicago Title Insurance Company

Churchill & Churchill, P.C.

Citizens First National Bank


Thank you$500 to 999 (continued)

William L. Cleaver

Bob and Val Coletta

Kenneth M. Collinson

Judge James G. Conwayin memory of Joseph W. Smith

Cordis & Gilles

Tomas Curbelo

Anne Megan Davis

David R. Del Re

Donald R. Dirks, Jr.

Ed Donahue

Donovan Trust

James and Suzanne Eagle

John and Cynthia Eliasin memory of Daniel J. Elias

Ellida Home Association

Mary Etrick

Eureka Savings Bank

Douglas W. Fehr

Hon. and Mrs. Fred Foreman

John W. France including giftsin honor of Cathy Ritts

William Y. Franks

Kathleen C. Fuhrmann

Richard N. Gentry, Jr.

Mary & James Gesmer

Scott Gibson

Gunnar J. Gitlin

Kenneth J. and Bobbie R. Glick

Judith Goodie

Victoria Graves

Hon. Mary Linn Green and Donald R. Ufkin

Thomas M. Gurewitz

Jeff and Amanda Hamaker

Tom and Ann Hamlin in memory of Paula Hamlin

Scott M. Hardek

Hasselberg, Williams, Grebe, Snodgrass & Birdsall

Ann Hill

Nancy and Bob Hinton

Hon. William E. Holdridge

Janie Houston

Hyzer, Hyzer & Jacobs

Frank W. Ierulli

Jay Janssen

James R. and Anita H. Jenkins

Elizabeth L. Jensen and David L. Wentworth, II

John T. Jursich

Katz, Goldstein & Warren

James Leo Keely and Christine H. Keely

Jerald Kessler

Landscape Concepts Management

Steven L. Larson

Sally A. Lichter

John J. Mangan

Hon. Victoria L. Martinin honor of Eugene E. Martin, Sr.

Judge Stephen C. Mathers

Tom and Kelly McConnaughay

Thomas McDonald

G. Robert Mecherle

Verlin Meinz and Jean Herigodt

Morrison & Morrison, P.C.

Deborah Morrison

John P. Nicoara

Gregory Noe

Attorney Michael Olewinski

Louis E. Olivero & Associates

Tom and Marcia O’Neal

Peddinghaus Corporation

Mathew R.P. Perrone

Attorney and Mrs. Gary Peterlin

Jodi Plagenz

Joseph R. Poell

David R. Quade in honor of Bill Franks


Thank you$500 to 999 (continued)

Hon. Cynthia M. Raccuglia

Ann Reading

Diane M. Reinsch

John and Mary Rooks

Brian W. Ruddell

Law Office of Gary L. Schlesinger including giftsin honor of Michelle Wiejaczka’s 50th birthdayand in honor of Linda Rothnagel

Stephen M. Simonian

John A. Slover, Jr. in memory of Durward J. Long, Sr.

Charles W. Smith

Howard E. Smith, Jr.

Nancy Sohn in honor of Sarah Megan andKathy Betcher, and all their fine and dedicated work

State Farm Companies FoundationGood Neighbor Grant Program

Stephens, Fiddes, McGill & Assoc.

Robert and Marilyn Sutherland via theSticklewort Fund of the Illinois PrairieCommunity Foundation

Linnea E. Thompson

Thomson

Peter Trobe

Jay and Cathy Trost

Hon. Jay Ukena

John B. Van Duzer, Jr.

VanFleet & Ohaver, LLC

Hon. Nancy Waites

David L. Wentworth II and Elizabeth L. Jensen

Don E. Wheeler in memory of Linda L. Wheeler

Francine B. White

Joan and Gordon White

Sonni Choi and Dick B. Williams

Sonni Choi and Dick B. Williams

Willa Wilson in memory of Jess Wilson

Wysocki & Smith

Richard W. and Karen K. Zuckermanin memory of Leon Zuckerman

$250 to 499AnonymousAnonymous in honor of Marvida ValiukenasJoseph N. AdamHon. J. Peter AultRon and Sherrie BarchJames H. BechtJoel D. BergWilliam R. BeuDonald F. BlackRichard BlackKirk Bode

Chris BohlenScott W. BordenWilliam M. BrackenJudge Terrence and Debbie BradyWalter D. BrandHerman BrandauAnn BrezinskiThomas F. BroderickJoseph and Thea BruceKim BrunnerMary Elise BurnettMr. and Mrs. Kenneth BurnsHon. Daniel ButeJohn CantlinCentrue BankMary J. ClarkHon. Joseph and Mary CondonRalph and Joyce DaltonDavid L. Gates & AssociatesThomas E. Davies, P.C.William DetrickSteven E. DierksHenry S. Dixon and Linda A. GiesenKimberley DonaldJudge and Mrs. Richard E. Eagleton FundKenny and Amy EathingtonEllida Lodge #25 IOV


Thank you$250 to 499 (continued)Ethan C. EvansDaniel FaloticoGretchen Martin FarwellAttorney Peter F. FerracutiFlannery, Hoover & BoydMike FlemingPhil and Leslie FrankfortFranks, Gerkin & McKenna, P.C.Betsy Wolf FriestedtThe Law Office of John W. Gaffney, P.C.Hon. Kevin R. and Beth GalleyGay Nell GermanKathleen GibsonEdward GlazarBill and Brenda GoffHon. John GormanFrancis X. GosserGummerson & Rausch, LLCJohn M. HakesTheresa Rahe Hardesty in memory of Laurie CohenMichael A. HarringStephen M. HaughJack and Catherine HerrmannDavid HigginsHon. Mitchell L. and Sara M. HoffmanDonna R. Honzel

Hopedale Medical ComplexWendy S. Howarter, Williams McCarthy LLPBridget W. HutchenAriana JohnsonKarl and Cathy JohnsonScott JohnsonMary and Matt JonesKevin Kane and Mary Rose StrubbeJohn T. KennedyDavid S. KerpellRichard KesslerGregory C. Knapp, AttorneyJoseph and Jennifer KolarKutsunis & Weng, P.C.Law Office of Denise M. KuzniewskiHon. Lori Lefstein and Mike DiamondJack L. Lieby, Sr.William S. LipsmanStacie Mahan-LinderMadsen, Sugden & GottemollerRudolph F. MagnaMichael ManninoMike and Jeanne Marlow in memory of Jess WilsonMichele MayoJudge Robert K. McQueenCalvin MeltesenTracey L. Mergener

Thomas O. MeyerLouis E. MillerM.O. MoehleMohr, Bruce, Hirsch & HillGary MooreHon. Angus S. More, Jr. in memory ofPeg Fourie and Marian Bretton

Stephen M. MorrisGail and Robert MuirNewland, Newland & NewlandDaniel NicholasScott NolanNoonan, Perillo & PolenzaniNorthern TrustAlan NovickNowinski Family Foundation FundOliver, Close, Worden, Winkler & Greenwald LLCRobert T. ParkLindsay A. ParkhurstPierce Law OfficesNicholas PoulosL. Patrick PowerEmployees of Prairie State Legal ServicesHon. Ed ProchaskaJohn W. QuinnJim ReillyHon. Phil and Ginger Reinhard


Thank you$250 to 499 (continued)Robertson, Wilcox & Statham, P.C.J. Reed RoeslerRhonda L. RosenthalLinda A. Rothnagel and Thomas A. Lilien including

gifts in memory of Gretchen Martin Farwell’smother, Anne Cavanaugh’s grandfather,and Kathy Bettcher’s mother

Peter A. SavitskiDebra SchaferThomas and Karen SchillerJo Anne SchwendingerHon. Mark W. Schwiebertin memory of Lloyd A. Schwiebert

Darrell K. Seigler, Atty.Marjorie Sher including giftsin memory of Bob Smith and Matilda Joyce

L. Lee SmithBill and Julie SnivelyAlan and Kim SternbergStrong Law OfficesAnonyomousHon. James TerosThe Waggoner Law Firm, P.C.Tobin & RamonJohn TuttCharles D. VogelHon. Michael Waller and Hon. Jane Waller

Gail WalshPhyllis K. WaltersBrian J. WancaThomas A WartowskiRobert L. WatkinsJo and Grant WetherillGregory WhiteLisa A. WhiteCraig & Rose WilletteWilliams & Swee, Ltd.Daniel T. Williams, Jr.Winer & WinerBryan and Diane WinterHon. Kathryn E. ZenoffZukowski, Rogers, Flood & McArdle

$100 to 249Anonymous (19)Anonymous in memory of Jess WilsonAnonymous in memory of Judge William BanichDavid AabyChuck and Joan Adams in memory of Jess WilsonHonorable and Mrs. Michael R. AlbertAlgert G. Algren, Warren Co. State’s Attorneyin memory of Marilyn Algren

Alexander and Rinda AllisonAlberto F. AltamoreRobert H. Alvine

John E. and Penelope Andersonin memory of Durward J. Long, Sr.

Stephen AndichLee Arbus in memory of Hal GoldmanMcLean ArnoldRosanne AyresJeanne and Rick BallorSteve BaloghBarmann, Bohlen & Jacobi, P.C.Anne D. BartoloLawrence W. BaxterJudge Joseph F. Beatty (Ret.) in memory of Edward KeefeJeff and Chris BeckHon. Charles T. BeckmanMiles BeermannJanet and Jerry BegerRonald L. BellState Rep. Patti BellockEmily P. BerendtRichard and Alice BermanJudge Marc BernabeiFrederick A. BernardiHonorable Luis A. BerronesMr. and Mrs. Jeffrey BertJohn A. Beyer Ltd, PCLou and Jean BianchiAugust BlackHon. Bruce Black & Pat Bass


Thank you$100 to 249 (continued)David F. BlackThomas A. BladeBlake Law OfficeHon. Erik I. BlancR. A. BoldtM. Margaret Bradshaw P.C.Gerald Brady, Jr.Peg BreslinHon. George BridgesLillian BrimmerJack BrooksWilliam C. BrozovichScott A. BruntonRobert BurkeDale and Shirley BurklundBusey BankSusan H. ButlerBuxton & KasperMark A. ByrdHon. Michael CaldwellGeraldine Callan in honor ofLarry McShane

Ross E. CanterburyHope W. CarterJoel CarterKathy CaseyJohn Caulfield

Adam and Sarah ChaddockLori ChandlerRandall R. ChaplinskiTim and Paula ChurchNate and Melissa ClarkHenry J. CloseErwin CohnAttorney Mary L. CollinsDale F. CondeKristine M. Condon forLEX Paralegal Alumni

Darren and Denise ConklinLynn ConradTimothy P. ConsidineHon. Martin ConwayMichael J. ConwayMurray ConzelmanCook Law Offices, Ltd.Nancy & Bill Coole in memory ofLisa Coole

Melissa J. CooneyPatricia Cornell in memory ofThelma Crapo

Chris CoulterTom and Sandy Crow including giftsin memory of Jess Wilson

Mary Ross CunninghamMark Curran, Jr.Senator Gary Dahl

Fred DaleyPeter DambyThe Dandy Lion ChandleryRichard C. DanielsClarence and Lili DarrowSara and Clarence M. DarrowHon. Judge DaugherityHon. Bill DavisFredrick C. DayHon. Luther H. DearbornCynthia DeckerEric B. DeoblerJoel DeutschHon. Eugene Doherty andRose D’Andrea

Lucy W. DorenfeldDwayne DouglasHon. David DubickiBrad and Nancy DunhamHon. Wallace B. DunnCarl and Cheryl EcklundSusan J. EcroydIdalis EdgrenChristine EgganRonald EllisJohn ElterichHon. Fernando L. EngelsmaHon. Stephen G. Evans

Paul Falotico on behalf of theMoran Family

John T. FankhauserFaulkner Law FirmDebra D. Fennell in memoryof Phronia “Doll” Sanders

Ray A. FergusonPeter and Shirley FiewegerJordan FifieldRalph Fishman in memory ofWilson C. Washkohn

Flack, McRaven & Stephenson behalf of Lawrence J. Kwacala,Bruce J. Biagini and Heidi A. Benson

Gary C. FlandersLaw Office of Michael J. FleckNannette and Stephen FosenFoster InvestigationsHon. David T. Fritts, Ret.Hon. Frank and Mary FuhrLori FultonFuqua, Winter & Stiles, Ltd.Rich and Bobbie GainesMarilyn GarnantMargaret GeorgevichPeggy D. GerkinLouise and Jason GesmerNorden GilbertJeri and Hon. Paul Gilfillan


$100 to 249 (continued)George GilkersonHon. Timothy R. GillSamuel M. GilmanMr. Joel D. GingissPaul S. Godlewski - Attorney at Lawin honor of my wife Marguerite

Goldberg & Kane including giftsin memory of Robert Smith

The Dandy Lion ChandleryMonique and Mike GorslineGraham, Graham & Sbertoli, Ltd.Hon. Gordon E. Graham andNancy E. Graham

Paulette and Robert GrayMaritia and Ronald GriffithThomas H. GriswoldGrotevant & HuberMatthew GubbinsKarissa Anderson GuentherThomas and Laurie GuestArvella and Spike Guidotti in memoryof Judge William Reardon

Michael F. GuloMr. and Mrs. Elwood Gustafsonin memory of Durward J. Long, Sr.

Edward HabeckerHoward and Debbie Hailein honor of Linda Rothnagel

Robert C. HallJohn W. Hallock, Jr.Bonnie Spaccarelli HannonJames A. HarbaughSherry H. Harlan in honor of my dad,attorney Richard Schilling

David H. Harris, Jr.Dan HarrodHartzell, Glidden, Tucker & HartzellRobert J. HauserMegan HeegDonald HeiningerHermes Service & SalesLaw Office of Rene Hernandez P.C.Ho. Roland and Fran HerrmannJudge Joseph HettelLaw Office of Jeffrey L. HirschCharles Hoffman and Tamara SchillerAttorney Frank HoffmanJim HofnerTroy D. HollandWilliam K. HolmanAndy and Cindy HoneggerMichael J. HoneggerDonald R. Jackson in honor ofKathlyn J. Williams

Thomas N. JacobMichael T. James

Thomas S. JohnsonM. C. Kahle in memory ofDurward J. Long, Sr.

Kankakee County Title CompanyHon. Frederick J. KapalaWilliam KeeneMichael A. KeetonHomer KellerHon. Kim and Jeri KelleyJudy KellyKemp FoundationHon. J. Todd KennedyTed E. KillingsworthJohn K. KimJennifer L. KisliaArt and Fran KnellerGary and Jeanne KovandaMike & Melissa KraftSteven R. KraftMargaret Kreitlow in memory ofGregory Clark

David W. KrulaRobert B. LaBeauHon. Richard and Irma LarsonThomas LaughlinLaw Offices of Stuart A. Reid, P.C.Michael LeonardJeff Lester

Kristi G. LewisMark R. Lezotte in honor ofLinda Rothnagel

Libertyville Rotary ClubMark R. LidschinLucile LittleLucie, Scalf & TichenorFaye M. LyonThomas C. MaasJames A. MackHon. Tomas M. MagdichBrendan A. Maher in memory ofGreg Clark, Esq.

Michael T. MahoneyP. Michael MahoneyFloyd A. MandellMelanie MannerRandall J. ManusJudge Robert MarsagliaDoug and Carol MarshallJeff MartensMartin WhalenPaul V. MartinJo Ellen Martinson forLilas and Harold Beebe

Michael E. MassieLaw Office of Michael A. MattinglyJohn H. Maville

Thank you


Thank you$100 to 249 (continued)Lee R. MayerSusan E. McCabeMcCarthy, Callas, Fuhr & Ellison, P.C.in memory of Robert L. Ellison

David H. McCarthyTim and Stephanie McCarthyThomas McClureRobert B. McCoyLisa J. McCrawJudge Mike McCuskeyHon. Joe Billy McDadeHonorable Mary W. McDadeJohn L. McGeheeLuther C. MckinneyColleen McLaughlinJames A. McPhedranGregg MecherleSarah Megan in memory of Gloria Beardand Walter Aschenbrenner

Richard L. MensonNancy MermelsteinTerry and Rita MertelMichling Hofmann VintonPlaza & Wick

Lawyers Guide, Inc.Charles MillerGayle E. MillerHerman and Doris Miller

Cathy MolchinGregory MorganDavid E. MorgansJoseph A. MorrisseyKeith S. MorseMarilyn MrozynskiMary MurphyMyers, Berry, O’Conor & KuzmaMary H. NaderNash Nash Bean & Ford, LLPin honor of Elliott McDonald, III andin memory of Pat Cepican

William R. NashJohn M. NelsonNicola NelsonSteven L. NelsonRobert and Marilyn NoeHon. Steven L. NordquistHon. Donald E. NortonGrant NyhammerJustice Mary K. O’BrienJohn Olivero and Lisa OliveroWilliam P. O’MalleyStephen and Jean OmoleckiDavid and Margaret OsbornParker & HallidaySonya PasquiniJames Patton in memory ofJohn V. Patton

Mark PeaveyJerry PeppingMario J. PerezHon. Louis PeronaFrank PerreconePete Sullivan & AssociatesJudge Lance PetersonJune Peterson-GleasonWilliam T. Phares, PCHon. John T. PhillipsGeorge and Judy PichaChristine R. PiesieckiHon. Haskell and Kay PitluckTed PoehlmannGeral L. PollackPollock, Meyers & Eicksteadt, LLPWilliam PoncinThomas J. PotterMurvel PretoriusRobert PughJohn R. PuseyHon. John G. Radosevich, P.C.Charles RapinSol and Bella RappaportMichael W. RaridonRandall P. RayE. James RaymondMiriam S. Reading

Charles and Suzanne ReardanzBill RectorScott M. ReedGus R. RegasRoger RenoCatherine RittsRitz CameraMichele & Larry Rivkin PhilanthropicFund of the Jewish Federation ofMetropolitan Chicago in memory ofRobert M. Magill

Elizabeth M. RochfordMary RogersMr. and Mrs. Denis RosenbaumBruce Ross-ShannonRoth MeleiClaire Rothnagel in honor ofLinda Rothnagel

Judge Helen RozenbergHon. Richard D. RussoRobert J. RussoLeonard SacksLinda & John SahnFrank ScafuriThomas SchermerhornSchiller DuCanto & Fleck LLPSchirger, Monteleone & Hampilos, P.C.Ruth and Mark Schlossbergin honor of Linda Rothnagel


Thank you$100 to 249 (continued)Charles SchlueterHenry A. and Martha L. SchmittThe Law Offices of Thomas W. Schmittand Jay K. Filler, Jr.

Rep. Aaron SchockAndrew R. Schwartz, LLCRobert SedlacekMike and Jeannie SeghettiAlbert K. SemmlerMarni SeramurGerald B. Shelton, Jr.Donald SimantzS. David SimpsonScott J. SintonGary L SisselJohn and Mary SlevinAttorney Michael SmithPerry S. Smith, Jr.Susan Smith McClellanCharles and Carol SmyserAttorney Joseph J. SollsKathryn M. SomersKaren SorensenSpeckman Realty, Inc.Spiros & WallStandard Title Guaranty CompanyAlan L. Stefaniak

Mark R. SteffenJudith V. SteinMichael StephanJames J. StollerJustin StollerNathaniel E. StricklerHon. Michael J. SullivanEric SwartzKeith SyfertHon. John and Ruth SypeTelleen, Horberg, Smith & Carmen, P.C.Hon. Ronald TenoldThe Harvard State BankThe Murphy Law Group, P.C.Bruce ThiemannCraig and Dawn ThomasAngela and Raymond ThumaGreg Ticsay and Joy GossmanKevin W. TiltonEdward R. TomkowiakYolanda M. TorrezStephen D. TouseyBrian J. TowneDavid Howard TownsAndrew C. TriggsHonorable John R. TruittGregory E. TuiteJames L. Tungate

Frank C. Urban, Jr.Hon. Theresa L. UrsinVahl Reporting Service, Ltd.Hank VanderHeyden including giftsin memory of William Gettman andJess Wilson

Scott A. VersemanJoseph VoglerJames C. WagnerMichael J. WalkupMick and Jami Webster HallFather Donald WehnertAmy Weiss in memory of Harold andRuth Goldman

Weisz Botto Gilbert, PCMitch Weisz in memory of Daniel WeiszLaw Offices of Terry L. WepplerJohn H. Westensee, P.C.Larry G. WharrieRoger A. WhiteWhitmore & EngelsJay WiegmanJames B. WileyWilliams, Williams & Loeffel, P.C.Maureen WilliamsHarold WinerStewart R. WinsteinMark Woodworth

John M. WyantCarla N. WyckoffMark and Eva WymanHon. and Mrs. Patrick YarbroughHon. John H. YoungJoseph R. YurgineDaniel R. ZeitSteven P. ZimmermanHon. Gerald M. Zopp, Jr.James T. Zuba

Up to $99Anonymous (16)Hon. Adrienne AlbrechtAT&T Inc.Margaret M. AugerKaren Baker in memory of Jess WilsonNeva BangerterKetura BaptisteZoe and Bob Barker in memory of

Jess WilsonSheri BarnesDonald W. BartelJames BeckBeer NutsScott BeltCharles and Margaret BentleyLori Weiss BerdenisLinda BeversBrian Bjork


Thank youUp to $99 (continued)Brent BlairPatricia BlattenbergerJohn BoreenGerald BraskHazel BriggsMr. and Mrs. Thomas BrownJennifer Cacciapaglia in honor ofJeremy Bergstrom

Bradley CahowCarroll & CarrollBetty K. Cassidy in memory ofJess Wilson

Megan Chadwick in honor of Scott LandaAttorney Elizabeth Leigh ClarkWayne ClarkWarren Frederick Classen, Jr.April ClemonsPamela Combs in memory ofDurward Long

Duane and Carol CoordesJohn CorneliusDawn CraigSteven CrowleyHon. Robert L. DannehlJosephine DentonMyrt DeynzerJean S. DixonErin DonaldsonJanet DouglassDoyle & Keenan, P.C. in memory ofDurward J. Long, Sr.

Frank Edwards in memory ofDurward J. Long, Sr.

Hon. Kathy ElliottJoseph EwenCharles E. ExFamous LiquorKaren FarmerKristie C. FingerhutFirst State BankWilliam and Deborah Fitzsimmonsin memory of Durward J. Long, Sr.

Mark FlanneryJohn FlynnJames and Audrey FosterFranks & Rechenberg, P.C.Gregory Freerksen & Patricia Mengesin honor of Marian & Dick Menges

Angie GarciaMr. and Mrs. Ronald GasparasDavid GervaisDenise GibsonEdward GilliganPaul J. GlaserKathleen GloecknerKenneth C. GoetzHoward GoffenGold’s Gym & Fitness CenterCharles GondolfiDonald GordonTeresa and Tom GreenwayThad GruchotDavid K. Guest

Mr. and Mrs. Eugene O. GustafsonAtty. GuyonDale G. Haake andConchita Lucas Murillo

Carol Hager and Ann HillJerry HaltermanMike and Barbara Hartnettin honor of Lisa Wilson

Donald M. HartshornTiffany Allison HarveyKate HastyRandy HeidenfelderGeorge HennenfentBeth HerndoblerJim Herrmann in memory of

Jess WilsonTom and Amanda HigginsDaniel HillMartin D. HillDr. Charles and Kathleen HolmbergHometown National BankEmery HomorJennifer and Tom HoweCarolyn S. HoytBarbara HuffmanDolly HuntleyHon. Susan Hutchinson in honor ofMichelle Wiejaczka’s birthday

Roger and Judy Jacksonin memory of Jess Wilson

Sherri JohnsonKankakee County Courthouse Staff MembersSue Kelley in memory of Jess Wilson

Benjamin KesslerDavid Kilmer in memory ofDurward Long, Sr.

Raymond KimbellDirk W. KitzmillerMarion KoneyHattie KoscobanJoseph KosekPeter KostantacosMelody S. KrapfKuhfuss & Proehl, P.C.J.P. KumarDouglas E. LeeShuman LeeHon. Kenneth LeshenLilli’s Home Accents & GiftsRhonda LindbeckRobert J. LindvallClaudia LinkLorman Education ServicesJames and June LucasLee and Cacilia MasoverAmbrose McCallHon. Richard D. McCoyRobert T. McElroySteven McGintyDolores McMeenJohn McNamara in honor of Ray RoperLawrence E. McShaneClyde D. Meier in memory ofDurward J. Long, Sr.

Manuel B. and Y. Margot Medoza


Thank youUp to $99 (continued)Kathleen E. MesichWalter MikrutMichele A. MillerDoris Milot in memory of Jess WilsonSandra M. MoonJames D. MowenRon J. MuellerTimothy A. MuldowneyTimothy MunsonLaura MyersKetra A. Mytich, Ltd.Hub Neighbour in memory ofDurward J. Long, Sr.

Linda L. NelsonBetsy NeugartenGail NormanBarbara NosterAmy NymanPar-A-Dice-Hotel-CasinoHon. Stephen C. PembertonJim and Vicky Pittmanin memory of Jess Wilson

Robert B. PlagerCharles G. PoppGrace PoukRichard L. RansonFrances RaymondJulie ReinertsenJoel Resnick

Katherine ReviskyJohn RidgeHon. Brad RiggsMaureen RiggsLoretta RobertsonNorma RoeE. William RolleyMalcolm and Madeline Rorriein honor of the 50th birthday ofMichelle Wiejaczka

Sam RothnagelPatricia SaerBetty SandyRichard SarmontJack SchallerLinda SchneiderDerek SchroenSchulze, Jeffrey E.Homer ShaddenDavid K. A. ShairHon. Daniel B. ShanesJerome C. ShapiroJames K. SimonianSoderberg & Associates P.C.Alice and Kyle Spitzer

in memory of Jess WilsonMaxine SprungSt. Mary’s Alumnac AssociatesLisle & Nathan StalterAshley Stambaugh

Mike StanfaKirsten Steeves in memory ofMartha Danhausen

Kathy Steinheimer in memory ofJess Wilson

David G. StejkowskiRabbi and Mrs. Harold Sternin memory of Bernard Liebowitz

Kathleen StockwellDaniel StoerzbachDavid StoneRobert and Dorothy Stonein memory of Durward J. Long, Sr.

Terry, Patti, and Brandon Storerin memory of Durward J. Long, Sr.

Sandra Lin SweeneyRita L. TankCharlotte TaylorKevin TeevenWaukegan Telephone Counselorsin memory of Lucyann Megan

James TomlinThomas A. TonozziJudy ToohillHon. Robert M. TraversDawn TrineHon. Susan TungateJohn, Brenda, and Jordan Turnbullin memory of Durward J. Long, Jr.

Kevin and Carol Van CottDavid E. VanLandegen

Mike and Kathy VanAckerin memory of Durward J. Long, Sr.

Jennifer VandeWieleHon. Joe Vespa and Kay VespaState Rep. Ronald WaitKevin WallacePatricia L. WardWashington Lions Clubin memory of Jess Wilson

Waukegan Staff Membersin memory of Lucyann Megan

Robert WeberFlorence Welsch in memory of

Rebecca RandolphMaxyne J. Willcox in memory ofDurward J. Long, Sr.

Suzanne R. WillettLynne and Steve Willeyin memory of Jess Wilson

Mark WinsteadLori WolfLarry Wolverton and Virginia Wolvertonin memory of Fritz Luthy

Shirley F. YoesleJames YoungJames F. YoungAndrew L. YoungquistMary and William ZellerZuba and Associates


2008 Board of Directors

President Peter Schlax, WaukeganVice-President Michelle Mancias,BloomingtonTreasurer Thomas H. Boswell, RockfordSecretary Dean L. Sutton, Rock IslandLinda Cunabaugh, WaukeganGerald Davis, PeoriaMarge Donaghue, KankakeeMaria Glisson, Carol StreamChantal Host, JolietKarl A. Johnson, GalesburgVictoria McKay Kennison, JolietOralia Martinez, RockfordDorothy M. Mintz, Carol StreamMatthew J. Mueller, OttawaVerlene Mullen, KankakeeBarbara Santana, Carol StreamMark Steffen, KanakakeeTricia D. Goosetree, BataviaWendy Vaughn, RockfordMaureen Williams, ISBA AppointeeMaya Yvonne Williams, WaukeganCollette D. Willoughby, Peoria

Prairie State Legal Services Office Locations

Bloomington OfficeServing Livingston, McLean and

eastern Woodford Counties316 W. Washington StreetBloomington, IL 61701Phone: (309) 827-5021

Carol Stream OfficeServing DuPage County350 South Schmale Road, Suite 150Carol Stream, IL 60188Phone: (630) 690-2130

Fox Valley OfficeServing DeKalb, Kane and

Kendall Counties1024 West Main StreetSt. Charles, IL 60174Phone: (630) 232-9415

Galesburg OfficeServing Knox, Fulton, Henderson,

McDonough and Warren Counties1614 East Knox StreetGalesburg, IL 61401Phone: (309) 343-2141

Kankakee OfficeServing Iroquois, Kankakee and

Kendall Counties191 South Chicago AvenueKankakee, IL 60901Phone: (815) 935-2750

Ottawa OfficeServing Bureau, Grundy, La Salle,

Lee and Putnam Counties1021 Clinton StreetOttawa, IL 61350Phone: (815) 434-5903Peoria OfficeServing Marshall, Peoria, Stark,

Tazewell and Woodford Counties331 Fulton Street, Suite 600Peoria, IL 61602Phone: (309) 674-9831

Rock Island OfficeServing Henry, Mercer, Rock Island and

Whiteside Counties208 - 18th Street, Suite 202P.O. Box 4863Rock Island, IL 61204-4863Phone: (309) 794-1328

Rockford OfficeServing Boone, Carroll, Jo Daviess, Ogle,

Stephenson and Winnebago Counties303 North Main StreetRockford, IL 61101Phone: (815) 965-2902

Waukegan OfficeServing Lake and McHenry Counties325 West Washington Street, Suite 100Waukegan, IL 60085Phone: (847) 662-6925

Will County Office(aka Will County Legal Aid)Serving Will County5 West Jefferson StreetLower LevelJoliet, IL 60432

Woodstock OfficeServing McHenry County400 Russel CourtWoodstock, IL 60098

Administrative Office303 North Main StreetRockford, IL 61101Phone: (815) 965-2134Fax: (815) 965-1081

Michael O’Connor Executive DirectorDavid Wolowitz Associate DirectorBernard H. Shapiro Director of LitigationSarah Megan Director of LitigationLinda A. Rothnagel

Director of Advocacy TrainingJames Chancellor Finance DirectorGail Tilkin Walsh

Director of Program DevelopmentJeff Hamaker

Director of Community Support

changing livesone client at a time - prairie state legal services

Documents