Given the nature of the volunteer work done by Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, many of its clients would prefer to remain anonymous. Such is the case of one client we will call Harold.
He lost his job, fell on hard times and then lost his home. He was beset by legal tangles.
“At the time, I wasn’t in good mental health shape, so I shut down,” he said.
He didn’t know where to turn until he was introduced to Patrick Mobley, a Legal Services staff attorney who directsitsLegal Advocacy for Adults with Mental Illness (LAAMI) project.
“He’s taking over, which takes a tremendous stress relief off me,” Harold said of Mobley
Mobley represents clients in a wide range of civil legal matters, with the goal of solving their legal issues while allowing them to continue their behavioral health treatment.
Legal Services provides free civil (non-criminal) legal representation to low-income individuals and the elderly. If a prospective client doesn’t meet the income requirements for free representation, they are referred to a private attorney through the Missouri Bar Association.
Most low-income people who suffer from mental illness don’t know that they can receive free legal representation. “That’s one of the loopholes,” Mobley said. “That’s why I’m helping.”
Legal Services partners in the LAAMI program with agencies like the Independence Center, Family Care Health and Bridgeway Behavior Health. Mobley said he is focused on “making his services better known,” and he does so in part by spending one hour a week at the Independence Center where people can meet with him.
“We enjoy being available in hopes that we can reach people with mental illnesses,” he said.
The Independence Center has a diverse group of clients who are given the necessary tools to start taking ownership of their lives back. It currently serves some 230 clients who have access to free checking accounts and educational, social and housing opportunities. In collaboration with BJC HealthCare, the center also provides clinical case management and partial hospitalization services.
Working alongside Mobley is Emily Autrey, general case manager with Legal Services. She contributes, in part, by understanding clients and their struggles.
She provides the social work dynamic for the client in order to obtain more information to help the attorney provide the best service. Autrey also provides help with housing, benefits and employment, which can have a major impact on clients.
“They’re still in recovery,” she said of their client base. “I listen for however long it takes.”
Contact Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, 4232 Forest Park Ave., at 314-534-4200 or 1-800-444-0514.