SUCCESS STORY

Teenage mother Geri was just beginning to establish a new life for her and her baby. After leaving her abusive boyfriend Paul, the father of her baby, she successfully qualified for subsidized housing with Legal Aid’s help. But Paul persisted in his abuse. He broke in repeatedly, stealing Geri’s belongings and vandalizing the apartment. Despite his behavior, Geri allowed Paul to visit occasionally because she wanted her child to have a relationship with her father. During his visits, he also became increasingly violent toward Geri and the baby. How could Geri protect her family?

How Legal Aid Helped
As part of our New Beginnings program, a Legal Aid attorney provided extended representation to resolve Geri’s legal matters and secure a safe, stable life for her and her baby.

• First, the attorney represented Geri in court, obtaining a permanent restraining order, sole custody, and supervised visitation

• Legal Aid also helped Geri relocate out of the area, obtaining Victim Witness funds to help her pay for the move

• The attorney then assisted her in transferring her public assistance benefits to her new county and put her in contact with a state program to help battered women keep their addresses confidential

Today Geri and her daughter remain safe in their new location and both are receiving counseling.

To help give hope to children and mother like Geri who is establishing a new beginning, please give a gift.