SUCCESS STORY

80-year-old Hattie needed help with household chores so she asked an old family friend named Cindy to move in. But after Cindy moved in, Hattie’s son noticed that his mother was anxious and not sleeping well. Cindy was asking Hattie for money, verbally intimidating her, and deliberately startling her in the middle of the night, when Hattie felt most vulnerable. How could Hattie feel safe again in her own home?

How Legal Aid Helped
Once Hattie’s son learned of the mistreatment, he turned to Legal Aid for help in protecting his mother. As part of our Senior Advocates program, Legal Aid appointed a pro bono attorney to handle the case.

• The attorney guided Hattie’s son through the process of filing a restraining order against Cindy.

• Cindy was served with the restraining order and removed from Hattie’s house. If Cindy tries to return, she can be arrested and jailed.

Hattie is living safely in her own home, and both she and her son are thankful that Legal Aid helped safeguard her from abuse.

To help someone like Hattie, please give a gift.