Empowering Advocates

• Access to Food – The Center for Civil Justice Helpline helps thousands of callers each year connect with federal food programs. It has helped bring in more than $7 million in federal food assistance each year. We also improve children’s access to food by recruiting and supporting new feeding sites in the state by collaborating with the Michigan Department of Education’s Summer Food Service Program, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and the Community Eligibility Option. Call (989) 755-3120 for more information.

• Access to Healthcare – Our Healthcare Eligibility Law Program ensures that low-income people in Genesee County know about medical insurance programs and services. Lessons learned from the local community are used to improve the program statewide. Our impact litigation makes sure eligible people do not fall through the safety net. Call 1-800-481-4989 to speak with our advocates.

• A Voice for the Vulnerable – We monitor changing state laws, policies, computer systems and practices related to hunger, healthcare, and welfare-to-work programs. We share our findings and concerns with state officials and the human services community. We use informal advocacy and, when necessary, litigation to ensure state and local agencies follow the law and help those who are eligible when they administer safety net programs.

• Strengthening Community Partners – We provide training and technical assistance to staff and volunteers at human services and faith-based organizations, so they can ensure their clients know about and receive the critical safety net services for which they are eligible.

• Community education materials – available on this website, under Resource Library – Pamphlets & Flyers.

• Custom-designed trainings - for food bank members and other community organizations.

• Phone assistance to agency staff.

• Convening inter-agency meetings on critical issues.

• Social Media outlets:  Facebook, Twitter and CCJ’s e-newsletter.