Dear Ms. Talvitie-Zamora:You are just the kind of person that the Sullivan Ballou Fund seeks to recognize and affirm. For 25 years you have loyally served Legal Aid, and for more than half that time you have been the heart and soul of the Senior Law Project as its Intake Specialist. This position requires a big heart. Many of Legal Aid’s senior clients have been financially exploited by family members, are stuck in nursing homes and face obstacles to return home, or are at risk of eviction and homelessness. They may be hard of hearing, lack a reliable telephone, or have difficulty with mobility or have other physical or mental health challenges. They may need repeated reassurances or status updates.
You consistently express deep empathy for these needy and challenging clients, invariably meeting their needs with patience and grace. The first friendly voice these seniors hear when they call for help, you process new cases reliably and efficiently, place them promptly with lawyers, coordinate case flow, maintain contact with clients, and always remain cheerful and hopeful that even dire situations can be resolved. Often you go well beyond your formal responsibilities in assisting and advocating for these clients you care so much about.
This is the kind of heart energy the Sullivan Ballou expressed, the soulful commitment to serve others that generates most of the good things in the world.
We are honored to get to know you and to recognize your big heart in this small way. You have been an inspiration to those around you, and we are delighted to be able to join in their appreciation. Thank you for what you have done over the past 25 years.
Congratulations!
Elissa and Bruce Peterson, Founding Members