Administer Justice raises awareness of suburban poverty

Over 600 people gathered at the “My Neighbor Myself” banquet hosted by Administer Justice Friday, Nov. 1, at The Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows. They came together to support the nonprofit and better understand how the increase in suburban poverty is affecting each of us.

The event featured an interactive experience where attendees received their own foreclosure letter and were lead through the stories of real clients the organization has assisted this year. Those stories included an elderly widow from Aurora, who lost her husband to a brain tumor who is now battling cancer and losing her home due to mounting medical bills; a single unemployed father who wasn’t eligible for a loan modification; and a Pingree Grove family where both parents lost their jobs within months of each other, who now fear for their children’s future as they face the loss of their home. The experience also included a model home built by volunteers which depicted the challenges of those affected by home foreclosure.

According to Administer Justice executive director Eric Nelson, “Many people still do not understand the drastic shift in poverty that has occurred over the last decade which has created a significant gap in services for low-income people in the suburbs.”

Elgin-based Administer Justice, founded in 2000, is a Christian legal aid organization that advocates for low-income individuals and families through a comprehensive program of civil legal aid, financial counseling, conflict resolution and educational services.

“At Administer Justice, hundreds of volunteers give their time and talents each year to come alongside those in need and help them navigate various complicated and overwhelming circumstances,” Nelson said.

To learn more about Administer Justice visit www.AdministerJustice.org.

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