Wheaton nonprofit agency receives grant

Family Shelter Service, located in Wheaton, is among 30 law-related nonprofit organizations statewide that received grants from the Illinois Bar Foundation, the charitable arm of the Illinois State Bar Association.

Family Shelter Service will receive $5,000 to support the Mothers' Defense Education and Advocacy Project. Victim advocates respond to police reports of domestic violence by trying to contact the victim and then explaining the court process, legal options, and court rulings.

Advocates assist the victim throughout the process, by assisting them with paperwork and forms, accompanying victims to court, preparing them for court appearances, following through by evaluating the effectiveness of orders of protection, and helping victims develop safety plans. Additionally, advocates hold monthly legal clinics with a volunteer attorney, where victims' questions and issues are addressed.

The mission of the Illinois Bar Foundation is to ensure meaningful access to the justice system, especially for those with limited means, and to assist lawyers who can no longer support themselves due to incapacity. This year, the Foundation will distribute more than $400,000 in grants to legal aid organizations across the state of Illinois, and in subsistence payments to attorneys and their families in need.

The Illinois Bar Foundation is located at 20 S. Clark St., Suite 910, Chicago, IL 60603, and the phone number is (312) 726-6072. Information also is available at www.illinoisbarfoundation.org.