Equal Justice Works AmeriCorps Legal Fellows Honored by Missouri Legislature

Printer-friendly version

On January 31, the Missouri House of Representatives will recognize the service of AmeriCorps members, including Equal Justice Works AmeriCorps Legal Fellows Zach Tusinger and Jamie Rodriguez, for their role in the recovery efforts following the devastating tornado that struck Joplin on May 22, 2011. 

Equal Justice Works was one of 20 AmeriCorps programs from across the country that deployed more than 300 AmeriCorps members to help rebuild Joplin after the tornado.

The resolution, sponsored by Representatives Bill White (R-Joplin) and Charlie Davis (R-Duquesne), applauds the “history, goals and accomplishments associated with the AmeriCorps program and conveys to all of those involved this legislative body’s most heartfelt commendation of their efforts in Joplin and Duquesne following the devastating EF-5 tornado.”

“In a time of great need, AmeriCorps members came immediately and stayed for the long haul, providing vital support to the people of Joplin,” said Robert Velasco, Acting CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, AmeriCorps parent agency. “I salute those committed to taking on this tough assignment and supporting an extraordinary national service response to a major natural disaster.”

In response to the heightened need for legal help after the storm, Tusinger and Rodriguez began serving at Legal Aid of Western Missouri (LAWMO) in September.  Both natives of Joplin, they are dedicated and passionate about providing the legal assistance necessary to help friends and neighbors regain their livelihoods. Residents of Joplin face a number of legal challenges, including insurance companies refusing to cover post-storm repairs; disputes arise with clean-up companies overcharging or providing very poor service; and fraudulent contractors are providing inferior repairs.  Residents struggle to find adequate housing as much of the city’s low-income housing was destroyed.  Additionally, there has been a 40 percent increase in domestic violence as victims are forced to remain with their abuser because post-storm relief is provided based on the dwelling, not the number of residents. Tusinger and Rodriguez work to ensure victims of the storm are not taken advantage of by providing direct representation and hosting educational ‘know your rights’ seminars at disaster relief and FEMA headquarters.

 “We’re proud to recognize the impact our AmeriCorps members have had in Joplin,” said David Stern, Executive Director of Equal Justice Works. “Their work shows how powerful national service can be when individuals unite to help survivors and how critical legal assistance is for those trying rebuild in the wake of natural disasters.”

The Joplin tornado was the nation’s deadliest in more than sixty years, killing 161 residents and destroying more than 7,000 homes, churches, schools and businesses.  Over the past seven months, AmeriCorps members have performed vital services including managing the volunteer reception center, providing homeowner assistance and casework, removing tons of debris, and operating donation and distribution warehouses. 

AmeriCorps members have managed a large-scale volunteer operation that has recruited, facilitated, and supervised more than 60,600 volunteers in Joplin. These volunteers managed by AmeriCorps members provided more than 579,000 hours of service, totaling more than $17.7 million of donated resources estimated by the City of Joplin. Together, AmeriCorps members and volunteers have provided disaster assistance to more than 2,000 households and continue to provide services to the people of Joplin, seven months later.

###

Equal Justice Works is the national leader in creating public interest opportunities for law students and lawyers. Collaborating with the nation’s leading law schools, law firms, corporate legal departments and nonprofit organizations, Equal Justice Works offers a continuum of opportunities that provide the training and skills that enable attorneys to provide effective representation to underserved communities and causes. Equal Justice Works is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For additional information about Equal Justice Works, please visit www.equaljusticeworks.org.

AmeriCorps engages more than 80,000 men and women in intensive service each year through more than 15,000 nonprofits, schools, public agencies, and community and faith-based groups across the country. Since 1994 AmeriCorps has provided critical support to millions of Americans affected by tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, forest fires, terror attacks, and other natural and man-disasters, and is a vital resource in America’s emergency management infrastructure. For more information, please visit www.americorps.gov.

The Corporation for National and Community Service is a federal agency that improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. CNCS engages more than five million Americans in meeting pressing community needs through Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and other programs, and leads President Obama's United We Serve initiative. For more information, visit www.NationalService.gov.