
Gelila Selassie
Host: Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy
Sponsor: Pfizer Inc.
Eleanor provided legal representation, outreach, and policy advocacy to low-income elders with mental health diagnoses and cognitive limitations who suffer from abuse, exploitation, neglect, and self-neglect.
By 2030, people over 60 will make up 20 percent of the United States population. An estimated two million of these individuals will have severe mental illnesses. Elders with mental illnesses and other cognitive limitations are at greater risk for elder abuse and self-neglect, which can result in legal problems such as eviction, loss of benefits, and loss of adequate health and social services. This population is less likely than most older adults to have family and friends to assist them with daily activities and accessing services. Self-neglect and abuse are often not discovered until the resulting problems are severe. Through direct representation, community outreach, and education, this project will target elders with mental illness in Greater Boston who have been unable to access legal services.
Eleanor is the right person for the project because prior to law school, she worked as Assistant Manager in a group home for adults with developmental disabilities and as a volunteer in nursing homes. She also pursued a dual degree in social work and law with the goal of working with the elder and disabled populations.
During her Fellowship, Eleanor:
Host: Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy
Sponsor: Pfizer Inc.
Host: Legal Services of Southern Piedmont
Sponsor: Boston Scientific Corporation, Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.
Host: National Women's Law Center
Sponsor: Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Host: Welfare Law Center
Sponsor: Debevoise & Plimpton LLP