Photograph by SteveBecker/BeckerMedia.com

In honor of National Volunteer Week (April 15-21), we’d like to take a moment to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers make to CGLA.  It would be impossible to accomplish what we do without the tremendous efforts of the many who give

of their time.  Volunteers help CGLA across our organization, from helping ex-offenders clear their records to answering phones to representing clients in court.  And none has done more this past year than Karen Ice.  Karen, a 2009 graduate from SMU Dedman School of Law in Texas, first came to CGLA while awaiting her results of the bar exam. She began volunteering as an intake interviewer and overseeing the silent auction in Fall 2010. Karen stepped up as a volunteer litigator during a period of staff transitions and ensured that our clients’ experience with CGLA was seamless.  Her dedication was and continues to be outstanding.

In the beginning of 2011, CGLA was left with several attorney position vacancies.  Thanks to committed volunteers like  Karen we were able to ensure that our programs remained intact.  She began volunteering full-time and taking on her own caseload.  Over the past year, she has helped cover family and housing law court cases and is now handling housing cases as a CGLA Housing Law Fellow.

Reflecting on representing CGLA clients, Karen says “It feels like you are making a fundamental difference in someone’s life.”

On behalf of all of us at CGLA, and the many clients she has helped, thank you, Karen!  You have gone above and beyond!

By Joe Mole, Director of Operations & Client Support Services

JaShawn Hill joined the staff of CGLA in 2007 as a part-time receptionist at our former offices on Division Street. In the years that followed JaShawn has impacted the culture of CGLA for the better. Her welcoming smile, seemingly endless amounts of patience, and gift of encouragement have helped not only CGLA clients, but staff face difficult days with a boost of positivity and hope.

In January, JaShawn was promoted from Office Manager to the position of Client Specialist where she will have the opportunity to hone her recently-acquired social work skills in a new role. This new opportunity is the culmination of JaShawn’s professional growth and educational achievement as she will complete her Bachelor of Social Work degree this coming May.

As someone who has benefitted from JaShawn’s uplifting spirit, I recently took the opportunity to sit down with her to discuss her journey at CGLA.

Joe: Can you tell me (again), the story of how you ended up at CGLA?

JaShawn: I was referred to CGLA by a Young Professionals Board member who worked for The Cara Program. At the time I was working for Cleanslate Chicago (part of The Cara Program), seeking employment. He thought I would be a great candidate for the role as part-time receptionist at CGLA. I was offered the job and accepted, but once I started working at CGLA I saw myself definitely becoming a full time employee.

Joe: How did you become involved with The Cara Program?

JaShawn: I was introduced to The Cara Program through a recovery program that helps women dealing with substance abuse, domestic violence, homelessness and general women’s issues. I volunteered there as a live-in assistant, and as part of that program we showed the women, by example, how to overcome poverty, struggles, and disadvantages in the community. I decided to enroll in The Cara Program to empower myself, and in return to empower the women I worked with.

Joe:  (For those who don’t know, The Cara Program is a rigorous job development and career training program that specifically helps in bridging gaps in employment history. They also offer internships, computer training and other life skills all within a culture of motivation and accountability. The Cara Program is a preferred partner of CGLA, and JaShawn was and is one of Cara’s “superstars!”)

How have you grown in your professional development during your time at CGLA?

JaShawn: I’ve been here going on five years, and have grown immensely in my writing skills, my ability to embrace diverse communities, and my inspiration to enhance my education. I found a passion for social work here as well. CGLA has helped define the person that I am today. Sometimes I look at myself as a piece of clay, and I’m supposed to be formed into something. CGLA has been instrumental in forming the individual that I am today, both professionally and personally. I’ve had the opportunity to receive supervision, constructive feedback and guidance from my supervisors at CGLA, and they even helped me pay for my first course when I re-enrolled in college.

Joe: You are always so enthusiastic, positive and uplifting to both clients, staff, and anyone else who walks through the doors or calls on the phone. What gives you the drive and passion to do what you do?

JaShawn: I definitely have to give that credit to God. That is a big part of what makes my enthusiasm and my energy genuine and authentic. It also drives my belief that all people have the capacity to change and to be good; and that’s why I treat them accordingly!

Joe: How are you enjoying your new role so far?

JaShawn: I’m enjoying my new role immensely! It’s the best thing since my mom’s apple pie! It’s a great experience. I’m learning so much. I’m able to put everything I’ve been learning in my social work program into practice now. I’m embracing this new role and feel so fortunate and blessed to have been considered for this opportunity to help and support our clients. I can see myself being with CGLA for many, many years to come. This is truly a gift!

Joe: I think it’s CGLA that has received the real gift. Thank you, JaShawn!