CDEL Mourns the Loss of Governing Board Director Joe Russo |
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This month the CDEL community was devastated to learn that CDEL Governing Board Director Joe Russo passed away. Joe was incredible. He was smart, dedicated and had an incredible wit. Joe joined CDEL’s Governing Board in 2017 and since then had helped lead CDEL’s Strategic Planning process, served as the Chair of the Operations Committee, and was integral in developing CDEL’s DEI statement. His professional experiences working in disability civil rights were a huge asset to CDEL, as was his personal experience living with a disability. Joe’s obituary is beautifully written and includes more information about his incredible life. It reads in part,
Joe Russo, 59, a passionate, lifelong advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, passed away on April 1, 2024, at his home in Chicago, Illinois. One of the first attorneys hired by the U.S. Department of Justice to enforce the Americans with Disabilities Act, he devoted his entire career to public service, working across the country and at all levels of government, fighting to make the human-built world accessible to all people. He was also kind, funny, and generous – a magnetic storyteller and raconteur, who gave freely of himself, drew people to him through their laughter, and left an indelible impression upon everyone he ever met.
Thank you, Joe, for being a part of our community. |
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Thomas Demetrio has been an actively involved Governing Board member since 1990. He and his firm, Corboy & Demetrio, have been active supporters of CDEL for decades. Please read CDEL’s interview with Thomas below to learn about his work with CDEL and stay tuned throughout 2024 to learn more about CDEL’s rich history. |
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How did you learn or become involved in CDEL? I became involved through my involvement with the Chicago Bar Association and when CDEL was known as the Legal Clinic for the Disabled. I joined CDEL’s Governing Board in 1990 and have served continuously since then.
Describe how you have supported CDEL over the years?
Corboy & Demetrio and I have provided financial support to CDEL since the 1980’s. On May 23, 1995, we were presented the Leonard Ring Award in recognition of our “Notable and Ongoing Contributions” to the Legal Clinic for the Disabled. I’ve long believed in the importance of lawyers giving back to the community and am proud to have served on CDEL’s board for the past 24 years. There are so many non-profits, why do you support CDEL?
CDEL’s mission is to provide free legal services to low-income seniors and persons with disabilities in the Chicago and wider Cook County. I can’t think of a more worthy cause, and CDEL’s long track record of success is impressive.
What is it about CDEL that inspires you to continue to show your support?
CDEL’s growth is astounding. In 2023, alone, it served 3,029 clients. That’s improving the lives of 3,029 residents of Cook County who either have a disability or struggle financially, or both. That’s truly inspiring. In addition, the leadership of Caroline Manley, Board President Theresa Jaffe, and CDEL’s legal staff are all inspirational. |
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CDEL Welcomes New Staff Member Mariam Prater! |
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Please welcome CDEL's Newest Staff Member Mariam Prater to the CDEL team! Mariam (she/her) is CDEL’s Office Administrator. In this role, she will work closely with the Operations Manager, Legal Director and Executive Director on various tasks.
Mariam graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN in May 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Political Science. In college, she dedicated her time to strengthening relationships between Black students through her work with their first African American culture house. |
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Mariam on why she's excited to join CDEL: “I’m excited to join CDEL because I believe people with disabilities and the elderly are among the most vulnerable of our population. CDEL bridges a gap in access to legal services that many communities in Chicago need. I’m happy to join the team and help support our attorneys as they change the lives of many in Chicago.” |
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CDEL Holds Guardianship Workshop at Southside Occupational Academy |
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| Earlier this month, CDEL held a guardianship workshop at Southside Occupational Academy in Chicago. CDEL was joined by 11 volunteer attorneys from Cooley LLP and State Farm Insurance Companies including CDEL Young Professionals Board members Maya Walker and Paulina Zurakov.
CDEL and the volunteer attorneys assisted over 20 families with their guardianship documents. A workshop like this helps families with children living with a permanent disability who are transitioning to adulthood ensure that their loved ones continue to get the care they need. |
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CDEL Recognizes National Healthcare Decisions Day |
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In honor of National Healthcare Decisions Day on April 16th, CDEL held a Power of Attorney (POA) Workshop together with 13 volunteers from McDonald’s at Silent Cooperative Apartments in Roscoe Village. CDEL and the volunteers were able to help 10 clients with their documents.
National Healthcare Decisions Day was created to bring awareness to the importance of advance care planning for healthcare. CDEL works hard all year long to bring awareness to how crucial advance care planning for healthcare can be for them and their loved ones. CDEL’s community clinics and workshops give our clients and their loved ones the space and resources to complete essential end-of-life planning documents so families can live in peace knowing everything is taken care of. |
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April is National Volunteer Month. CDEL would like to give a special thank you to all of our pro bono and community partners who have volunteered with us. Because of you, we are able to reach and serve more of our clients in the communities they live.
Thank you to our Pro Bono Partners who have volunteered with us in April: Accenture
Cooley LLP
McDonald's Corporation
Perkins Coie LLP
Pro Bono Network
State Farm Insurance Companies
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Thank you to our community partners listed below, for allowing us to continue to conveniently and accessibly serve our clients in the communities in which they live. |
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Bloom Township Senior Services
BUILD, Inc.
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago
Center on Addison
EZRA Multi-Service Center
Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation
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Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center
Solutions for Care
Southside Occupational Academy
The Silent Cooperative
University of Chicago Law School
West Suburban Senior Services |
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