Volunteers Celebrated at 2008 Justice for All Banquet!

On October 16, Administer Justice hosted its first Justice for All Celebration Banquet to honor the more than 330 volunteers who make it possible to provide low-income legal and tax services to more than 3,000 families this year. Nearly 200 people attended the event at the Holiday Inn Ballroom in Elgin which helped raise awareness of the need for low-income professional assistance and $22,000 in support of the agency.

Three individuals received awards for their outstanding contribution to making justice possible for many in the community. Theresa Buskey (pictured right with Judy Berndt) of Sleepy Hollow received the True Justice Award given to an attorney who demonstrates concern for the poor through the provision of free legal services. Theresa volunteers three days a week for Administer Justice, has helped hundreds of clients and donated more than 700 hours this year alone. Board member, attorney Jim Pluymert of Dundee, and staff tax attorney, Judy Berndt of Huntley presented the award.

Scott McNamara of Proof of Design, Inc., (pictured above with keynote speaker Bob Love)Algonquin, received the Barnabas Award in recognition of his encouragement and outstanding contribution to Administer Justice. Scott donated over 1,000 hours to the organization to create Administer Justice’s new website, www.administerjustice.org, award-winning on-line database, volunteer scheduling and communication program, Justice Center Online, and other technology assistance. Board chairman, Randy Schulenburg of Algonquin and staff program coordinator, Teri Jacobs of Huntley presented the award.

Dan Hammershoy of Streamwood (pictured right with wife Julie)received the True Mercy Award in recognition of his commitment to serving the poor through Administer Justice. Dan is a paralegal who volunteers one day a week on his day off and has donated over 200 hours so far this year. Board member Karen Schultz of Dundee and volunteer, volunteer services director, Peggy Strom, presented the award.

Ken Nicolai with the Salvation Army, Elgin, shared the story of how Administer Justice was able to help reunite him with his mother, Wilma Lipps, a deaf-mute. With Wilma watching on he shared how a series of tragic events had separated them. How he had found her in a mental institution, not because there was anything wrong with his mother, but that is where deaf mutes were placed many years ago. With no funds for an attorney, Wilma needed help. Ken came to Administer Justice. Volunteer attorneys Judy Berndt and John Noverini helped establish a guardianship so Wilma could come live with Ken in his home in Elgin and begin to learn how to communicate with her son and grandchildren.

Keynote speaker Bob Love provided a powerful story of hope in the midst of adversity as he shared his struggle with not being able to speak because of severe stuttering. A former Bulls legend, Bob lost everything following a back injury and was busing tables when his employer gave him the opportunity for speech lessons. Bob never gave up hope. Education, faith and perseverance led him to rejoin the Bulls as an ambassador of hope.

Founder and Executive Director, attorney Bruce D. Strom shared the story of Administer Justice. How after leaving a very successful private practice in 2002 he found himself alone in the organization’s first 8x10 office unable to print an envelope and cried out, “I must be crazy. What in the world am I doing here.” The distinct answer he received was, “My will. For whatever you do for the least of these you do unto me.” Since that day in October 2002 the organization has grown from one person, helping 23 clients, with $2,000 in revenue to an organization of more than 330 volunteers including 134 attorneys serving more than 3,000 people with revenue of more than $349,000.

The Judson University Chamber Singers were in attendance for the evening’s entertainment. The event closed with long-time supporter and 90-year-young George Newitt leading in “Great is Thy Faithfulness”. For photos of the event visit the organization’s web site or Facebook page.

Administer Justice is a tax-deductible non-profit organization whose mission is to administer justice through a comprehensive program of educational outreach, legal assistance, financial counseling and conflict resolution services to empower the powerless, give hope to the hopeless and show mercy and compassion to those in need. Administer Justice is located at 201 Penny Ave., Suite 420, E. Dundee, IL 60118. To view more photos of the event please visit our Facebook Page or website at www.administerjustice.org.