Methodist Justice Ministry

Motivation Monday! The fuel behind our fire is to continue the impact our founder established in 2006.

The mission of Methodist Justice Ministry (MJM) is to provide free legal representation and ongoing support to vulnerable community members impacted by family violence, child abuse, and child neglect.

To learn more about our services visit http://methodistjusticeministry.org

: MEET THE TEAM.

Carol is a fierce advocate for her community. She brings her legal background, dedication to service, and commitment to our mission to help shape her role on our team. Thank you for your service, Carol!

Protective caregivers often face significant challenges in creating safe and stable homes while rebuilding their lives after experiencing abuse and neglect. Family court orders play a crucial role in this process, providing not only safety measures but also granting legal permissions for children’s medical and educational needs, eligibility for state benefits, and the establishment of financial responsibilities.

To learn more about MJM services visit methodistjusticeministry.org

MJM is helping children see the possibilities beyond today! Thank you to our supporters who make our mission possible.

: MEET THE TEAM.
When asked why he got involved with MJM in 2013, below is what Hon. Mike Moncrief shared. Since joining our Board of Directors he has been a great supporter of our mission and we are delighted to have him!

Mid-year impact report ⚖️
So far in 2024, 1/3 of our new clients have needed multiple legal actions including protective orders, custody suits, and divorce proceedings. At MJM, our dedicated attorneys specialize in advocating for victims of abuse and neglect, expertly handling intricate challenges of immediate danger cases.

MethodistJusticeMinistry.org

🌟 We are immensely honored to partner with UMW of FUMC of Fort Worth in our mission! 🌟

Their incredible support extends beyond financial contributions; UMW members also generously give their time and prayers to uplift our clients. Together, we are creating a ripple effect of positive change for local women and children.

Thank you, UMW, for your unwavering dedication and generosity. Your commitment is truly making a difference!

Your kindness and generosity make a real difference, and we can't thank you enough!

: MEET THE TEAM.
Meeting Cindy Mendoza is to know the intersection of a heart for service and taking action! MJM is thankful for her commitment to helping vulnerable families.

MJM CLIENT SPOTLIGHT
"I want to thank MJM for helping us in this process. God is so great. Krystal is a healthy and happy girl. She is so loved by our whole family. A thousand thanks and blessings to MJM!"
-Moncada family

We are still on cloud nine from last week's award!
Thank you to our Board of Directors, volunteers, donors, and agency networks who have been part of our journey. It takes a village to create meaningful change, and together, we are creating a ripple effect of positive transformation in our community. Let us continue our founder's legacy!

With appreciation,
Your 2024 Pro Bono Award recipients 🏆

Thank you Fort Worth Report!

Texas State Bar honors Fort Worth faith-based legal organization with Pro Bono Award | Fort Worth Report Methodist Justice Ministry’s recognition marks the third time a Fort Worth organization has been selected.

MJM celebrates with SafeHaven of Tarrant County and our community partners who advocate for the safety of abuse victims.

Did you know that 72% of all murder-suicides involve an intimate partner? 94% of the victims are female.

Source: National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

🎉 We're celebrating BIG today. 🎉

This morning, the Supreme Court affirmed in its US v. Rahimi decision that domestic violence offenders 𝙙𝙤 𝙣𝙤𝙩 have a constitutional right to own fi****ms.

Thank you to everyone who worked tirelessly to support survivors and advocate for safety and justice. While there is still work to be done, today marks a significant step forward in our work to create a safe place for survivors to exist.

⭐️Thank you Fort Worth Star-Telegram for sharing our story! ⭐️

"While the state bar’s award is a welcome recognition of the work they do, the Methodist Justice Ministry team sees its real value in what it can do to help them further that goal of protecting and supporting people...: wrote Copeland.

Read more at: https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/fort-worth/article288994864.html =cpy

It is an honor to announce MJM's receipt of the 2024 Pro Bono Award from the State Bar of Texas this Thursday. We are deeply grateful to our legal community for this recognition, as Copeland stated, the team looks forward to continuing MJM’s mission.

‘They never left me alone.’ Fort Worth ministry will be honored for work with crime victims

MJM wishes all the fathers, and father figures, a wonderful day! Thank you for your dedication, protection, and strength.

Summer break has arrived, and while this may be a fun and relaxing time for many, the reality is that kids in our community will be food insecure while on school break. During this time, MJM experiences an increase in requests for emergency financial assistance from caregivers struggling to meet basic needs.

A gift to our Safe Home Program can help with:
$50 transportation costs
$100 household items
$250 food
$500 utilities
$1,000 rent assistance

To make a gift today, visit: http://methodistjusticeministry.org

🎉 Help us welcome MJM's new Executive Director!🎉

We are thrilled to announce that Aaryn Landers Lamb, Attorney at Law, has joined MJM as Executive Director. She comes to our organization from Legal Aid of Northwest Texas where she served as a supervising attorney. Before that, she advocated for vulnerable children through the Child Protective Services legal department.

“I’ve known Aaryn since we began our law practices many years ago. She has a compassionate heart that matches our mission, years of qualified experience aiding victims of abuse and neglect, and an aggressive litigator’s spirit that will promote the justice we seek for our clients” shared Cindy Mendoza, MJM board member.

Aaryn’s almost twenty-year career has been dedicated to family law, earning a Board Certification in Child Welfare Law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She holds a Juris Doctorate from Texas Wesleyan School of Law and is an active Tarrant County Bar Association member. Aaryn stated “I appreciate the work MJM does, making sure children are safe and protecting victims of domestic violence. The organization is community-minded within Tarrant and Johnson County, partnering with important organizations to ensure safe childhoods for the youngest Texans.”

To sign up for our monthly newsletter, please visit http://MethodistJusticeMinistry.org

Did you know MJM also files enforcements in family courts when abusers violate established court orders? Thank you to our supporters who help us advocate for community members impacted by financial hardships.

To learn more visit http://methodistjusticeministry.org

"The therapy sessions offered through MJM have been life-saving."
"Jane", MJM client

A gift of $100 will cover a therapy session for a survivor of domestic violence. To make a gift, please visit: http://methodistjusticeministry.org

"I am grateful for this country and its laws that protect victims of violence, and to MJM for being the bridge for the fulfillment of these laws."
-Jacqueline, MJM client

MJM serves Tarrant and Johnson County.
For services call 817-339-2407 (se habla español)

Empowering mothers, and protecting families, every day. Happy Mother's Day from MJM.🌼🌸🌺

In case you missed our newsletter: Did you know that Methodist Justice Ministry (MJM) offers hope beyond the courtroom? Following legal actions, our team connects families with licensed professionals who provide play therapy, and individual and family counseling. By combining legal expertise with mental health support, we help victims of abuse and neglect begin to heal from trauma and transition to safe and stable lives.

In 2023, MJM covered 1,535 counseling sessions!

To donate to our counseling program, or sign up for our monthly newsletter, visit: http://methodistjusticeminsitry.org

Thank you to the State Bar of Texas Texas
Bar Foundation for their grant of $7,500 to our
organization. The funds will be used to cover legal fees for indigent victims of abuse and neglect in Tarrant and Johnson County. Together, we are making a bigger impact in our great state.

The mission of the Texas Bar Foundation is to enhance the rule of law and the system of justice in Texas, especially for programs that relate to legal assistance
for the underserved, the administration of justice,
ethics in the legal profession, the encouragement of
legal research, publications and forums, and education
of the third branch of government. Since its inception in 1965, the Texas Bar Foundation has awarded more
than $27 million in grants to law-related programs.
Supported by members of the State Bar of Texas, the
Texas Bar Foundation is the nation's largest
charitably-funded bar foundation.

Also, thank you to Fort Worth Report for sharing our news!

https://fortworthreport.org/2024/04/30/methodist-justice-ministry-receives-grant-from-texas-bar-foundation/

Methodist Justice Ministry receives grant from Texas Bar Foundation | Fort Worth Report  Methodist Justice Ministry (MJM) announced that the organization was awarded a grant of $7,500 from the Texas Bar Foundation for legal fees in cases

The mission of Methodist Justice Ministry is to provide free legal representation and ongoing support to vulnerable community members impacted by family violence, child abuse, and child neglect.

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April is , and we're committed to protecting children from abuse and neglect. Stay tuned all month as we share tips and resources to help Texans understand child maltreatment and ways to keep kids safe! Check out these helpful tips 👉 Getparentingtips.com 💙

MJM CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Sandy had recently retired when she began to care for her then 7-year-old grandson Stephen. Sandy received a call from CPS stating there had been an ongoing investigation against Stephen's mother for neglect, fueled by her substance abuse. Not too long after, Stephen’s father was arrested for drug possession. After many opportunities for rehabilitation, it was evident that neither of Stephen’s parents was able to care for him.

Sandy took the necessary steps to create and maintain a safe place for Stephen to thrive. During the custody suit, Sandy gained the confidence and the strength needed for their journey. MJM represented Sandy and obtained court orders granting her legal custody of Stephen while also allowing his parents supervised visits when it was safe. MJM also provided Sandy and Stephen with counseling to help them process the endured trauma which made a big impact on them.

“Stephen is now a teenager who enjoys computer games and music. I can't say thank you enough.” -Sandy

*Names and images were changed for anonymity.

Recently CASA of Tarrant County spoke at a event, and they shared a shocking statistic affecting our community. Did you know that Tarrant County is ranked the THIRD highest county in Texas for confirmed child abuse cases? Let's help prevent child abuse, and come together for those impacted by it.

http://methodistjusticeministry.org

Our community is not immune to child abuse and neglect challenges. During 2023 there were 5️⃣3️⃣3️⃣2️⃣ children identified as victims in Tarrant County. Help us provide legal representation for vulnerable children and their protective caregivers.

Http://methodistjusticeministry.org

January 2024 marks a special milestone as we celebrate Norma, MJM's Office Manager and Legal Assistant, 10th anniversary with us. Her dedication, hard work, and positive energy have been instrumental in our success.

Norma, thank you for your continuous leadership and heart for our mission! The last decade of MJM's impact in our community wouldn't be the same without you. You have created lasting connections with clients, staff, and volunteers alike. We hope it's your best year yet!
🌟🥳👏

Feel free to leave her a note below.