Project Angel Tree
Catholic Legal Assistance Ministries is a much unheralded local organization that provides free legal assistance to low-income or impoverished individuals in need. Headed by Marie Kenyon, former president of the Missouri Bar Association, CLAM provides assistance in such areas as immigration, naturalization, and family law. The staff is made up almost entirely of part-time and volunteer workers, but manages hundreds of cases each year. In addition to Mrs. Kenyon, there are three part-time attorneys, head of immigration cases Jasminka Hadzibegovic, two volunteer workers, including Sr. Fran Schumer, a paralegal, and a sole secretary/receptionist, Diane Margherio. CLAM deals with a wide range of family law cases on a daily basis, from divorce to custody to welfare, and accepts new clients each week.
In addition to it's role as a pro-bono law firm, CLAM takes up an important position in organizing a variety of charitable events and benefit dinners, including Project Angel Tree. Project Angel Tree provides a Christmas party and presents for children with incarcerated parents, as well as children in the foster care system.
I can think of no better example of an organization of faith than CLAM, working tirelessly to help those in dire need, with no profit, just outside of the spotlight.
