GLSP Changes Lives!

 Ms. Jones worked as a front desk receptionist for a
 medical company.  She performed her job to the
 best of her abilities and received praise for her work
 from her supervisor and colleagues.  After about
 eight months on the job, Ms. Jones was evaluated
 by her supervisor and was given a termination
 letter, stating that her job performance was below
 performance standards.  Ms. Jones had not been
 warned previously about her job performance
 and wasn't aware that her job was in jeopardy
 until the day of her discharge.

 Ms. Jones applied for unemployment benefits and was
 denied.  She then sought help from Georgia Legal
 Services.  Her attorney argued at the hearing that
 Ms. Jones could not be denied unemployment benefits because she was performing her job to the best of her abilities and was not made aware that her job was in jeopardy.  The hearing officer reversed the initial determination and awarded Ms. Jones full retroactive unemployment benefits.

Ms. Jones did not give up. She found another job and is doing well.

(The client story is used with permission.   The photograph and name do not necessarily represent the actual client.)

"The problems in our economy have created an economic disaster for low-income Georgians, who have the fewest resources to weather the storm.   Helping clients achieve economic security for the short-term, to enable them to sustain or regain hope for future opportunities is a high priority.   If our legal work is not helping clients move toward hope and opportunity, we are not doing our jobs."
                                                                - Phyllis J. Holmen, Executive Director

Read more about the Georgia Legal Services Program in the 2009 Annual Report by clicking here.