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CLINICAL PROGRAMS NEWSLETTER FALL 2015 The Senior Citizens Law Program housed at Touro Law Center is a tremendous resource for the aging community on Long Island. Denise Marzano-Doty the Senior Attorney for the program explains that the program represents a population rather than just a particular area of law. As a result the program handles a wide array of cases ranging from Medicaid applications durable powers of attorney living wills landlord-tenant issues credit card debts doctors bills social security health care proxies and pooled trusts. The program has been housed in the Clinical Programs office for the last five years and handles roughly 2000 cases per year among the three female staff members Denise Marzano-Doty Senior Attorney Michelle Robinson Staff Attorney and Judith W. Lespinasse ParalegalGerontologist. These three have been tremendous advocates for the aging community in Suffolk County by providing community education programs to seniors caregivers and others in the field. The program further assists in training the Ombudsmen through the Family Service League a volunteer advocacy program for the elderly living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities across Long Island. The program is very committed to its clients and to getting the best results for them. When I asked Judith how the clients feel after a case is finished she pointed me to the numerous thank you cards on her office shelf. She reported that the clients are often coming to the program worried and leaving feeling relieved thankful and grateful that they had someone to talk to and listen to them about their struggles. Many of the clients do not have family support and the program is one of their only resources. Judith Denise and Michelle often visit the clients at home in nursing homes or in hospitals to assist with Medicaid applications living wills health care proxies and powers of attorney. Judith also speaks to clients caregivers on Alzheimers disease when they have questions about how to care for their parent or spouse. Michelle reported that she often attends court on behalf of her clients and attends senior events at the Veterans Administration libraries and senior- groups to promote the program. She interned in the Senior Citizens Law Program during law school at Touro and in 2014 became the staff attorney for the program. The program is federally funded through Suffolk County and the NY State Office for the Aging. The program has only two requirements anyone seeking assistance must be 60 years or older and must reside in Suffolk County. There is no income requirement however Denise explained that the program often focuses on needylow income residents. The program strives to keep as many seniors as possible in their homes. This trio is the Charlies Angels for the aging population across Long Island directly impacting the lives of many seniors through advocacy education and their desire to make a difference. Senior Citizens Law Program Charlies Angels for the Aging By Rachel Kerremans Swearing in Ceremony Fall 2015