ARJLAP Advocates at Heart Network By Jennifer Donaldson

Arkansas Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program Advocates at Heart Network

By Jennifer Donaldson, LCSW, Executive Director, AR JLAP

With a new year comes new ideas and new avenues for growth and advancement. Such is the case at the Arkansas Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program and Foundation for the year of 2020. There are several aspects to the Arkansas Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program. However, outside of the primary purpose of providing mental health and recovery services to the legal community, ARJLAP wears many hats! The Foundation’s Mission is to support and enhance the ARJLAP mission through fundraising that assists the Program in reaching members of Arkansas’ legal profession in as many ways as possible. Outreach activities build public trust in the Program by raising awareness, create social interactions to strengthen ties between Program volunteers and the public, and create connections within the legal community.

Keeping in line with that mission, the ARJLAP Foundation relies on a vast network of volunteers to assist the ARJLAP staff and Foundation Board of Directors. This volunteer network works behind the scenes to ensure the ARJLAP Foundation continues to provide contracted mental

Confidentiality is the Cornerstone Judges, lawyers and law students need to know when they call or come to ARJLAP that their involvement with ARJLAP and their conversations with ARJLAP staff, committee, agents (referrals), or volunteers are confidential. ARJLAP client confidentiality is protected by Arkansas Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program Rule 10.

42 The Arkansas Lawyer www.arkbar.com health services across the state. From hosting annual fundraising events, providing CLE opportunities, and corresponding with various donors and sponsors, the ARJLAP volunteer network is vital to the overall mission of the ARJLAP Foundation.

This year, ARJLAP Foundation is looking to expand its volunteer base, by relaunching the program in the 1st quarter of 2020. The Advocates at Heart Network will consist of volunteers, donors, and community partners all invested in the wellbeing of the legal community in Arkansas. Every Advocate at Heart gives of their time and resources in an effort to support and advance the service-driven mission of the Foundation. The Advocates at Heart Network consists of volunteers who will pledge a monthly donation, give service time to ARJLAP-sponsored events, assist in contacting possible donors/sponsors, present educational materials to groups, partner as a community resource, or assist through other talents and connections. The Advocates at Heart volunteer network is vital to the growing needs of the ARJLAP Foundation. Whether attorney, judge, family member, law student, or community patron, your volunteer service is greatly appreciated. We wish to thank all of those who have so generously given to further the work of ARJLAP, helping the Arkansas legal community maintain mental health and well-being. This furthers the mission of ARJLAP to protect clients, litigants, and the larger community by helping these individuals and families through difficult times.

For more information on how to become a ARJLAP Advocate at Heart, visit arjlap. org/donate or call our office at 501-907- 2529. 

Advocates at Heart Network The Advocates at Heart Network consists of volunteers who will pledge a monthly donation, give service time to ARJLAP sponsored events, assist in contacting possible donors/sponsors, present educational materials to groups, partner as a community resource, or assist through other talents and connections.

Personal Solutions— NOW It is estimated that 40% of Arkansas’ attorneys and judges suffer from addiction or mental illness.

JLAP provides family member, judge, attorney and law student assistance in the form of free therapy services. When appropriate, JLAP will make referrals.

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