CLIENT STORY MEET JEANINE BALDWINSVILLE, NY “You helped me when I had nowhere to turn and I could not help myself,” said Jeanine Anderson, a Baldwinsville resident who turned to Hiscock Legal Aid Society during a particularly difficult period in her life. A divorced mom of four children, Jeanine’s ex-husband was awarded full custody of her daughter as a result of her addiction. After embracing a life of recovery for many years, Jeanine wanted desperately to again play a central role in her daughter’s life. “I had no idea what to do,” Jeanine said. “I was stuck.” At the time, she had just a few hours a week of supervised visitation with her daughter. She needed an advocate to fight for her best interests and she found that in Susan Griffith, Supervising Attorney and Bryn LovejoyGrinnell, Senior Attorney. “Susan was everything a woman wants in a lawyer,” said Jeanine. “She was confident. She was self-assured. She was very much on my side. When we went into the court room, she was the best representation I could have whether I was paying $10,000 or 10 cents.” Hiscock Legal Aid Society was able to get Jeanine far more time with her daughter: the month of August, some school breaks, every Wednesday and every other weekend. Jeanine reflects on that time, and expresses her gratitude: “I walked through hell in gasoline pants and you guys helped me.” “Like anyone with an addiction, I am in a whole new world now,” said Jeanine. “I have direction. I have my family and I never take them for granted any more.” She credits Hiscock Legal Aid with having played a pivotal role in helping move this process along. “I have played by the rules,” said Jeanine. “I have walked the walk; talked the talk. You guys have stood by me to make sure I am playing by the rules. You guys have stood by me…I have earned my way back to this little girl.” 15
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