IN THE PROFESSION
PHOTO CREDIT : PIXABAY
The Disability Integration
Project ( DIP ) ______________________________________________________________
The Heros of DIP Use Their Passion and Knowledge to Impact Others .
SALLY CHAFFIN Atlanta Legal Aid Society , Inc . schaffin @ atlantalegalaid . org
S enior Paralegal and Manager of the Disability Integration Project ( DIP ), Toni Pastore ( Atlanta Legal Aid Society , Inc .) cannot remember exactly how L * came into her life ( names changed to protect client confidentiality ).
“ I have known L for at least 12 years ,” Pastore says with a laugh , recalling that their first meeting was at a McDonalds . At the time , she was unhoused and dealing with a significant mental illness . While living on the street , L had been the victim of theft multiple times , which only intensified her anxiety disorder . After assessing L ’ s needs , Pastore and L concluded that her most urgent need was a place to call home .
Pastore went to work on behalf of her client , advocating for L to get a Georgia Housing Voucher , a supported housing voucher program for homeless people with mental illness , through the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities . However , Pastore ’ s work did not end there . Every year , L calls Pastore for help renewing her lease and Pastore always answers the call . L , now 68 , has been housed ever since .
18 August / September 2022