Legal Aid Chicago focuses on particularly vulnerable populations including seniors and veterans.
Kevin is a U.S. Army veteran and a single father to his young daughter Jordan. Like many veterans, Kevin struggled to thrive in the civilian sector after his service. He lived at the poverty line for years and never made enough money to go through the process to secure legal custody of his daughter, who had been in his care since she was one month old. Kevin loved caring for his daughter as he sought out ways to improve his financial circumstances in order to provide her with better opportunities.
Kevin applied and was accepted into VA’s Veterans Retraining Assistance Program, which would pay him a subsidy while he went back to school to finish his degree. Kevin was thrilled that he had the opportunity to make a new start for himself and, more importantly, a better future for Jordan. He applied for a veteran-specific housing voucher, but was turned down because he lacked legal proof that Jordan was his daughter.
Legal Aid Chicago intervened and now armed with legal representation, Kevin’s request for a formal order of paternity and sole custody of Jordan was granted. He and his daughter were able to move into a new apartment and truly begin their new life. Kevin and Jordan are now thriving. He has a good job and is a devoted father. Jordan excels in school and wins friends wherever she goes. Kevin is excited to be a strong role model for Jordan, because “I want her to l know that she can accomplish anything!”