The Marie III

Marie is a JASA Legal Services client and was born and raised in Haiti. She came to the United States when she was 32 years old. Marie worked as a home attendant and a housekeeper to provide for her family. She helped her daughter raise her granddaughter from birth through college.

Years later, Marie, her daughter, and her granddaughter bought a home together. The trouble began when Marie started losing her vision and lost her job. Her daughter and granddaughter became abusive. They would bang all night to intimidate her with the noise. They hit her and threatened further violence. Marie had no one looking out for her. Her daughter and granddaughter then tried to evict her from her home.

That’s when Marie was referred to JASA’s Legal Services team. JASA attorneys stepped in immediately, preventing her from being evicted. JASA obtained Orders of Protection, helped change her locks, and developed a safety plan. But that wasn’t enough. It was not a happy or healthy home environment for Marie. JASA continued to be there for Marie and helped her find an affordable new home away from her abusive family.

Today, Marie feels at peace. She says that she can finally take care of her health. She’s able to sleep and eat well and she’s no longer living in fear. She calls the JASA staff her guardian angels.

"Before JASA, I didn’t feel like a human being. I don’t know how to describe JASA staff. They are amazing. They helped me live like a normal person and gave me my life back. They do everything for me. I feel like myself again. Thank you isn’t enough.”