"Get Help Now" Program Praised

The following was sent via PBA E-News

'Get Help Now, Pennsylvania' and 'Wills for Heroes' Earn Praise at National Day of Service and Remembrance Event in Pittsburgh

Gov. Edward G. Rendell has praised lawyer volunteers for their time and commitment to providing community service through "Get Help Now, Pennsylvania."

During the Get Help Now, Pennsylvania program, legal and financial volunteers at 19 locations throughout the state provided free assistance and referrals to Pennsylvanians who have been affected by the financial downturn. During the 10-week program, more than 800 state residents received help from more than 1,000 legal and financial professionals who gave a combined 5,000 hours of voluntary service.

"We are grateful to the Pennsylvania Bar Association, local bar associations and the financial community for answering the call to service in such a powerful way through Get Help Now, Pennsylvania," Rendell said during a ceremony on Sept. 11 at the City/County Building in Pittsburgh.

Rendell said he applauds "the many volunteers who, without fanfare or recognition, faithfully work on a regular basis to better the lives of others and strengthen their communities."

Get Help Now, Pennsylvania was created in response to President and Mrs. Obama's call for Americans to pursue public service to honor the thousands of Americans who died in the 2001 terrorist attacks. Gov. Rendell and First Lady Judge Marjorie Rendell called upon the legal and financial professionals to focus Pennsylvania's efforts on the needs of those who are suffering during these difficult economic times.

"Many of the people who came to the Get Help Now sites were without hope," said Clifford E. Haines, PBA president. "They had tried to find a way to get out of the bad situations they were in, but they did not know where else to turn. Our volunteers were able to listen to the individuals and provide practical information and resources. It was a win-win for both parties - the people who needed help received it, and the people who gave the help felt good about helping."

Haines thanked local bar associations that opened their buildings to residents taking advantage of the program and that recruited lawyer volunteers to staff the program.

During the Sept. 11 ceremony, Gov. Rendell, who was joined by U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, also praised the "Wills for Heroes" program. Wills for Heroes is a public service project of the PBA Young Lawyers Division. Lawyer volunteers involved in Wills for Heroes have helped more than 500 Pennsylvania police officers, firefighters, paramedics and other first responders prepare wills, living wills and powers of attorney to ensure their families are protected should the unexpected occur.

"President Obama asked all Americans to make meaningful community service a part of their lives, and people are answering that call," LaHood said.