CDEL Executive Director Michael Stone Reflects on
National Volunteer Month |
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April was National Volunteer Month, and at the Center for Disability & Elder Law, it offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary impact of those who give their time and talent in service of our clients.
This month, I was especially proud to see members of our Board of Directors volunteering alongside our team at a recent Power of Attorney Workshop hosted by The Chicago Lighthouse. Their presence underscored something we see every day at CDEL: leadership and service go hand in hand.
Our Board’s engagement is just one example of a much broader community of volunteers who make our work possible. Each month, attorneys, law students and community members step forward to support older adults and people with disabilities in navigating complex legal challenges. Many of these individuals volunteer on a consistent, long-term basis—week after week, year after year—bringing not only their expertise, but also compassion and continuity to the clients we serve.
In 2025, CDEL volunteers contributed nearly 13,000 hours of service, including more than 10,000 hours from licensed attorneys. This pro bono legal assistance is valued at nearly $3.5 million—an extraordinary contribution that expands access to justice for thousands of individuals who might otherwise go without help.
These numbers are powerful, but they only tell part of the story. Behind every hour is a client who received guidance, protection or peace of mind at a critical moment.
To all of our volunteers—whether you joined us for a single workshop or have been a dedicated weekly presence—thank you. Your commitment strengthens our mission and makes a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.
Michael Stone
CDEL Executive Director |
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Please Welcome Mari and Julia to CDEL's Team! |
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Mari Solano: Please welcome Mari Solano (she/her/ella) to CDEL’s team! Mari is a Law Clerk who is supporting multiple CDEL practice areas including guardianship, estate planning, and community outreach.
“Access to clear, understandable legal information can be life-changing. I’m excited to support CDEL’s mission by helping individuals feel informed, empowered, and supported.” - Mari
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Julia Epplin-Zapf: Please welcome Julia Epplin-Zapf (she/her) to CDEL’s team! Julia joins us as our new Policy & Advocacy Manager who is or forming and sustaining trustworthy and meaningful partnerships to lead CDEL’s advocacy and policy efforts. She also supports CDEL’s policy priorities and local legislative agenda.
“I am excited and grateful to serve as CDEL’s Advocacy & Policy Manager. I am looking forward to the opportunity to listen, learn, and help support policies that promote equity, dignity, and independence.” Julia |
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CDEL Board Members Volunteer at a POA Workshop |
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Volunteers including members from our Governing Board joined CDEL last week for a National Volunteer Week POA Workshop at The Chicago Lighthouse. The Chicago Lighthouse is an organization that serves people who are blind, visually impaired, disabled, and Veterans, in order for each to reach their full personal potential. CDEL's staff and volunteers were able to assist 12 clients with 34 documents. |
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Thank you to Melissa Wittenberg and The Chicago Lighthouse for hosting us. A special thank you to all of the volunteers including Michael Sievertson and CDEL Governing Board Members: Eric Carlson, Allison Disney, Jeremy Goldkind, Kristine Iida, Peter James, Todd Patterson, Mary Quigg, and Shaunté Robinson. |
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CDEL Staff Spotlight: Eva Adams-Ward |
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| We are excited to spotlight the work of CDEL staff attorney Eva Adams-Ward, who in addition to her work on CDEL’s Housing Preservation Project, is also a co-chair of the Serving Our Seniors committee of the Young Lawyers Section (YLS) of the Chicago Bar Association.
She works to build committee membership and offer relevant and interesting continuing education (CLE) opportunities every month. This year, she and the committee put together a day of service for fellow YLS members to volunteer at a CDEL POA workshop. |
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“This committee is a little different from other committees as it isn't practice specific like probate or real estate — it draws on a shared desire to learn more about and better the lives of a growing demographic of people. Since CDEL was born out of the Serving Our Seniors committee, it should be no surprise that under my leadership, the committee works to support a similar mission: 1) to educate about issues that affect our aging population and 2) to promote volunteerism in the legal community.” - Eva
We are so proud of our staff for taking initiative and being leaders in the communities important to them! |
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Thank you to all of our pro bono and community partners who have volunteered with us in April! Because of you, we are able to reach and serve more of our clients in the communities they live.
Thank you to our Pro Bono Partners who have volunteered with us: Accenture
BP
Chicago Bar Association Young Lawyers Section
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
Pro Bono Network
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Thank you to our community partners listed below, for allowing us to continue to conveniently and accessibly serve our clients in the communities in which they live. |
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Bloom Township Senior Services
BUILD, Inc. Center on Addison
Chicago Lighthouse
Chicago Methodist Senior Services
Cook County Clerk's Office
Dolton Park District
EZRA Multi-Service Center
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| Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation
Pathlights
Richard J. Daley Center
Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center
St. Ailbe Faith & Love Apartments
Solutions for Care
University of Chicago Law School |
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