For National Volunteer Week 2019, we’re highlighting some of our most hardworking, tenacious, and selfless volunteers.
Click to get to know our volunteers!
"I volunteer with AVLF because the stories I hear from my clients, stories of food and income insecurity, feeling they are overlooked and that their needs go unheard, are ones I have heard all my life. I want to ensure that the people who seek help from the AVLF know that I hear them, and that I will do my best to right the difficult situations they find themselves in.” - Shaniqua Singleton
“As far as volunteering, it’s always been important to me since I was young," says Rohan, "and becoming a lawyer has only brought the need into sharper relief. Unfortunately, as much as everyone should have and deserves equal access to legal assistance, the practice of law can be as much of a business as any other specialized industry, meaning that people without deep pockets often find themselves struggling to get proper representation in enforcing or defending their legal rights. Volunteering with AVLF allows attorneys to help balance things a little more by providing much needed assistance to people who otherwise would not be able to afford the legal help that everybody is entitled to.” - Rohan Rupani
"I volunteer because I enjoy dedicating a part of my life to helping people. I enjoy the response I receive when I can provide my services to individuals that are in need. Volunteering is important to me because my sacrifice to help someone can lead to a positive and beautiful outcome!”
"I'd like to say I volunteer with AVLF out of the kindness of my heart, but that's not completely true. Rather, I volunteer with AVLF in the preservation of my heart.
Through this work, I've met countless professionals that motivate me and community members that inspire me. AVLF has given me the opportunity to advocate for people who don't think anyone will believe them, guide them, or show up for them. It's deeply rewarding to support clients as they start to believe they deserve a safe and stable home, and equal access to justice." - Christen Ansuini
“I chose to volunteer at the Fulton County Probate Court to give back to the community that nurtured and supported me as I developed my practice as an estate planning and estate administration lawyer. I retired from the practice of law last fall after 46 years of practice in the area of Wills and estates. I get tremendous satisfaction from meeting with people at the probate court to help them navigate the emotionally overwhelming and legally complex tasks associated with settling a loved ones estate. The people are so appreciative of my time. I think this is the best thing I have done in retirement.” - Ann Salo
"David Marple and Kevin Rubin are honored to be highlighted for our commitment to AVLF’s Family Law Program. Volunteering is important to us because it provides an opportunity to give back to the Atlanta community and make a difference to those in need of family law services. We look forward to our continued partnership with AVLF’s Family Law Program."
“As an Atlanta Native, I feel that it is my responsibility to play a small role in ensuring that my community has access to legal representation and to help my neighbors through difficult times. Volunteering through AVLF has given me a greater awareness and appreciation for the challenges that our community faces. Through AVLF’s programs, such as the Saturday Lawyer Program, I have gained meaningful opportunities that have been extremely rewarding, both personally and professionally. I cherish the time I am able to give back and work with AVLF.” - Ariel Fenster
"I volunteer because people need someone to look out for them. Getting help shouldn't be based on how much you can afford. I just enjoy helping people. You never know what some people are going through or have gone through but seeing the relief on their face when they ask how much will this cost and I tell them nothing I am just here to help and seeing the relief and gratitude they have when everything is done is payment enough for me." - Shirlise R. Rivera
