Client Stories
The Social Work Advocacy Program's (SWAP) impact is not measured by court wins or losses. Rather, it is seen through the impact that SWAP has on our clients’ lives beyond the resolution of their legal issues. Below are examples of SWAP’s role within the Bluhm Legal Clinic and with its clients.
DJ: A SWAP team member regularly took out 16-year-old DJ for a meal or a walk to chat about issues unrelated to his legal case. DJ rarely went out to eat or had anyone ask him about his day, or discuss his future, hardships, and dreams. These outings helped DJ realize he did not have to be defined by his legal case and that his opinions and thoughts mattered. To this day, seven years after his case was resolved, DJ talks about these outings: how they continue to help him feel positively about himself knowing that he will always have someone in his corner.
DW: SWAP connected DW with a Clinic client who was attending college, where DW shadowed him for a day. Prior to that day, DW never imagined that he could enroll in college and have a brighter future. Currently, DW is in the process of enrolling in one of Chicago’s City Colleges.
KC: While leading a restorative justice circle in the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center, a SWAP team member met KC, a detainee. During the circle, KC stood out from the rest of the detainees, as he shared his story and viewpoints, asked inquisitive questions, and encouraged his peers to feel comfortable talking. Sadly, KC was facing a long sentence based on the charges against him. SWAP wrote a letter of support for him based on his restorative justice involvement and assisted with the public defender’s mitigation report. Although KC is still incarcerated, the letter and mitigation report resulted in a shortened sentence. Even more importantly, SWAP allowed KC to see that there are people willing to fight for him, advocate for him, and see him beyond his worst mistake.
JH: SWAP’s involvement began when JH was released after 20 years of incarceration. As soon as JH was released, he was ready to work toward his future, but needed significant support due to his incarceration. SWAP worked with JH to draft a resume and conducted mock interviews with him. SWAP also helped JH apply for jobs online and wrote a letter of reference to accompany his application. A month after his release, JH obtained a job with a milk company and has continued to grow and prosper as an individual. He is currently working with an organization mentoring at-risk youth to keep them out of the justice system.
JR: SWAP began working with JR after his wrongful conviction was exonerated. JR, like many exonerated individuals, was anxious to begin working and become independent. SWAP noticed Northwestern University’s posting for an entry-level position in its mail room. SWAP convinced Northwestern HR to think outside of the box and hire a formerly incarcerated individual for the job. JR deeply impressed his bosses with his work ethic and empathy toward his colleagues, thereby helping Northwestern open the doors of employment for more exonerated clients. At one point in time, five Clinic clients were working for Northwestern University.
SWAP Collaboration with the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice
Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) leadership strives to give their residents opportunities and new experiences that go beyond prison walls. Unfortunately, IDJJ’s resources are limited. SWAP has worked closely with IDJJ leadership to help make this happen. To date, SWAP has been able to provide the following for youth at IDJJ:
- Tours of Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
- Participation in a six-week trial advocacy class taught by a Northwestern Pritzker Law professor, with a mock trial conducted in the Law School’s mock courtroom as its final project
- A forthcoming yoga class to teach techniques for mindfulness and balancing their emotions
