Overcoming Injustice through Community Relationship

While waiting to participate in a family resolution hearing recently, a few of us couldn’t help but hear one client advocate pacing the hall proclaiming “the system is broken”. You may have heard that somewhere yourself.  It seems especially broken for those who have to face it alone. Often, the best (and most expensive) attorney wins the day. However, another possibility exists. When we share in solving problems, things can be different.

This is not an argument for sharing the expense of better lawyers. It is an understanding that sharing relational resources can lift us above short term, legalistic solutions. In this case, when the court learned about the work we do at Open Table, things changed. The possibilities for progress opened up and serious negotiations began. Time in the courtroom was shortened. Community members, local agencies and attorneys focused on joint solutions and hope for the future.