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TJC celebrates 10th anniversary with clients, bar leaders and colleagues

Clients of the Tennessee Justice Center were the focus of attention at a reception March 17 marking the 10th Anniversary of the non-profit, public interest law firm. Set to the theme, What a difference the law makes!, more than 100 people attended the celebration hosted by the Tennessee Bar Association. 

TJC co-founders Gordon Bonnyman and Michele Johnson spoke briefly then introduced clients who movingly described how TJC has helped them access critically needed health care and services.  Rev. Sandy Flanigan, cut from TennCare in the midst of her chemotherapy treatments, described how TJC stood with her and helped her to share her story.  Betsy Cron, mother of two disabled children, demonstrated a communication device that TJC obtained for her son.  Marvin Berry, who is quadriplegic, thanked TJC for securing his at-home nursing services and then shared the joy of graduating from college.  The clients who spoke and attended the event exemplified the courage and generosity shown by so many TJC clients. 

“We are so privileged to work for heroic Tennesseans across the state,” said Johnson. TJC represents 1.3 million low-income Tennessee families.

TJC founding board president B. Riney Green was honored for his vision and hard work with a plaque and an original work of art, “He Ain’t Heavy,” created by Erin Brady Worsham, an acclaimed artist and long-time TJC client.  Worsham, who is almost entirely paralyzed by Lou Gehrig’s disease, worked with sensors and her computer to create the art piece commissioned by TJC for the celebration. Prints are for sale. In addition, the artwork of dozens of Tennessee students, who entered TJC’s Liberty & Justice art contest, was on display.

Brian McGuire, State Legislative Director, AARP Brian McGuire (right), is pictured at the TJC anniversary party with his wife, Susan Brooks, and son, Sammy. TJC file photo   “I'm not sure I'd be able to get up and go to work every morning without knowing that TJC is here, and continues to be such an effective force for the people and principles I care about the most.”
Glen Barnhill, client, Newberry and Grier class member threatened with termination of life-sustaining private duty nursing services Glen Barnhill (left), is pictured at the TJC anniversary party with TJC staff attorney Lisa D'Souza TJC file photo   “I remain extremely grateful and feel very blessed to have the opportunities I have daily as a direct result of you and your staff.”
Lori Smith, activist and former TennCare enrollee Lori Smith (center), is pictured at the TJC anniversary party with TJC staff attorney Marjorie Bristol (left) and Rev. Kaki Friskics-Warren, Director of GivingMatters.com, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. TJC file photo   “TJC is tireless in their dedication and embrace their purpose with a great and powerful spirit. A spirit of hope and higher consciousness.  A spirit of compassion and understanding.  A spirit of equality, community and humanity.  They are healers of social ills, warriors for the greater good, and in my eyes and those of countless others, they are heroes.”