Center for Civil Justice

Center for Civil Justice CCJ is a nonprofit law firm that fights poverty through advocacy, education, and empowerment. Contact

By providing legal and technical assistance to low-income people and their allies, CCJ ensures that low-income people in Michigan have greater access to basic needs services, particularly related to food and nutrition, healthcare, and income supports, and to opportunities for improved economic stability and self-sufficiency. CCJ collaborates with low income people and their allies to identify and

address significant emerging issues through systemic advocacy strategies. CCJ is a recognized expert, both nationally and in Michigan, on the policies and procedures of many government programs that are critical for low-income persons in Michigan.

07/21/2023
Juneteenth, an annual commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States and the nation's newest federal holiday, ...
06/17/2023

Juneteenth, an annual commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States and the nation's newest federal holiday, takes place June 19, 2023. Also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, Juneteenth has been observed by communities across the country, in different ways, for more than 150 years. From small gatherings centered around family and prayer to parades, rodeos, races, Miss Juneteenth contests and cookouts with traditional foods, Juneteenth celebrations have grown tremendously in recent years. Since President Joe Biden signed legislation to declare Juneteenth a national holiday in 2021, towns and cities in every corner of the U.S. now host a broad range of educational and recreational events that pay homage to Black history, art and culture throughout the long weekend.

In celebration of Juneteenth, the Center for Civil Justice will be closed on Monday, June 19th and will reopen on Tuesday, June 20th.

Traditional "Flint Juneteenth" Celebration 2023
Dates: June 9 - 19, 2023
Flint & Genesee County

Liberation. Education. Celebration🙌🏾
Celebrating 51 years in the Flint & Genesee County Community.

Looking to be a vendor 👇🏾 click link to sign up

http://Bit.ly/juneteenth2023vendor


06/12/2023
06/05/2023

PRIDE MONTH IS HERE!!!!

Crossover is excited to start our Monday Giveaways for 2023!  On the 1st and 3rd Monday of the Month (weather permitting...
04/27/2023

Crossover is excited to start our Monday Giveaways for 2023! On the 1st and 3rd Monday of the Month (weather permitting), from 11am until 2pm, Crossover will have various clothing, household items, and miscellaneous goods available under the tents in our parking lot at 414 W. Court Street!



MAY DATES: Monday, May 1st and Monday, May 15th from 11am until 2pm!

Genesee County Families,It’s time to apply for the 2023-2024 school year! Discover an Early Head Start, Head Start of GS...
04/10/2023

Genesee County Families,

It’s time to apply for the 2023-2024 school year! Discover an Early Head Start, Head Start of GSRP program near you. Many families may qualify at no cost. Learn more by visiting www.591kids.org or calling 810-591-KIDS.

Happy International Women's Day
03/08/2023

Happy International Women's Day

To means believing people don't always start from the same place, so treating everyone the same isn't always fair. Striking the pose is a significant symbol of global unity in collectively forging change for worldwide. provides an important catalyst for mobilizing action by challenging , calling out , drawing attention to , seeking out - and of course celebrating ✨ the many achievements of women everywhere. 🌎

⁠👉🏽 bit.ly/IWD2023 (Artwork: Sabrina Chong, Penang Malaysia)

02/09/2023

During the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), many changes were made to the Medicaid program's eligibility, administration, and policies to ease rules for providers and prevent Medicaid beneficiaries from losing their healthcare coverage. Now that the pandemic has eased up, the emergency order allowing for these changes is coming to an end. This means, that in 2023 many are at risk of losing their Medicaid coverage.

Due to recent federal legislation, additional food assistance benefits that people have received since April 2020 will b...
02/09/2023

Due to recent federal legislation, additional food assistance benefits that people have received since April 2020 will be ending February 2023. The last payment will be issued in February. The issuance dates will be between Feb. 18 and Feb. 27. You will receive your regular benefit amount beginning in March.

African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, to advocate for a dignified self-determin...
02/02/2023

African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, to advocate for a dignified self-determined life in the United States and beyond. Black people have had to consistently push the United States to live up to its ideals of freedom, liberty, and justice for all and have sought ways to nurture and protect Black lives, and for autonomy of their physical and intellectual bodies through armed resistance, voluntary emigration, nonviolence, education, literature, sports, media, and legislation/politics. Black led institutions and affiliations have lobbied, litigated, legislated, protested, and achieved success (alash.org)

“Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.” John Lewis

The Black History theme for 2023 is "Black Resistance." ASALH will explore the many meanings of the theme through the 22 programs and events planned for February.

https://asalh.org/new-calendar/

The Center for Civil Justice will be closed on Monday, January 16, 2023 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Ha...
01/13/2023

The Center for Civil Justice will be closed on Monday, January 16, 2023 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Have a great weekend!

Our H.E.L.P line provides help with questions or problems that you may have with programs such as Medicare or Medicaid. Call us today!

During the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), many changes were made to the Medicaid program's eligibility,...
11/10/2022

During the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), many changes were made to the Medicaid program's eligibility, administration, and policies to ease rules for providers and prevent Medicaid beneficiaries from losing their healthcare coverage. It is anticipated that the US Department of Health and Human Services will soon announce the end of the current federal PHE. Michigan will restart Medicaid eligibility renewals and certain waived policies that were in place during the pandemic when the federal PHE ends.

The Michigan Department of Health & Human Services is accepting public comments on its request to renew the Healthy Mich...
10/27/2022

The Michigan Department of Health & Human Services is accepting public comments on its request to renew the Healthy Michigan Plan Section 1115 Demonstration, which affects the
Medicaid expansion population. Medicaid expansion has had a positive and impactful effect on low-income Michiganders having insurance coverage.
However, MDHHS is asking for continued approval to impose harmful requirements on the expansion population, including premiums, cost-sharing, and healthy behavior requirements.
Failure to pay premiums or complete an annual Health Risk Assessment or healthy behavior would result in loss of coverage for beneficiaries with incomes between 100% and 133% of the
federal poverty level and 48+ cumulative months of enrollment in HMP.
How to Comment
 Send an email to [email protected]
 Include on subject line: Healthy Michigan Plan, Project No. 11-W-00245/5
 Include your name and city.
 Feel free to tell a little about yourself and share why having Medicaid coverage is important/necessary to you
 Share any difficulties you have with paying premiums or understanding how the premiums and cost-sharing work
 Share any difficulties you have in understanding the Healthy Behaviors Incentive Plan, how the MI Health Account is calculated, or the statements you receive
 Share hardship you would face if you lost coverage because you were unable to pay premiums or to complete an annual healthy behavior or Health Risk Assessment

The Michigan Department of Health & Human Services is accepting public comments on its request to renew the Healthy Mich...
10/19/2022

The Michigan Department of Health & Human Services is accepting public comments on its request to renew the Healthy Michigan Plan Section 1115 Demonstration, which affects the
Medicaid expansion population. Medicaid expansion has had a positive and impactful effect on low-income Michiganders having insurance coverage.

However, MDHHS is asking for continued approval to impose harmful requirements on the expansion population, including premiums, cost-sharing, and healthy behavior requirements.
Failure to pay premiums or complete an annual Health Risk Assessment or healthy behavior would result in loss of coverage for beneficiaries with incomes between 100% and 133% of the
federal poverty level and 48+ cumulative months of enrollment in HMP.

How to Comment
 Send an email to [email protected]
 Include on subject line: Healthy Michigan Plan, Project No. 11-W-00245/5
 Include your name and city.
 Feel free to tell a little about yourself and share why having Medicaid coverage is important/necessary to you
 Share any difficulties you have with paying premiums or understanding how the premiums and cost-sharing work
 Share any difficulties you have in understanding the Healthy Behaviors Incentive Plan, how the MI Health Account is calculated, or the statements you receive
 Share hardship you would face if you lost coverage because you were unable to pay premiums or to complete an annual healthy behavior or Health Risk Assessment

Anyone in the United States can text or call 988 to reach trained counselors who can help them cope with a mental health...
07/13/2022

Anyone in the United States can text or call 988 to reach trained counselors who can help them cope with a mental health emergency, and direct them to additional resources for mental health and substance use treatment.

The new national su***de hotline, which has expanded its focus to help callers experiencing a range of mental health emergencies, launches July 16.

06/13/2022

It’s PRIDE MONTH 🌈!
Let everyone know to Meet us in the Park for this years Pride Celebration!
June 25th, 2:00pm-8:00pm with your Host Carl Furillostar Franklin Jr.

We want to give a special thanks to this year’s sponsorships we couldn’t do it with out you!

04/12/2022

LSEM is excited to be hosting our annual Virtual Fair Housing Conference on Friday, April 29th from 9A-12P! Join us to learn more about fair housing, community justice projects, why where you live matters, and how to practice well-being. Registration link below:

http://bit.ly/lsemfhc2022

The Office of Global Michigan has joined Governor Whitmer and President Biden, who have recognized April as Arab America...
04/11/2022

The Office of Global Michigan has joined Governor Whitmer and President Biden, who have recognized April as Arab American Heritage month this year. As Gov. Whitmer said in her Proclamation, "Arab Americans have been an integral part of the State of Michigan since their migration to the United States around 1880."

Today, Michigan is home to the largest concentration of individuals from the Middle East, with the population predominantly located in Southeast Michigan. President Biden said in his letter recognizing National Arab American Heritage Month, "For centuries, Arab Americans have embraced working hard, giving back, and cultivating friendship and community — helping shape our nation's history and build our future."

This April, we invite everyone to recognize the significant contributions to academia, business, medicine, law, technology, government, science and social justice Arab Americans make.

Experience the rich culture of Arab Americans by going to your local Arabic restaurant or visiting the Arab American National Museum. Protect your friends and neighbors by learning how the history of Arab Americans in the U.S. remains neglected or defaced by misconceptions, bigotry and anti-Arab racism in the forms of crimes and hate speech.

Check out the Arab American Foundation website and the Arab American National Museum Calendar for ongoing news and activities during April.

03/30/2022
03/29/2022

Put LSEM on your calendar this month! Our next Legal Lounge is March 30th at 5:15pm. We will be hosting a panel of Women in Leadership! Follow us on Facebook today

Address

436 S Saginaw Street Ste 400
Flint, MI
48502

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

(810) 244-8044

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October 14, 2022

Breaking News: President Biden's early federal prison releases should be the start of major reform

Topic: Reform needed to reduce mass imprisonment, START LOCAL

Meeting Invites: 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, at YDC Youth Development Corp, 126 South Weadock, to prepare for 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18, County Board of Commissioners, courthouse second floor. Please participate in this action to promote social justice.

From Mike Thompson, retired newspaper reporter, (989) 401-3813, [email protected], in cooperation with YDC, Youth Development Corp.

**************** *******************

Hello. To begin, am not calling for a new group to form. This effort is sparked by President Biden's call to forgive 6,500 federal felons. My thoughts when he spoke first turned challenging ALL forms of mass incarceration, not so much ma*****na. Friends also reacted first on mass incarceration, too many people in jail who do not need to be in jail. The President is opening a window for us to get started locally.

Would not it make sense to begin at the beginning, by exploring the inmate list at our own county jail, and see which types of offenses maybe could be prosecuted or punished without putting the suspect behind bars? That's my proposed action item and the reason for calling this meeting, to approach our County Board and ask them to join us in reviewing the bookings. We would be looking at groups of reasons for being jailed, not individual cases. Nothing is simple, but using bookings as the first step to reducing prison counts should be do-able.

Imagine you are taking part in Saturday's meeting while we discuss the goals of asking the County Board to review booking counts with us. If you are like me, your mind will be saying, we have to do more than Mike's idea. There is a bigger picture. Therefore, I am only going to take 10 minutes on my precious booking sheets, and the rest of the time will be an open floor. Fair enough?

In my responses so far, one person has said to look at bail. Another said look beyond bookings and explore expungements. A third called for more emphasis on racial disparities in the criminal injustice system. Saturday's meet will offer an opportunity to form working groups on any of the three, along with other related concerns. Eric Eggleston, YDC director and our gracious host, will emphasize that success is not simply releasing folks from mass imprisonment, but giving them pathways for re-entering.

So, the agenda will be:

1) Prayer and optional self-introductions. EmojiMine could be, "I am Michael Thompson, no relation to the Michael Thompson in Flint who has been in headlines for being wrongly mass incarcerated, but we are working to address the same issue."

2) How to approach the County Board on Oct. 18, seeking for our elected governing body to see if we may mutually explore booking sheets at the new jail with the goal of not imprisoning anyone who does not need to be imprisoned and would be no violent risk to the community.

3) All the other concerns (bigger picture) that come to mind as we fine-tune our presentation to the County Board.

It will be a productive, to-the-point gathering, and all will depart knowing what's in store next and what roles they may choose to get involved.
Are you interested in learning more about HB 6340, which was introduced in July that requires a racial impact assessment for any potential new legislation that impacts social determinants of health?

The join us for our October Legislative Action Committee on October 3 at noon.

Keynote speakers are Kelly Bidelman, Executive Director and Gregory Abler, Housing Law Attorney Center for Civil Justice (CCJ)

http://ow.ly/LH7550KTnIC

Center for Civil Justice
I was proud to recognize the 70th anniversary of this wonderful organization. Thank you to the Genesee County Bar Association and to the Center for Civil Justice for the invitation to join in your celebrations.
We are proud to have worked with the Center for Civil Justice and many partners in Genesee County to help launch the Flint Genesee Homeless Court Program. The court will use functional sentencing, directing them to services instead of punishment during sentencing and accelerating the process of positive change. This is Michigan's 5th street outreach court and we look forward to continuing our work with them! Special thanks to the ABA Commission on Homelessness & Poverty.
This is Genesis house 3. I just spoke to the director Ms. Telt to question why the women and babies that reside in the 3rd floor don't have adequate ventilation. She lied saying they did. Not knowing I was a resident and had to leave due to having asthmatic children. They have 2 air conditioning rooms on the 2nd floor and the counselor has her very own personal a/c unit. At night while everyone else is resting in comfort. These women and babies are not. They are allowed fan to blow around humidity because the windows don't open.
Want to help protect the Healthy Michigan Plan for thousands of Michiganders? Help the Center for Civil Justice find folks who can be part of the fight. Spread the word!
Michigan has proposed an amendment to Medicaid Healthy Mi Plan that would enforce work requirements and could cause thousands of people to lose benefits! Let your voice be heard on this issue by submitting a public comment!
CCJ welcomes Jessica Flint, our new Health Advocate.
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