Methodist Justice Ministry (MJM) has been awarded a $35,000 grant that will help provide legal representation in matters of family law that include protective orders, divorce, custody and more.
MJM received the Healthy Kids, Healthy Families® (HKHF) grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) as part of the healthcare company’s commitment to community-based organizations supporting children and families that focus on health and wellness, and target impacts of socio-economic and social determinants of health, as well as economic opportunity.
Launched in 2011, HKHF started as a three-year project designed to improve the health and wellness of at least one million children through community investments. The program was extended as part of BCBSTX’s ongoing effort to support the health and well-being of children and families in Texas.
“We are happy to award these grants that will support and nurture meaningful and transformational projects across Texas,” said Sheena Payne, BCBSTX’s director of Community Investments. “Strategically, it is also important that we continue to aid community-based organizations that are directly supporting children and families with health and wellness equity as well as building foundations for economic opportunity.”
The HKHF program – which centers on nutrition, physical activity, disease prevention and management, and supporting safe environments – has awarded more than $20 million in funding since inception, and this year will impact the lives of more than 5 million children and adults in Texas.
MJM provides free legal representation and ongoing support for families that have experienced neglect and domestic violence. The organization works to ensure children are with a protective caregiver and women can lead a life without the fear of violence or abuse.
“MJM is the only pro bono legal organization in Tarrant and Johnson counties that will accept these complicated cases that require a tremendous amount of time researching and securing documentation to present in court,” said Melanie Hanna, development director for Methodist Justice Ministry.
