Nicole is the Systemic Litigation and Advocacy Attorney at the Michigan Elder Justice Initiative. Previously, Nicole was the Supervising Attorney and a Staff Attorney at Legal Services of South Central Michigan’s Lansing office, where she handled foreclosure, consumer, and elder cases for low-income and older clients. Nicole was also a Staff Attorney with Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service where she served adult clients with disabilities in civil rights matters.
Congratulations Sally Bruce on your 33 years of outstanding dedication and commitment advocating for the elders of the Upper Peninsula. We are so happy and proud of you for all you’ve accomplished. Through the years, your talents and efforts have helped our success. We sincerely appreciate your hard work and efforts year over year. THANK YOU for your many wonderful years of service!
On August 14, 2019, Elder Law of Michigan honored Kelly Jonker, Certified Long-Term Care Ombudsman, with the 2019 Joe D. Sutton Call to Justice Award for her elder abuse prevention work.
The Joe D. Sutton Call to Justice Awards honor those that share the mission of Elder Law of Michigan, Inc. to advocate for, educate, and assist those in need, with a continued focus on older adults and persons with disabilities.
Ron Tatro, Vice President of Elder Law of Michigan, said, “Ombudsmen play a vital role in protecting seniors and others living in care facilities. Kelly is recognized as a leader in those efforts often going above and beyond to protect patients.”
Kelly graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. She has been a Long-Term Care Ombudsman for 10 years covering Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph counties.
Kelly is an active member of the Elder Death Review Team, Kalamazoo County Elder Abuse Coalition, and the Elder Abuse Prevention of Branch and St. Joseph counties. She is currently participating with the Attorney General’s Michigan Elder Abuse Task Force.
Congratulations Kelly!
For more information on the Call To Justice award please click here.
Karrie is the Assistant State Long Term Care Ombudsman for Program Quality Improvement. Karrie was the long term care ombudsman for Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties where she advocated for residents of nursing facilities, adult foster care homes, and homes for the aged. Karrie has extensive experience in health care and long term supports and services. She worked in outreach for the Capital Area Health Alliance which partners with area organizations to promote healthy lifestyles. She has been the administrator/director of two local assisted living facilities as well as working in man