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Lansing, MI—Elder Law of Michigan, Inc. which operates the Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors awarded Grand Ledge Attorney Valerie Rice, its “Golden Phone Award” in recognition of her service and dedication to the organization, December 15, 2005. “Ms. Rice has given over 300 hours of pro bono assistance to our organization. She is kind, compassionate and knowledgeable. I wish we had 10 more like her!” said Kate White, Executive Director.

Elder Law of Michigan, Inc. is a private non-profit located in Lansing that describes itself as "The first place to call for information on issues related to law and aging in Michigan." For the past 15 years, the organization has helped thousands of seniors throughout the state of Michigan and is extending some services further into the Midwest. Elder Law of Michigan promotes the rights, health and financial security of people as they age through advice, advocacy and personal empowerment. But this particular organization is not well described by a mission statement or statistics - it is best represented by the core of those who run its operation. The dozens of seniors who call in daily are put in direct contact with an attorney, and sometimes the attorney is an unpaid volunteer.

Valerie Rice is one such attorney. Her resume of volunteerism has steadily increased since she began serving the community as far back as writing for her school newspaper. After stints with a mental health center, the Big Brothers & Big Sisters, and degrees in social work and law, Valerie wondered where life’s journey would take her. The private practice of law and volunteering at Elder Law of Michigan’s Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors is where she is stopping off for the time being. Valerie plans to eventually focus on an elder law themed practice and carries the long term goal of continued work with the senior population.

Valerie feels proud knowing that she is aiding the powerless and helping to prevent age exploitation. Working at the Hotline has allowed her to improve her ability to interact with clients and other attorneys. She is certain that every attorney can benefit from volunteering in the same ways she does. She’s convinced she gets much more from volunteering than she gives.

To Valerie Rice, “volunteering is a way of life.” It is a benefit to both those who are helped and those who serve.