Meji Home
Systemic Advocacy
Through litigation, policy and legislative advocacy, writing, training, and work with diverse coalitions, MEJI seeks to address the systemic problems that most affect low-income, at-risk older adults and adults with disabilities. We meet regularly with state and federal policymakers to push for reforms in laws, programs, and policies. After identifying systemic challenges that affect the lives, rights, and well-being of older adults and adults with disabilities, we pursue whatever strategies will be most effective in achieving our clients' goals. Our work spans the areas of elder abuse, long term care, guardianship, and individual rights, access to and quality of health and mental health care, and access to and full enjoyment of public benefits.
Support for Individuals
MEJI offers services to individuals through our three ombudsman programs: the Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (MLTCOP) for residents of nursing homes, homes for the aged, and adult foster care; the MI Health Link Ombudsman (MHLO) Program for individuals enrolled in the MI Choice, Community Transition Services, and Pace Ombudsman Program (MICPOP) for individuals seeking admission to or enrolled in three home and community based services programs. In addition, MEJI provides legal representation to a small number of individual clients in guardianship proceedings, long term care facility eviction cases, and other matters. Through our Michigan Guardianship Diversion Project, MEJI also helps individuals in Bay, Genesee, Grand Traverse and Muskegon Counties seek less restrictive alternatives to guardianship. MEJI also works in close collaboration with the Crime Victims Legal Assistance Project (CVLAP), a program that represents individuals who have experienced elder/vulnerable adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation
Education and Community Engagement
MEJI staff are always pleased to share their knowledge and experience with a wide range of audiences. MEJI staff regularly present to consumer and community groups as well as to professional groups including trainings and programs for lawyers, advocates, service providers, and others. We speak at local, state, and national in-person and virtual events. To request a presentation from MEJI staff, please contact us at 517-827-8010.
MEJI also produces many materials to educate both consumers and professionals. Both the Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program and the Michigan Guardianship Diversion Project offer a variety of fact sheets and information for consumers. MEJI also drafts materials to educate policymakers and prepares presentations for many conferences and community events. MEJI staff are also frequent contributors to publications and trainings offered by the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE).
MEJI staff participate in a multitude of local, state, and national advocacy and community groups, boards, task forces, and coalitions on issues that affect older adults and adults with disabilities. Several staff have been appointed by the Governor and the Attorney General to serve on councils or task forces. MEJI staff also play leadership roles in many organizations.
To request a presentation from MEJI staff
