New Handbook Released for Missouri Homeless Youth and Advocates

Pro bono lawyers from Baker McKenzie, in partnership with Legal Services of Eastern Missouri and Enterprise Holdings, have released a state-specific handbook for vulnerable youth in Missouri

ST. LOUIS, Nov. 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Global law firm Baker McKenzie, in partnership with Legal Services of Eastern Missouri (LSEM) and Enterprise Holdings Inc. (EHI), today announced the publication of the Missouri Homeless Youth Handbook during a launch event held at EHI's headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri. The Handbook is an online resource designed to equip young people and their advocates with accessible information about their legal rights and resources for a more stable future.

Homelessness creates endless social and economic challenges for youth, including increased risk of involvement with the justice system. In Missouri schools, 32,674 students were estimated to be experiencing some form of homelessness over the course of the 2020-2021 school year.

Covering topics including education, domestic and dating violence, health care, and more, the Homeless Youth Handbook is written in easy-to-understand language and presented in a searchable, question-and-answer format. The resource will be shared with schools, libraries, public agencies, social advocates and others throughout Missouri.

"This Handbook will make a difference in the lives of young Missourians seeking answers and resources during the most vulnerable times of their lives," said Amanda Schneider, Managing Attorney at Legal Services of Eastern Missouri. "It removes a major barrier by providing access to accurate information in a format that young people can navigate and understand on their own. It also guides them to the best organizations in the state of Missouri where they can receive additional assistance."

"The Missouri Homeless Youth Handbook has the power to help a young person located in any part of the state," said Mike Andrew, Senior Vice President and General Counsel at Enterprise Holdings. "Our team was eager to participate in this project knowing it has the potential to help homeless children and teens on such a large scale. Nearly 30 volunteers from EHI's Legal team donated more than 400 hours of pro bono effort to research, write, and edit the handbook."

The Missouri edition of the Homeless Youth Handbook marks the 13th version of the resource, which is now available in 12 states and Washington, DC. Learn more about the Homeless Youth Handbook project here.

"We are thrilled that this partnership has allowed us to expand the availability of the Homeless Youth Handbook to Missouri," said Colin Murray, North America Chief Executive Officer at Baker McKenzie. "The collaboration of in-house counsel, a non-profit organization and our own lawyers exemplifies how, by combining our resources and leveraging our strengths, we can make a meaningful difference for a highly vulnerable population. This project aligns perfectly with our Firm's focus on protecting and empowering vulnerable youth around the world."

Added Jaclyn Pampel, Baker McKenzie Pro Bono Partner, "We thank our partners at LSEM and EHI for the time and talent they dedicated to the Missouri Homeless Youth Handbook. This was a huge undertaking, and thanks to their efforts we are able to offer clear, critical guidance to youth in the state of Missouri."

About Baker McKenzie
Through our pro bono work, Baker McKenzie engage teams of problem-solvers on the most compelling social justice challenges around the globe where our teams, both from inside our Firm and with our corporate colleagues, can make an impact. 
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About LSEM
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri advances justice through legal representation, education and supportive services. We partner with the community to improve lives, promote fairness and create opportunities for those in need. Our promise to the community is ACTION. JUSTICE. HOPE.  We ACT for others; we are a voice for JUSTICE; and our actions provide HOPE. Since 1956, we have provided free legal help for more than 1 million low-income individuals/families with civil issues impacting housing, family law, public benefits, consumer fraud, healthcare, children's well-being, special education and relief from domestic violence.  In recent years, services have expanded to address the specific needs of immigrant families, community economic development and small-business and minority entrepreneurs. Legal Services now has four offices – St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Hannibal and Union – that serve 21 Missouri counties from the Iowa border to Potosi, Missouri.

About Enterprise Holdings
Enterprise Holdings Inc. is a leading provider of mobility solutions, owning and operating the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands through its integrated global network of independent regional subsidiaries. Enterprise Holdings and its affiliates offer extensive car rental, carsharing, truck rental, fleet management, retail car sales, as well as travel management and other transportation services, to make travel easier and more convenient for customers. Privately held by the Taylor family of St. Louis, Enterprise Holdings together with its affiliate Enterprise Fleet Management manages a diverse fleet of 2.1 million vehicles through a network of more than 10,000 fully staffed neighborhood and airport rental locations in more than 90 countries and territories.

SOURCE Enterprise Holdings, Inc.