AFC’S IMPACT, 20 YEARS LATER….
“When I got this email, I recognized Frank’s name immediately; his was the very first case I ever won! I often wonder how life turned out for the kids I have tried to help in my years at AFC. I am so proud of Frank, but the truth is he influenced my life as much I influenced his. Getting an email like this, 20 years later, it makes all the obstacles we live every day as advocates worth the effort.”
-Ana Espada, AFC case advocate
-----Original Message-----
From: Frank VXXXXX [mailto:XXXXXX]
Sent: Monday, November 16, 2009 11:04 AM
To: 'aespada@advocatesforchildren.org'
Subject: Frank V 1989
Dear Ana: Are you the person who defended me in the Board of Education Court in 1989? I'm sure
you have defended many kids. I went to the High School of Art & Design and got into a tussle
with a guy (and his friends) who were mistreating a girl in the school. Later, the guy accused me of
breaking his hand (it turns out he punched a wall)... the truth came out during the trial which
became a circus-like atmosphere with the guy's father trying to bring a gun into the school and the
guy and his friends threatening the girl in the courthouse (she testified on my behalf). I was
subsequently acquitted and returned to school. If so, I wanted to thank you again for your
assistance-- You were a big influence on me! I graduated and joined the Army --who helped me
pay for college once I came home. I subsequently became a lawyer! I am a happily-married father
of two boys (4 and 8). If you are her, thank you for helping me 20 years ago. I'm not sure how my
life would have turned out without you!
Frank V
[contact information redacted]
-----Original Message-----
From: Ana Espada [mailto:aespada@advocatesforchildren.org]
Sent: Monday, November 16, 2009 2:19 PM
To: Frank V
Subject: RE: Frank V 1989
OMG, Frank. I started working at Advocates in August of 1988. In February
1989 I started representing youngsters who were suspended. In those days in our office you had to
be an attorney to represent students in administrative hearings. I was the first staff member to be
trained and allowed to represent students in suspension hearings. In June 1989 I represented you.
It was the first case that I won.
I am so proud of you, Frank. I knew back in 1989 that you were going to be successful and
responsible adult.
You've made me a very happy advocate. I didn't know it back in 1989, but I had found my calling
with my first suspension hearing win (yours) at Advocates For Children, just as you have found
yours as a dad, husband, and attorney at law. I am very proud of your accomplishments, Frank.
-Ana |
