SCDTAA SOLACE Program 

We all have either known someone or personally experienced a time where it was necessary to ask for help. While there are countless fundraising websites for various tragedies that have hit our communities, there is still an unmet need for hands-on help, care, and support. In this vein, the SOLACE program was created.

SOLACE stands for “Support of Lawyers/Legal Personnel: All Concern Encouraged.” The SOLACE Program began in Louisiana, developed by U.S. District Court Judge Jay Zainey and attorney Mark Surprenant, where members of the legal community volunteered to assist each other after a sudden catastrophe. Now, we are bringing SOLACE to SCDTAA with hopes of expanding it throughout the legal community in South Carolina.

Our goal with SOLACE is to provide a support network for all members of the legal community in times of need. While it can include monetary needs, that is not the core focus. The program is geared toward connecting individuals experiencing hands-on needs with others who have the ability to assist. Assistance can range from simply sending a family clothing after a fire to providing contributions of frequent flyer miles for travel to doctor appointments, a rare blood type donation, transportation, medical community contacts and referrals, and a myriad of other possible solutions. One person may have a fallen tree, and another may have a chainsaw. One person may need a COVID-19 facemask. The goal is to provide connections between members of the legal community facing any sort of need and others who may be able to meet that need or make recommendations.

SOLACE is also designed to be almost completely anonymous. The only people who know the identity of the person making the request are the volunteers who receive the request and those who respond with their offers of help. The requesting person merely sends an email identifying the need to aimee@jee.com. An email alert is then sent to all SCDTAA members with a request for help, without identifying the person making the request. When another individual responds that he or she may have the ability to help, connections will be made.

If you, a family member, or anyone in the legal community needs assistance, we encourage you to take advantage of this resource. Please also pass this information along to your entire law firm (including lawyers and non-lawyers) and anyone else connected with the legal community.

Unlike fundraising, SOLACE will not request money. Rather, SOLACE seeks to make connections between those with a specific need and other who may have talents and resources to meet that need. There is absolutely no cost to participate in the program. You also have the option to “opt-out” of receiving notices with a request to aimee@jee.com.

If you would like more information about the program, please contact Jay Thompson at (803) 255-9300 or jay.thompson@nelsonmullins.com.